Monday, August 31, 2015

Review: Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn

This book was so different. And I enjoyed it a whole lot. I have wanted to read it for ages, but never had the chance to buy it. And then I got it as a gift, from the kindest friend, and I knew I couldn't wait long before reading it. So today I finally did. And I'm so glad for that. This book was so weird. And really great.

I'm not sure how to describe it, though. Because it's different. Yet I never had any trouble with it, like I had seen others had, that they were confused. But I wasn't. Felt like I understood it very well. But yeah, a bit different. Yet oh so gorgeous too. I liked this book a whole lot. The writing is just truly stunning.

This is my second book by Kate. I adored her newest one, (Don't You) Forget About Me. And I have wanted to read more books by her ever since I read that one last year. I cannot wait to read the book coming out by her next year; it's going to be amazing :) I'm just so glad that I finally read Another Little Piece. I think I will remember it for a long time. I'm deciding to give this book four stars. Because I liked it a whole lot. The plot was pretty much perfect. But I had some issues with the romance and all the boys. It bothered me. But I didn't care that much about it either, so yeah. Overall I really, really liked this book. And I'm so happy that I read it. The ending was a bit weird, but I think I really loved it too. It was so different :)

Another Little Piece is creepy. And I loved every moment of it. I like books like this one. Sort of horror. Sort of mystery. It was so exciting. I won't say too much about the plot. Just a few things. Some that I loved, this one thing that I didn't love. But yeah. All are reasons for why you should read this book. So if you haven't read it yet, you really should. Because it is a different book. And I had an awesome time reading it. The writing is just all kinds of stunning; you'll all love this book. I'm sure of it. Go read it.

This book is about this girl who went missing a year ago. Annaliese. She is suddenly back. With no memory of who she is or where she were this past year. It is so creepy. And so awesome to read about. Especially since the girl inside of Annaliese is sure that she is not Annaliese at all, but someone else inside her body. And, shudders. It was so interesting to read about. I loved that all of the book is mostly about Anna. Whom I grew to love a whole lot. I mean, she made some bad choices, but still. I liked her.

I loved seeing Anna get some memories back. I loved seeing her trying to be Annaliese, wanting to be her. How she interacted with her family. The mom and the dad. I loved that she called them that. Sigh. I just. I liked this book a whole lot. And Annaliese's parents were amazing. I adored reading about them both so much. And my heart broke for them too. Sniffs. Mostly I loved Anna. And how she tried to figure everything out. How she tried to remember. And all the bloody things she did remember. Ack. Shudders.

There are other characters in this book too. I'm not sure how I felt about Gwen. She could have been a better friend. Hmph. Small spoilers. But then there are the boys. Sigh. I mean, Anna right now wants to be with Dex. Whom is all kinds of cute, but not that cute, and their romance went a bit fast, I think. But past Anna had a boyfriend. Whom she slept with and such and it bothered me, because he was an ass. And then Annaliese was with Logan for a bit, and ugh. He was bad. Baaad. Yet sort of cute too. Maybe.

But point is. There were too many boys for this one body. And that bothered me. I would not call it a love triangle. Because it wasn't. Anna only wanted to be with Dex. But I just. I don't like reading about past relationships, lol. It bothers my heart. Yet I did understand them too, and I did feel like it was written very well. But yeah, it bothered me a bit. Which is why this is a four star and not a five star. Because I did feel like the rest of the plot was a five star most of the time. It was just so exciting and creepy :)

I'm not sure what else to say about this book. I don't want to say too much. So just a little bit more :) It is a stunning book. And horrifying at times. And so different too. A bit weird. I loved it. Getting to know the truth.. finding out why Anna was inside the body of Annaliese.. it was so awesome. Yet so creepy. Ack. I'm a bit sad about the ending, because it wasn't final about something. Ack. But at the same time, I didn't mind at all. Because this story was over. And it was such a great story to get to read about. <3

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Review: City of Thirst by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis

Oh, how I loved reading this book. I mean, I knew I would love it, since I loved book one so much, but I was still nervous. But yeah. I shouldn't have been. Because this book was amazing. But it broke my heart even more than The Map to Everywhere. Which is just way too mean. Hmph. But I loved it so much.

I don't even know how to talk about this sequel. I feel like I won't say much about it at all. My thoughts are all over the place. And my feelings too. I think my heart is broken. Yet this book was also so much fun. And I loved reading it. But yeah. It hurt my heart a lot. Which might be why I loved it so much :)

I had hoped to get an ARC of this book so badly. Yet I never did. But then it was up on Netgalley a little while ago, and I had to request it. And yesterday my request was approved. I was thrilled. And started re-reading book one right away. Which was so perfect. Sigh. But I was also a bit unsure, since Carrie told me they changed things from the ARC to the finished copy. But still. I couldn't not read it right away, not when I finally had it. But I need to know the changes. So will be looking through it all once my precious hardcover arrive. But anyway. I read this eARC. And I don't think anything was wrong with it. This story is incredible. The characters are amazing. And the writing is gorgeous. So thrilled that I loved this book.

I don't know where to begin when it comes to the plot in City of Thirst. It is just amazing. This book takes place about six months after the end of The Map to Everywhere. Six months since Marrill left Fin and went back to her own world. I do still love Marrill a lot. She's pretty awesome and fierce. And my heart breaks for her about her mom being sick. Sniffs. Marrill must also have a babysitter now; Remy.  I thought she would be annoying, but she really wasn't. I adored reading about her too. She was awesome.

But my most favorite character is still Fin. Whom is just the most adorable boy. And thief. And my heart is aching for him. Marrill was the only one who remembered him. Then she left. And Ardent and Coll still don't remember him, and it is so sad for him, and oh. My heart hurts. I just want Fin to be loved. To be remembered. And it is all he wants too. But he can't have it. And it huuurts. Yet it is so perfect. So evil. So great to read about. But even though Fin is hurting, he still isn't breaking apart. He's the strongest.

