January Wrap Up

Books I Read This Month:

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco*

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles*

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse*

The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley

The Lie Tree by Francis Hardinge

The Last Best Kiss by Claire LaZebnik

All links lead to Goodreads. Reviews coming soon for starred books! I managed to read ten books this month (not including rereads), which I think is pretty decent. I think my favourite was Gemina, shortly followed by The Hating Game! The Edge of Everything was truly awful, but I seem to be the minority in thinking that - my review will be up in Feb.

Blog Posts:

2017

Review: Gilded Cage by Vic James

Review: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Liz's Lists #4: Books on My Birthday Wishlist

Waiting on Wednesday #78

Two Mini Reviews

Review: Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Ally Carter

TV Shows I Watched/Started:

Sherlock season 4 (BBC)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4 (currently airing on E4)

Shadowhunters season 2 (weekly on Netflix)

Teen Wolf season 5 (Netflix)

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)

Trollhunters (Netflix)

Voltron season 2 (Netflix)

Travelers (Netflix)

Frequency (Netflix)

Mr Student Body President (All4)

Yowamushi Pedal season 3 (first episode, Crunchyroll)

Riverdale (first episode, Netflix)

Marvel's Agents of SHIELD season 4 (first episode, E4)

So what we can take from this is that I watch way too much Netflix. Oh my God. I watched so many episodes of stuff. 

Personally, I thought this season of Sherlock was utter crap. Not impressed, and I hope there isn't a season 5. I was behind on Teen Wolf, so when I saw season 5 had been added to Netflix, I decided to watch it, and I actually enjoyed it! Here's to hoping we don't have to wait ten years for season 6 to become available (I'm still waiting for you to acquire Smallville, Netflix. Still waiting). I liked A Series of Unfortunate Events as well, but it did get annoying that all the adults were SO STUPID. Especially Mr Poe, ugh. I've only read the first book in the series, so I can't give too much input on how faithful an adaptation the show is, but I know a lot of readers have been happy with it. I would definitely like to see a second season!

I don't know why I'm still watching SHIELD as it's rubbish now, and I'm iffy about Riverdale but I'm gonna give it a chance. By far the best thing I watched was Mr Student Body President. It's this weird short form TV show (each episode is only about 15 mins long), but it was absolutely hilarious. Every single episode had me laughing, I highly recommend it. The main character is Jeremy Shada (who voices Finn in Adventure Time!) and there are a few YouTubers in it as well. It's really funny and well worth the watch!

Films I Watched:

Moana

Music I Listened to:

Basically everything Marceline has ever sung on Adventure Time, on repeat

Soundtrack to A Cinderella Story

Gotta Go My Own Way from HSM2 (don't ask)

Pulled from The Addams Family musical

Various TV show openings from my youth because I went on a massive nostalgia trip because it's my birthday soon and I feel so old (these include Kim Possible, Lizzie McGuire, W.I.T.C.H. and Braceface - is my age showing, yes I think it is, call me beep me if you wanna reach me)

Notable Events:

I got Hamilton tickets!!! (restricted view because I had such trouble with the website, but I don't even care because it's Hamilton! Only ten more months until December 2017!)

And that is my month in a nutshell! Not sure I'll be able to read as many books in Feb (and I definitely won't be able to watch as many programmes because I've basically watched the entirety of Netflix at this point) - but we'll see how it goes! What are your bookish (and non-bookish) goals for next month?

Read More

Review: Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Ally Carter *spoiler review*

Take the Key and Lock Her Up (Embassy Row #3) by Ally Carter
Publisher: Orchard Books
Released: January 26th 2017
My Rating: 2 stars out of 5
Find it on Goodreads

Centuries ago, the royal family of Adria was killed…or so everyone thought.

Now Grace Blakely knows the truth: There was one survivor, and that survivor’s blood runs through her veins. This simple fact could cause a revolution—which is why some people will stop at nothing to keep it from coming to light.

There is only one way for Grace to save herself, save her family, and save the boy she loves. She must outmaneuver her foes, cut through the web of lies that has surrounded her for years, and go back to the source of all her troubles, despite the risk.

If she wins, she will inherit a throne.