I don't even know what to say about the plot. There are lots of new places. And they are awesome. And creepy. And so much fun to read about. I loved them all. And so many characters. They were all very interesting to read about and I loved getting to know them all more. I just wish they all knew about Fin. About how amazing he is. Biggest wish is for people to start to remember Fin. And then remember all the times they have seen him in the past. I do need that from Ardent and Coll. Sigh. Fingers crossed.

There is so much happening in this book. I loved it all. But this one thing broke my heart the most. I'm not sure I should even mention it. But I have to. I must. Marrill starts to forget about Fin. And gosh. It hurt me the most. Because now no one remembers Fin. And it hurts him so badly. And it hurts me even more. I just can't. It wasn't fair. Fin deserves better. A better friend. He deserves to be remembered. And I need to read about that. I need to. My heart needs some hope. Sigh. I think it will come. It must.

I'm not going to say more than this. But yeah. I really liked this book. And I thought the ending was pretty perfect. Fin is just so selfless, and I adore that about him. Like I love everything about him. Sigh. Also, I do think Fin and Marrill could end up as a very cute couple. Which I am hoping for, hih. City of Thirst was a perfect sequel. Full of adventure and fun. It was always exciting. And so heartbreaking. I always wanted to know what would happen next. I seriously could not have loved this sequel any more.

This series is perfection so far. But waiting for the next books is going to be torture for me. I want to know what happens next right now. I need to know. Sigh. I just really wish to read them right away, hih. But I do know that the waiting will be worth it. But ugh, I hate waiting. Anyway. So excited for the next book in this series :D It's going to be amazing. And even better than this one, I'm sure of it. If you have read book one, then read this sequel too. These books are so worth reading. They are simply fantastic.

Book Recommendation of The Map to Everywhere

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

In My Mailbox #200

I have read a lot of books this week. Four. And this makes me very happy :D My health sucks, I have this awful hole, but I'm happy, because I read a bunch of amazing books. Sigh. So much love :D And I'm planning on reading much more too. Starting with my eARC of City of Thirst. <3 So excited. I also got some gorgeous mail this week :D Harry Potter Pop!s are arriving. <3 Still waiting on four more ;p But.. I think my Snape has the wrong colour. I'm not pleased. Ugh. And Hagrid has an almost hole on his face. And Harry arrived with his wand bent. Ugh. But think that one is fixed now; hopefully :) But anyway. I also got some gorgeous books this week as well. <3 So happy. Still waiting for tons more. Ugh :) No more room left, shortly.. I cannot. Must not think of that. Anyway. A whole bunch of blog posts this week :D I posted my review of Vengeance Road. <3 Which I really liked. Then I read Menagerie, which I loved :D Then posted another gorgeous Cress Tuesday. <3 And then I read The Witch Hunter; was disappointing. I'm waiting on Blood and Salt this week :D I shared the gooorgeous cover for The Steep and Thorny Way. <3 Then I read the very perfect The Shadow Queen :D And then I re-read The Map to Everywhere. <3 So much love. So many posts. I loved loved reading so much. It was perfect. What did you get this week?



Frozen. Pretty new Frozen book :D I need them all, lol. And this one is so gorgeous looking. Love it.
The Copper Gauntlet. Two gorgeous hardcovers of this. <3 And UK paperback :D So excited to read!
Hotel Transylvania 2. I had to buy a second copy of this book. It has such goorgeous images inside :D
Frozen. Another gorgeous new Frozen book :D I suppose I need to read all the stories sometime soon.
The School for Good and Evil 1&2. So many different editions :D Now I have them all. <3 So perfect.
Plus One. Yaaay! This paperback is STUNNING :D I'm in there too. Love love love. I love this book.
The Nightmare Charade. Thank you so much Alexis at Tor Teen for this gorgeous finished copy :D Love.
The Young Elites. I did love this book so much. So I couldn't not buy the new paperback. Ack. Pretty.
Iron Man. Gosh damn. He is gorgeous. Fabrikation thingy. Paid too much, ugh. But worth it. Love him.
Harry Potter Pop! YAY :D Finally getting my Harry Potter Pop!s. <3 They are truly gorgeous looking. Love.
Gates of Thread and Stone swag. Thank you so so much Lori :D You are the sweetest. <3 So much pretty.



The Shadow Queen. Ahhh! So thrilled it was on Edelweiss :D I have already read it. And loved it so.
A Drop of Night. So excited for this book :D Glad I got it from Edelweiss. <3 Reading it very soonish.
Flamecaster. Sort of regret getting it from Edelweiss. Ugh. But I'm still going to read it :D Hope to love.
City of Thirst. Yesss :D Thank you so much to the publisher via Netgalley. <3 Reading it next :) Excited.


More Instagram photos here. <3

Book Recommendation: The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis


Re-reading this book was perfection. So much fun. I first read this gorgeous book last November. And I loved it so much that time. Re-reading it now, I think I loved it even more. This book is so beautiful. It is full of adventures. It has such heartbreak. It has the most adorable main characters. Fin and Marrill are both so cute and amazing. I'm so glad I decided to re-read this book now. Will be starting my eARC of book two in a moment. And I simply cannot wait. It's going to be amazing. I'm so excited to read it.

I think I wrote all my reasons for loving this book in my first review of it. But I'm still going to talk about it, hih. I might repeat myself, but yeah, it has been almost a year since I last read this precious. And, oh, I'm just so glad that I read it again. Because it was so fun. And heartbreaking. I feel like I noticed a few more things this time around, so I'm curious to see if they will mean anything in the sequel. But yeah. I'll never get tired of reading this book. It was just as amazing and exciting this second time.