And if she loses, she will inherit the fate of all the dead princesses who came before her. (from Goodreads)

NOTE: this review contains spoilers for this book, and the ending of the series. If you do not wish to be spoiled, do not read this review.

It saddens me to say it, but I was disappointed with this book. I really enjoyed the previous instalments, and have always been a huge fan of Ally Carter, but I had a lot of problems with this book and unfortunately, there wasn’t enough good to outweigh the bad this time.

I’ll start with the things I did like; Grace’s friends, that wonderful bunch. They were so loyal to her, and so helpful. They were always willing to hear her out, to listen to her side of the story, no matter how crazy the situations got. Megan especially, and Rosie, I loved those two so much! I also really liked Grace’s grandfather and her brother, Jamie, and I was really glad they both managed to survive (it was shaky for a while there). I also really liked getting to find out more about Alexei’s mother, Karina, and what actually happened to her. It wasn’t what I was expecting, and I found her story very interesting.

Moving on to what I didn’t like, I think the biggest problem I had was the plot. I have to get into spoilers here, but I didn’t really understand why Grace and her brother couldn’t just renounce their rights to the throne publicly right at the start of the book, if that was what they wanted to do? They ended up doing that at the end anyway! The rest of it seemed so unnecessary and pointless. And I never understood how somehow, Grace always seemed more important than her brother (by the fact that there were always people chasing her and not him, despite the fact he was injured and an easy target!) when he was the heir to the throne, and she was only second in line? And don’t even get me started on this whole 63 heirs stuff that came up at the end – suddenly there were all these random descendants of Amelia? How on EARTH did they find them all, when there was supposed to be a secret society DEDICATED to concealing this information? Even the Society didn’t know where the other descendants were! Ann admitted it! And how did they find them all, contact them all and get them all to agree to renounce their rights to the throne so quickly? Plus, it’s so unlikely that they would ALL even want to – surely some person would be like, “Ooh I quite fancy being a royal!” And having all these heirs just diminished the entire story which was based on Grace being the heir of Amelia, and that’s why all these people were trying to kill her. Now it was just like, oh well, who cares, look how many people there are that could claim this title? Ugh.

Another thing that really bothered me was how Ann was dealt with. Why the hell did they think that was a good idea? Instead of prosecuting her through a democratic justice system (which Grace should have supported since she was giving up her right to the throne for these ideals), they made out she was Karina?! WTF? Karina had been wrongly imprisoned in a mental institution that wasn’t a mental institution but more of a torture facility for years. Instead of freeing her justly, letting her recover from her years of trauma, letting her live freely as her own person under her own identity, they instead forced Ann (who deserved to be in a real prison, because the people of Adria deserved to know their princess was a bloody murderer!) to take on Karina’s identity and be sent back to the facility. Well what the hell was going to happen to Karina then?! Did she have to live as someone else? How was that going to help her fragile state of mind? She was already suffering from what had happened, and now she had to pretend to be a different person? Who would actually buy the whole “Ann is Karina” story anyway, I mean, photographs exist, and they couldn’t possibly look that similar? One question and a DNA test is all it takes! And what did everyone think actually happened to Princess Ann? There’s only so long they could go with the “taken ill from grief” story. Would some eventually announce she had died? Or went missing? She would be remembered as a loving and caring princess instead of the murderer she actually was. I just didn’t agree with it at all.

Grace herself was also somehow even more dramatic than usual in this book, her narration just got on my nerves at times. And Alexei became a bit too controlling and annoying in this book, I lost any love I previously had for this romance, and that’s a damn shame because I really used to like these two.

Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book half as much as I wanted to. The endings to Ally Carter’s other series are far superior and I’m not quite sure why this book took this route.