In my review from November, I included a few quotes. You should check out my link for it below, as I'm not posting those teasers again. But yes. They still mean the most to me. Those teasers break my heart. Sniffs. Yet they give me a bit of hope, too, because this book wasn't all sad. It was hopeful too. And it has such a great friendship with Fin and Marrill. Their friendship is the very best. I could not have loved those two twelve year olds any more. Sigh. I also loved Marrill's cat so much :D He was adorable.

My favorite character in this book is Fin. Love that half the book is from his point of view, and the other half from Marrill. They have one chapter each. But yes. Fin. Sigh. I cannot with this boy. He is so adorable and strong and kind. But he is so broken. Because he was left by his mother at age four. She was the only one who remembered him. Because Fin is forgotten by everywhere. No one ever remembers him. And it is so heartbreaking. Because he is adorable. And he deserves to be remembered. Sniffs.

But then there is Marrill. Whom comes flying into the life of Fin. And she remembers him. And it is so beautiful. Because it means so much to Fin, since no one has ever remembered him before. But Marrill does. And sigh. They get the most gorgeous friendship. I love how much they care for each other. How they get to know each other. Yeah. This friendship is the best. And I just have so much love for these precious characters. Fin is my favorite, like I said. He is so broken and so perfect and I love him lots.

But I also do love Marrill. She's adorable too. And a bit broken, because she just learned that her mom is sick again. So that is also all kinds of heartbreaking. I did love reading about Marrill's family. Though she isn't with them. Which is an awesome plot twist. Which you'll have to read about. But yeah. It is awesome. And sad too. I just adored Marrill. She's so kind and brave. And her cat is adorable. And yeah. I love how Marrill wants to take care of Fin. And I love the most that she remembers him. It's the best.

There is so much about this book that I love. It is full of adventure. There are talking trees. And those trees are so creepy. Shudders. Yet so awesome too. I loved the rumor and secrets part. There are also pirates. I even liked some of them, though sad that they couldn't remember Fin either. Sniffs. There is this one awesome wizard, Ardent, whom I liked a lot. And the captain, Coll, whom looks like a teenager, but I feel like he is much, much older. There are a bunch of great characters in this. I liked them all.

I loved that The Map to Everywhere takes place in a Pirate Stream. Most of it takes place on a ship. And it is so awesome to read about. This book is exciting. And I loved reading every moment of it. I won't say more about this book. Just that I love it with all my heart. And re-reading it was so much fun. Despite how much it makes my heart ache. The writing is perfection. I cannot wait to read the next three books in this series. It's gonna be awesome. But yess. You must all read this book. You'll love it.

My first review of The Map to Everywhere

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here. 

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Review: The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine

Oh my gosh how I loved this book. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing it was. You will all love this book. I'm sure of it. Because it is gorgeous. The writing is perfection. I had to read this book right away once I got it from Edelweiss. So glad I did. Reading this book was the very best feeling. So much love.

I don't even know where to begin. This book is so beautiful. And so much fun to read. I have been wanting it forever. As I adore the author. She's amazing. And this new book of hers sounded perfect. Then the cover. Swoons. It is beyond gorgeous. So glad I could read it early :D But also longer wait for next one. Ahh.

I knew I would love this precious. But I didn't realize I would love it this much. And that pleases me greatly. Because my love for this book is huge. Very huge. And I can't think of what else to say about it. But trying my best to write down some thoughts about the story and the characters and the world and ugh. I cannot with this book. It was perfection. And I loved every single moment in this book. First it is the writing. Which was so beautiful and easy to read. Made me very happy. I also connected so well with the characters. I adored that it is from the point of view of Lorelai and Kol. And sometimes Irina too. They were all amazing. Sigh. Couldn't have loved them more. Or hated Irina more, lol. She was an awesome villain.

There is so much tragedy in The Shadow Queen. So many people die. Both Lorelai and Kol looses much of their family. And it is heartbreaking to read about. Yet so perfect. I loved it very much, despite my broken heart. And that one character I wish had not died. Sniffs. But yeah. It made the story even better, and I'm happy about that. There is also a lot of suffering in this book. All the people in the kingdoms are suffering, starving. It's so sad to read about. But I loved how Lorelai wants to change it.

But oh, how do I even begin to describe the plot. Well. I will say that it is based on Snow White. Yet it is very, very different from it too. But some things the same. And that was amazing. Such a stunning book to read. Sigh. Lorelai and her brother, Leo, lost their mom. Then their dad. And are on the run from the new Queen, Irina. She stole their kingdom. And Lorelai wants to take it back. And ugh. It makes for such an amazing story. And I couldn't have loved the plot any more. It was so so exciting to read about.

There is a bunch of characters in this book. I'm not going to mention them all. But I adored Leo, the younger brother of Lorelai. He was so much fun and so cute and ugh, I loved him. I also liked their sort of older guardian, Gabril, whom have been with the siblings for the past nine years, ever since they had to run away from their home. He was very protective and kind and I did like him a lot. And the people like Kol. I adored his sister, Brig. Wanted more of her. Loved his friends Jyn and Trugg. So awesome.

But the main characters in this book is Lorelai and Kol. I don't even know how to describe these two characters. They are both incredible. Lorelai is the true Queen of Ravenspire. She is trying her best to get it back. She is also one of the only two people in this country with magic. And it is awesome. Her powers are amazing to read about. Gosh. She is so fierce and strong and perfect. I adored reading about her. I loved her gyrfalcon. I just loved all of her. Getting to know her was the very best. Sigh. Much love.

Then there was Kol. Swooons. He was such a perfect boy. I adored reading about him so much. He just lost his mother and father and older brother. Which now makes him the King of Eldr. And oh, how my heart broke for him. I cannot. He wasn't ready for this. But he is doing so good. And also, he is part dragon. So he can turn into a dragon. And gosh damn. It was perfection. So much fun. So exciting. I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this boy. He is kind and protective and full of honor. Loved.

There is romance in this book. But it isn't all that much of it. It starts a bit badly, but it grows into something beautiful. Lorelai and Kol are perfect together. They are so cute. I loved their bickering. And their sharing. And how they ended up sharing their thoughts which each other. It was the very best to read about. I can't say much more about this romance. It was so good. Wish it had been a bit more, but it was perfect. And their friendship was just so adorable to read about. Ugh. I just loved them so much.

I don't know what else to say about this book. The plot is amazing. The magic is stunning. Irina is such an awful villain. And getting to know about her was so interesting and horrifying at the same time. This book was just all kinds of exciting and I couldn't get enough of it. It was so surprising too. Loved it so much. The ending is gorgeous. The Shadow Queen is one of the best books. It's exciting, heartbreaking and romantic. I couldn't get enough of it. Everyone will love this precious book. I promise. Go order it.

The Shadow Queen comes out in February. You all need to pre-order it before then. This is not a book that you want to miss out on. It is a perfect fairytale fantasy retelling. So different and unique and amazing. There wasn't a single moment that I did not love. And I cannot wait to read this book again and again. C. J. is amazing. I adore her :) And she writes great books. <3 Simply can't wait to read more by her :D Now I need to hunt down a print ARC of this book. Because I need it badly. Would do anything. Huge thank you to Balzer + Bray aka HarperTeen for my Edelweiss auto-approval. <3 Means the most.

Cover Reveal: The Steep and Thorny Way by Cat Winters

I am so excited for this book :D It's going to be amazing. I adore Cat Winters. Truly. I adore her so much. She's such a kind person. <3 And she writes aaamazing books. I have loved her first three; In the Shadow of Blackbirds + The Cure for Dreaming + The Uninvited :D I haven't gotten to read her story in Slasher Girls & Monster Boys yet, since my copies haven't arrived, but I imagine I'll love that one too :) I cannot wait to read more by Cat. She is awesome. Her stories are perfection. And oh my gosh, I think The Steep and Thorny Way sounds AMAZING :D It looks so gorgeous too. The cover is stunning. Ahh. I simply cannot wait to read this book. March 8th feels too far away. <3 Waiting for this book is going to be long. But it's going to be worth it too. Because I know I'll love it :) What do you think of the cover?


A thrilling reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Steep and Thorny Way tells the story of a murder most foul and the mighty power of love and acceptance in a state gone terribly rotten.

1920s Oregon is not a welcoming place for Hanalee Denney, the daughter of a white woman and an African-American man. She has almost no rights by law, and the Ku Klux Klan breeds fear and hatred in even Hanalee’s oldest friendships. Plus, her father, Hank Denney, died a year ago, hit by a drunk-driving teenager. Now her father’s killer is out of jail and back in town, and he claims that Hanalee’s father wasn’t killed by the accident at all but, instead, was poisoned by the doctor who looked after him—who happens to be Hanalee’s new stepfather.

The only way for Hanalee to get the answers she needs is to ask Hank himself, a “haint” wandering the roads at night.




Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #202

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

BLOOD AND SALT BY KIM LIGGETT

Goodreads Description:

Romeo and Juliet meets Children of the Corn in this one-of-a-kind romantic horror.

“When you fall in love, you will carve out your heart and throw it into the deepest ocean. You will be all in—blood and salt.”

These are the last words Ash Larkin hears before her mother returns to the spiritual commune she escaped long ago. But when Ash follows her to Quivira, Kansas, something sinister and ancient waits among the rustling cornstalks of this village lost to time.

Ash is plagued by memories of her ancestor, Katia, which harken back to the town’s history of unrequited love and murder, alchemy and immortality. Charming traditions soon give way to a string of gruesome deaths, and Ash feels drawn to Dane, a forbidden boy with secrets of his own.

As the community prepares for a ceremony five hundred years in the making, Ash must fight not only to save her mother, but herself—and discover the truth about Quivira before it’s too late. Before she’s all in—blood and salt.


Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: September 22nd 2015 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

I have not heard much about this book. But Crystal loved it. And so I want to love it too :D It seems creepy and awesome and I do love the cover a lot. It sounds pretty amazing. I really wish that I will love it. <3 Crossing all my fingers. And hoping for a good romance too, hih. Really excited to read this one.
What are you waiting for on this bloody Wednesday?  

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Review: The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

I was so worried about this book. When I first heard about it, I wanted to read it very much. So many others were excited about it too. But then reviews came in. And they weren't that positive. And I got scared. So I did not read my eARC from Netgalley. Sigh. But I still pre-ordered a hardcover copy of it.

And then today I finally decided to give this book a try. And, well. I didn't love it. I didn't love it at all. But my feelings are a bit complicated right now. I sort of hated the first one hundred pages. But the rest was a bit exciting. And the writing was pretty great. But still. I'm going to give this book two stars.

Which is all kinds of depressing. Because I did want to love it. But there was so much about this book that bothered me. And I'm going to try my best to describe it all, yet not talk that much about this book. There will be spoilers. Because I can't not mention this one plot point. And it is spoilery. Yet obviously not even a big part of the book, which is why it annoys me so much. Ugh. But even though I had some big issues with this book, and even though I'm giving it just two stars, I did enjoy the last half of the book. It was a bit exciting and interesting. Yet too silly as well, so that annoyed me. But it wasn't bad. Just not nearly good enough for me, so I did not love it. Yeah. Trying to explain all my feelings :) Which might be way too many. Ugh.

This book is about sixteen year old Elizabeth. Whom is a witch hunter. We get to know some things about her. But not nearly enough. So I never felt a connection with her. I liked her, a little. Until I found out that she had sex with the king before the book begins. It was rape, yes. But it disturbed me a lot. Because it isn't talked about. She thinks she deserved being killed for having herbs not to get pregnant. I hated how this book did not talk about what happened with the king. At all. Just, ugh. Very annoying.

First it bothered me, because I thought the king was all kinds of old. Then I found out that he is only nineteen. And that bothers me even more. Seriously. Why was it even included in the book? I hated it. And it made me not like Elizabeth very much either, which did not make me happy. Sigh. But it isn't a big part of the book. Which is why I hated it so much, hah. But yes. Very annoying to me. But even so. I did like Elizabeth. Sometimes. I just felt nothing for her. I wanted to like her, though. Wanted to so badly.

Especially because of her friendship with Caleb. I mean, it could have been a great friendship to read about. Except she was in love with him. And he was not in love with her. And it was so so very silly to read about. And I won't say more than that. I didn't think of this book as a love triangle. Considering he didn't seem to ever feel anything for her. Then there was John. I liked him a lot, but knew too little about him. The romance was way too fast; they didn't spend nearly enough time together. Not good.

I'm not saying much about the plot at all. Just that I did like it, somewhat. But it was also so silly and I didn't understand much of it. Why Elizabeth seemed to like these new people so fast. How they all seemed to like her so well too. How John basically fell in love with her the moment he saw her. I liked the part about the witches. I was curious to know more about all of that. But of course, not much in this book was about witches. Hmph. Not much about hunting either. So yeah. Could have been much better.

This book is set in a different world from ours. And while I liked that, it spent way too little time telling us about this world. I didn't know nearly enough about it. Just about nothing. Ugh. Just that there are witches. And witch hunters. And that Elizabeth is one of those. I thought she would end up being a witch. I was wrong. So that disappointed me too. I just, I wish this book had been better. But it wasn't. And that hurts my heart a bit. But yeah. I did like some things. But not nearly enough to enjoy this book.

There is this, you know, climax at the end of the book. The big fight with the bad guy, or whatever. And my gosh, it sucked. Truly. First, I couldn't tell if it was real or not, and that is a big no-no in books for me. Be more sure what is real and not real while writing, please. I need to be able to tell. Sigh. And then that fight thing was so silly and overdone and I didn't like reading about it at all. Which was a bit weird, as I had liked most of the things that happened before the fight. Hmph. Disappointed me so very much.

I just read that there is a novella from John's point of view. I think I want to read it. I'm not sure yet. I'm considering it. As I did like John a lot. But I felt like the romance didn't make much sense at all. Ugh. It could have been written so much better. Sigh. Yet I did like John. And I am curious about the sequel. But considering it is so far away, the chances are not big for me reading it. I probably won't. But I do wish to know what happens next, though I found the ending to be so silly. Which truly bothered me.

I don't know what else to say about The Witch Hunter. It disappointed me. But to be honest, I knew it would. I had hoped it would be better, but it wasn't. It still is gorgeous, though. And I did like the writing a lot. I just couldn't stand the story. Ugh. Which just hurts my heart a bit. I'm not really sure I would recommend this book to others. But I am curious to know what other people think of this one :) So you should read it, and then let me know. Because I didn't hate it. Truly. But I did not like it either. Hmph. Thank you oh so much to Hachette Children's Books for letting me read this book via Netgalley :)

 

Cress Tuesday #96

There are some awesome news that I must share. Short stories book coming! Stars Above. <3 Yaaay!
I adore sharing these Cress Tuesday teasers every Tuesday. I love finding new teasers to share. It's all kinds of fun. I shall be sharing these until November, when Winter comes out, most likely :) As you know, I adore Marissa Meyer. She is all kinds of amazing. She's so kind and sweet. And she writes such perfect books. I have loved all her books and short stories so far. I'm dying to read Winter. <3 See the very gorgeous cover reveal for it here. I'm also dying to read her upcoming book, Heartless, which will be out next February. Oh. I cannot wait. I haven't been brave enough to re-read Cinder, Scarlet & Cress just yet, but I shall be doing so soon. As I love these books oh so much. They are the bestest. I hope you have all read these books by now. And if not, you really should. I hope you are all enjoying these small and awesome teasers from Cress :) See all the previous Cress Tuesdays here. <3 Have you read it yet?


~

Strangely embarrassed by Iko's confidence, Cinder refocused on Kai's wrist. She's cut out so many ID chips in the past weeks she was almost used to it, though the first incision still reminded her of Peony's limp hand and the blue fingertips. Every time. A thick drop of blood welled up on his skin and Cinder instinctively tilted his arm so that it would roll down his fingers without soiling his white shirt.


~

  
This scene was pretty amazing. Kai might have been unconscious, but still :D

Huge thank you to Marissa Meyer and Macmillan Kids for letting me share these gorgeous Cress Tuesday teasers with you all. <3 They are the bestest. Thank you so much. I hope you are all loving the teasers :D I know that I am loving finding them and sharing them with you all. If you haven’t yet read Cress, I hope these teasers are making you more excited about it. <3 I’m sharing all these teasers from my stunning hardcover of Cress. Well, from one of my copies. I might be owning a whole bunch of them :D

Monday, August 24, 2015

Review: Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

I knew I would enjoy this book. And I loved it oh so much. I don't read Adult books. But this one was screaming for me. And I'm so glad I decided to request it from Netgalley. It was just stunning. Heartbreaking and evil yet hopeful and perfection. The writing is stunning. I enjoyed it so much. This book is all kinds of amazing.

I'm blaming Alyssa for my need to read this book. She read and reviewed it, talking about how awful and great it was. I knew I had to read it right away. And I did. And it was so worth it. Alyssa is awesome. She had some issues with the heartbreaking parts, and I understand that, but they did not bother me much. Ack.

I don't think I have ever read a book like this one. I was a bit nervous when I started it, because I wanted to love it so badly. But I shouldn't have been nervous. It was such a beautiful book. I mean, it is all kinds of heartbreaking and mean and awful yet I loved every moment of it. Because not everything is all bad. There are many beautiful moments, a lot of growing friendships. There is hope, sometimes. Many get killed. And tortured. And raped. But that last part is never in details, because it never happens to Delilah. And I was so thankful for that. But she does get abused. And hurt. But I didn't think it was awful to read about, and so I didn't dislike it, okay, I hated that it happened to her, yet it was written very well. I enjoyed reading about it.

I have no idea how to even begin describing this book. It is so different. And so good. And I need you all to read it. But yes, a lot of people might be horribly affected by the awful things that happen in this book, but many will not. Like me. It was awful, yes, but it was not that awful. Could have been so much worse. And I did like reading about it all. So yeah. I do think everyone will love this book. Because I did. And I need others to read it too. Because it was beautiful. And evil. And at the same time so much fun.

The world in this book is different. And so interesting and horrifying and I loved every moment of getting to know it more. Though I still don't know enough about the Reaping. I need to know more. It sounded so awful. So many died all those years ago. I'm all kinds of curious. But anyway. The world. Much like ours, yet some differences. There are monsters in this book. People who are not human. They used to live free, but then the Reaping happened, and they were all killed or taken captive. So horrible.

Which is where the menagerie comes in. It is like a circus, except everything they show are kept in cages and chains. The monsters are not free. They do not get enough to eat. They get abused. Beaten and raped for more food. It is so heartbreaking to read about. Yet so interesting too. Not all of them are true monsters. They are only different. Like the werewolves. Like the were-cheetah. And the oracles. I adored getting to know them all so much. They were treated so badly. Yet they were not true monsters.

I don't know what else to say about the menagerie. So I'm not going to mention it much. It is an awful place. They treat those in cages so badly. Though not all the handlers are bad. But they can't do anything about it either. And then there is Delilah. The main character of this book. A twenty five year old human woman. I adored her. She has a normal life. Even a boyfriend of four years. Then on her twenty fifth birthday, they go to see the menagerie. And something happens. Delilah turns out not do be human.

And then it all goes downhill from there. Because these so-called monsters do not have any rights. Delilah goes to jail. Which was awful to read about. Sigh. Yet not that bad at all. She has lost her home and all her things. Even her clothes. No one believes her; that she did not know she was human. Even her boyfriend did not believe her. And that is the last we see of him, thank god. I did not like him, hah. But yeah. Things are not going good for Delilah. And then she gets sold to the menagerie. Shudders.

And this is where the story truly begins. I don't think I will say that much more about the plot, but ugh, I have so many feelings about it. I'm giving this book five stars. Because I loved all of it. Even the mean parts. I loved the writing. I loved the story, heartbreaking as it was. I adored the characters. I hated the bad ones. This book was just so brilliant. So glad I read it. Anyway. Delilah gets thrown in her own cage. And it is pretty awful to read about. And I'm not going to say more than that. But yeah. So depressing.

Yet not everything is bad. No one knows what type of monster Delilah is. But then it is figured out. And oh my gosh, I loved it. Her type of monster was stunning. And awesome. And so fun to read about. Yet a bit disturbing too. So good. I loved the friendships she made with the other prisoners. Like Genni and Claudio. Sniffs. And Eryx too. And so many of the others. My heart ached for them. They had it so bad. But yeah. I loved how Delilah tried to fix it. She was so fierce and brave and amazing. I adored her.

But I especially loved Gallagher. Whom is one of the handlers. As in, Delilah is in a cage, he is not. Yet he is not cruel like the other handlers. And he takes care of Delilah. And ugh. I grew to love him very much. But do keep in mind that there is no romance in this book. But there could be. There are hints. And I want it. But I don't know how old Gallagher is. That bothers me. But yeah. He is an awesome person. And I loved him so much. I especially loved his secret. It was so amazing. And very different.

There are a lot of bad characters in this book. And I'm not going to mention them all. But I must mention Clyde. Because I could not stand that man. He tortured and abused so many people. Including Delilah. And it hurt my heart so much. It was so mean. Yet written so brilliantly. I couldn't help but like reading about it, despite despising this man. And I must say that a scene with him near the end was my very favorite. So brutal. So bloody. Yet very amazing to read about. But yeah. I really, truly hated Clyde.

I have already said so much about this book. But yeah. I loved it. It was depressing and hopeful and I loved the story so much. I cannot wait to read the sequel. I must know more about it. And hoping it will be out very soon. I can't wait. Now go pre-order this one. Menagerie is a stunning book. It is evil yet perfect. The story is amazing. The characters are incredible. I loved every moment of this book. And I cannot wait to read it again. This is a book that I will remember for a very, very long time, I'm sure. Thank you so much to Harlequin on Netgalley for accepting my request to read and review this book :)

Goodreads - The Book Depository - Amazon

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Review: Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

I had such a great time reading this book. When I first heard about it, I knew I would enjoy it. But I was also a bit nervous, because of reasons. So it took me some time to read my eARC. But then I needed to read it. And I did. And I enjoyed this book a whole bunch. It looks gorgeous. And the writing is amazing.

For the first two hundred pages of this book I was in love. The writing is pretty stunning. Written in a bit different way, but I grew to love it. The characters were awesome to read about. And I really loved the story. Such a great time period to read about. Loved that the book was pretty dark at times, yet funny.

But then I put the book down for the day, and started it again today. And I got to a part where someone leaves another behind and steals a journal. After that I failed to care much. I was angry. And hurt. Because I felt like that person never truly apologized for it. And it hurt my heart and it made me so angry. Ugh. Which is why this is a four star. Because while it made me angry, I still thought this book was amazing. And I loved the other plot twists. Even that one death. Sniffs. And I loved the ending. Well. It made me angry too. I don't like long separations. Ugh. Not for me. Yet it was a beautiful ending. I just wish it had been longer. It was a bit heartbreaking too. But yeah. I love that this is a standalone; but really want another book :)

Vengeance Road is a book about a girl named Kate. Whom is searching for vengeance, after her father was murdered pretty brutally by a gang. I loved her search for revenge. I loved how she had to kill a bunch. I loved how she sometimes felt a tiny bit remorse. I really liked reading about her adventures. When she met the brothers, Jesse and Will. Whom I enjoyed reading about. But whom I also grew to dislike, as I did not like the way they treated Kate. It wasn't fair, and it bothered me a bit. Annoying.

Yet at the same time I adored this book so much. And I loved reading about Jesse and Will. There isn't any sort of triangle in this book, and I could not be happier about that. There is little romance, though. But it is with Kate and Jesse. And I loved it oh so much. They are so cute. Yet I wanted to punch Jesse so many times. And that bothered me a bit. Yet I loved him too. Loved how they talked and such and how they got along. His brother Will was a bit different. He also seemed so cold at later times. Sigh.

There is a lot of characters in this book. But it is mostly about Kate and Jesse and Will. And the Rose Riders. Whom Kate is hunting. It was all pretty exciting and I was dying to know what would happen next at all times. I had some issues with this book, yes, but I also liked it so much. It was a lot of fun. And heartbreak. A lot of that too. Yet that death near the end of the book didn't affect me much at all. Huh. Yet it affected other characters. And that was heartbreaking. Yet so interesting. Great to read about.

This book was a lot of fun to read. The writing is awesome. The characters are great. I especially loved Kate. How she dressed as a boy. How strong she was, and how brave. How she did not give up her want for vengeance over what they did to her dad. Not even when she learned the truth about her father; about secrets he had been keeping. She was awesome. A bit cold, sometimes, yet such a gorgeous heart deep inside. I enjoyed reading about her oh so much. And getting to know her better as well. So great.

I don't know what to say about this book. There is a lot of horse riding. There is also a whole bunch of shooting people and shooting at people. There are some really cute dancing moments. Little romance, but there was enough of it too. I liked it. This wasn't the best book, yet it was an amazing book to read and I would read it again. Enjoyed it oh so much. The story was just incredible. Loved reading about the people. And about the Apache too. Like Lil. She was pretty amazing to read about. I do think I liked her.

There was just so much about this book. And I'm not going to describe it more. I loved it. I had some issues. But it was still amazing. I adored Jesse and Kate. I just wish this one had been even longer :) Vengeance Road was a stunning book. A fierce main character. A stunning plot full of twists. Gorgeous writing. I adored just about everything about it. I think you should all read this book. Reminds me of Walk on Earth a Stranger, which I loved, but they are very different books. So I adored them both :) Huge thank you to HMH Books for letting me read and review this book via Netgalley :D So thankful.


In My Mailbox #199

I've been feeling crappy with my health this week. But slowly getting better; hopefully :) Anyway. This week I read one gorgeous middle grade book. <3 And currently almost done with Vengeance Road, which I'm loving too :D Reading more next week, I think. Just haven't felt like reading after I read The Last Ever After last week; as it was so perfect :) Anyway. I got much more mail this week :D Yay! Lots of love. And ohh. Yesterday I saw Inside Out at the cinema, finally. It was perfection. So good and cute and sad and awesome. I'm going to go poor buying all the released books from it. Ugh. I have ordered so much this month. I shouldn't have. All my money is gone :p Sigh. But worth it. Lots of upcoming mail :D And got some review copies too. <3 Thrilled about that. Not many blog posts, but a few ;p I was a part of The Uninvited Blog Tour. <3 So much love for that book. I posted another gorgeous Cress Tuesday :D Winter is coming soon. <3 I read the stunning Ravenous :D So good. This week I'm waiting on Drift and Dagger. <3 Posting my review of Vengeance Road later today :) Just need to finish it first. So far I'm loving it lots. Anyway. Pleased with this week, despite feeling badly. Just so happy with all that I have bought, hih :D Excited to read more. Just always so busy. Ugh. Annoying. What did you get this week?


Lair of Dreams. Well. Not reading this one. But loved book one. But not reading this. Ugh. Still, pretty.
Ruin and Rising. Ah, this gorgeous new US paperback is stuunning. I love this book. Oh so much. <3
Monstrous + Ravenous. EEEEK! Thank you so much MarcyKate :D BEST surprise. <3 Love these books so goddamn much. My precious. Loved Monstrous and Ravenous. <3 And Pippa plush :D Cuuute.
The Last Ever After. Gorgeous special edition from B&N. <3 Loving the poster inside. It is gooorgeous.
A World Without Princes. Special Edition from B&N. Damaged. Not getting a new. Heartbroken. Sniffs.
The Last Ever After. Gorgeous International Edition of this book :D But damaged. So getting a new. <3
Velvet Undercover + The Lies About Truth + A Sliver of Stardust. Thank you so so so very much to HaperCollins International for these three books :D Yay! So excited to read them. They look so gorgeous.
The Iron Trial. Official US paperback edition. <3 This book was amazing. And it looks so so stunning.
Fox Journal. Just sharing about this gorgeous journal I bought yesterday. <3 It was too cute. Needed it.
T-Rex pen. Heh. I couldn't resist buying this one when I saw it. I do love dinosaurs. This is awesome.
Supernatural: Dean. The replacement Pop that I got from ForbiddenPlanet. <3 Thank you. Love him.
Plush. Look how precious these are :D Eeek. So cute. I adore buying cute plush animals. <3 Love them.
Shannon Messenger Swag. Eeek! Thank you so so much Shannon :D Oh so perfect. I love it so much.


Movies. I'm too lazy to write all of these titles down, lol. But a bit on sale, and I wanted them all. They are awesome. Well, have seen most of the movies, and I wanted to own them and rewatch sometime :)
Howl's Moving Castle. Eeek. Finally got to buy these from Ebay too. A bit expensive. But worth it. They are gorgeous. But.. one small piece is broken off. And that bothers me. I must complain about it, sigh.
Crowley. Sadness. Two new gorgeous Pop! figures :D I cannot wait to own them all, hih. But expensive.



Disney Store Sweden items. YAY :D I love buying from Disney. <3 But eeexpensive. And taxes. And it suucks. I am heartbroken about things being so expensive to get to Norway. Ugh. So annoying. But yeah. These precious items are worth it. Love the three Ornaments. <3 Love Rapunzel and Snow White. I own all the little Animators. Waiting for more to release :D And a few more Tsum-Tsums. <3 AND SADNESS :D



Menagerie. Eeeek. Alyssa read this. It sounds awful. And I am dying to read it :D So excited. Soooon.
Wolf By Wolf. Thank you so much Netgalley :D I cannot wait to read this one too. I really hope to love it.
Signed Monstrous + Ravenous. Thank you so very much MarcyKate. <3 You are the sweetest person :D



My gorgeous new Lego finished built. <3 They are all kinds of gorgeous, hih. But yeah. They were expensive. Ugh. But love them. You can click to make the images bigger :) Do you own any of these?



More Instagram photos here. <3

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #201

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

DRIFT & DAGGER BY KENDALL KULPER

Goodreads Description:

In Mal's world, magic is everything. But Mal is a "blank," the anti-magic. Blanks can't be hexed or cursed or saved or killed by magic. And everyone is afraid of them--even Mal himself.

So Mal hides what he is--except from Essie Roe, a witch and his best friend. On the day Essie reveals his secret and casts him out from the only home he's ever known, Mal experiences the true shock of betrayal.

Now Mal travels the world in search of rare, illegal magical relics. When his partner in crime, Boone, hears rumors of a legendary dagger that can steal a witch's power, Mal knows he's finally found his means of revenge. But as the chase for the fabled knife takes them from Boston to Paris to Constantinople, Mal realizes there are secrets afoot that he's only beginning to understand--and all the while the blank monster inside him threatens to escape.


Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: September 8th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here and here

I do love the name Mal. <3 Sigh. I adored the first book by this author; Salt & Storm :D And I cannot wait to read this one too. The cover is pretty awesome. And the summary is amazing. I think I will love this one. Crossing all my fingers. <3 Hoping for a good romance too, hih :) And hoping that it has a much much much happier ending than her first book, ack. Very excited to read this one :) I will love it.
What are you waiting for on this travelling Wednesday?  

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Review: Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly

Ahh, I still can't quite believe that I have gotten to read this book already. Thank you oh so much my precious friend. <3 MarcyKate is the most amazing person. So kind and sweet and awesome. And such a talented writer too. I have read and loved two of her books already, and cannot wait to read more by her.

Ravenous isn't out until February. But I was so lucky to get a print ARC of this precious yesterday. <3 I could not wait to read it. I had to read it right away. And I'm so glad I did. Enjoyed it so much. I won't share spoilers about what happens, but talking a bit about the plot and about other things that I loved about it.

This book takes place three months after the end of Monstrous. It is not a sequel. But it is about a girl named Greta, whom we saw a bit of in Monstrous too. And she is all kinds of awesome. I adored Greta. She did do a few wrong things, but I didn't blame her for that, and I still adored her. She will do anything to save her brother from the witch. And I love that. Greta is an amazing main character. And I adored reading from her point of view. The story is about Greta and her brother, Hans. Sort of like the fairytale. Except not really, as it is a bit different too. But yeah. Hans gets taken by a witch who travels in a hut with chicken feet. She was scary. Shudders. And Greta tries her very best to save him. So much happens in this book. It's awesome.

What I really loved about this book was the glimpse at old characters from Monstrous. Like Ren. Sniffs. He's awesome. I felt like he had a crush on Greta. Which I do not approve of, lol, as I want the ending of Monstrous to someday get undone. But anyway. Loved seeing small glimpses of Ren and of the King too. I loved that they care for the rose in the garden. Sad face. But.. no one seemed to know the truth about it? Okay, that breaks my heart a little bit. But makes sense too. Still, so so heartbreaking. And perfect.

This book is an adventure. With Greta thinking about the time she almost got fed to the monster of Belladoma. Which was all kinds of awful. She never wants to go back to that place. But now she must. To save her brother, she must. And it is pretty heartbreaking. Yet awesome too. I do love how strong Greta was. I didn't always feel for her, but I loved her all the time. And she's awesome. She goes through a lot in this book. And I won't say much about it at all. Just that it was amazing and exciting to read about.

I loved the friend that she made in Ravenous. Dalen. The half-horse. The hybrid. He was all kinds of awesome. And I loved how they became friends. It was fun to read about and exciting and interesting too. I don't want to say much more about the plot. Just that it is fantastic and I liked reading about it oh so much. My heart is still aching for the people in the city Belladoma; they have suffered so much. I loved how many things there were to learn in this one. Lots and lots of secrets. I loved every moment.

I'm deciding to give Ravenous four stars. Which breaks my heart a bit, as I'm feeling mean. Sniffs. But I must be honest. And I had a few issues with the way this book was written. Some things didn't seem that real for me, with how the characters talked. With how Greta thought. But this is the only reason for the four star rating. Because I adored this book. The story and characters are all kinds of amazing. And I loved the ending. This book was amazing and I'm so glad I got to read it early. I will always treasure it.

This book is less than three hundred pages, and such an easy and fun and heartbreaking read. I adored it. Though the final copy will be more than four hundred pages. Because it will include a prequel to both books, named Precious. And oh my gosh. I wish I could read that one right away too. It's going to be amazing. Now dying for the hardcover to come out so that I can read it. So excited to finally read it in February. I love how MarcyKate wrote these books. How they fit together despite not being a series.

Ravenous is a fantastic book. It is full of adventure and fantasy and magic. It is a stunning book about a girl willing to do anything to save her brother from the witch about to eat him. This tale is amazing. It is heartbreaking and fun and so worth reading. You will all love it. Which means you must pre-order it right away. Ravenous is an amazing book. And Monstrous is too. I loved both. And you will love them too. Hoping you will all read them. And just, look at the pretty covers. So stunning. Love the artwork in it.