Read More

Two Mini Reviews

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Released: April 2nd 2013
My Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Find it on Goodreads

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for... (from Goodreads)

This book was a lot darker than the first in this series, and I’m not sure I enjoyed it as much. Sybella was definitely an interesting character, who had been through some truly awful stuff in her life. She was less, I don’t know, righteous, than Ismae from Grave Mercy, which I liked, because not everyone can be so sure that what they are doing is right, all the time. She questioned Mortmain and whether what she was doing was really the best way to serve him, or to rid the world of evil. Having to go back to her family, after everything that happened, was so difficult, but she did it because that's what the Abbess asked of her, as a daughter of Mortmain. And her character developed so much over the book; she learnt more about herself, about Mortmain, about what needed to be done. And her relationship with Beast was one I really enjoyed reading about. I didn’t like Dark Triumph as much as book one because I think I just enjoyed the plot of the first book more. However, Sybella was a compelling character and it was a good sequel as whole, so I will be picking up the final book in the series at some point.

The Grift of the Magi (Heist Society #3.5) by Ally Carter

Publisher: Orchard Books

Released: November 15th 2016

My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Find it on Goodreads

Katarina Bishop is a thief. To many it wouldn't matter that she now uses her considerable skills to re-steal valuable works of art and return them to their rightful homes.

She's still a thief.

So that's why Kat's surprised when an Interpol agent comes to her one snowy evening, asking for her help.

The Magi Miracle Network was set to auction off a very rare, very valuable Faberge egg two days before Christmas, but the egg's been stolen and now the charity's reputation - and their future - is on the line.

This Christmas, Santa isn't the only person skulking in the darkness... (from Goodreads)

This novella was everything I wanted it to be. I didn’t realise how much I had missed these characters, but oh my. The story was great, I got the exact same vibe I always get from the Heist Society books and it was it was so easy to jump back into Kat and Hale’s world. And it was so festive! And Christmassy and a perfect little winter read. The story was engaging; perhaps not the most complex or exciting Heist Society story, but it was a short novella and a lot of the time, I still couldn’t guess what was going to happen. And there were so many cute moments between Kat and Hale - I love these two so much. Please, please, please, with triple cherries on top, will someone publish a fourth Heist Society book?! I need more – this novella has proven how much! I mean, we still haven’t been told what Hale’s first name is. Wulfric? Wilfred? Warburton? I HAVE TO KNOW. Overall, I loved it – I only wish it were longer! And I am missing this series and these characters more than ever (seriously, if you’ve not started the Heist Society books yet, get on that, because you are missing out).

Read More

Cover Reveal: Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein

Welcome to the cover reveal for 

Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein 
The book is now an extended edition! Check out the new cover and blurb below.

Rose Petal Graves

by Olivia Wildenstein

Genre: Paranormal/Faeries

Release Date: March 29th 2017

ANCIENT SECRETS CANNOT REMAIN BURIED FOREVER.

Founded two centuries ago by a powerful tribe of Gottwa Indians, Rowan was a quiet town, so quiet that I fled after graduation. Staying away was the plan, but Mom died suddenly.

Dad said she suffered a stroke after she dug up one of the ancient graves in our backyard, which happens to be the town cemetery. Creepy, I know. Creepier still, there was no corpse inside the old coffin, only fresh rose petals.

As we made preparations for Mom’s burial, new people began arriving in Rowan, unnervingly handsome and odd people. I begged them to leave, but they stayed, because their enemies—my ancestors—were beginning to awaken.

   

Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.

When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).

Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.

What do you all think of the new cover?

Cover Reveal Organized by:

Read More

Waiting on Wednesday #78

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

The Best Kind of Magic (Amber Sand #1) by Crystal Cestari

May 16th 2017

Find it on Goodreads

Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family Wicca gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific magical talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.

Amber works at her mother's magic shop--Windy City Magic--in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one--her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?

The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings. (from Goodreads)

This sounds adorable. I haven't read anything with this kind of plot before! And it has everything I like in it - witches, magic, problems to overcome, wit, a sassy heroine - I mean, what's not to like? I can just imagine Amber's predicament and how she must be feeling - and I am extremely curious as to how things are going to turn out. I'm hoping this is going to be a really fun and cute book and I can't wait to read it! I can't decide whether I like the cover or not (kind of?) but I'll be reading it no matter what - now to wait for May!

What are you waiting on this week?

Read More

Book Blast: Shadow Fall by Audrey Grey + Giveaway!

Hello readers!

Are you looking for your next read?

Well, let us help make things easier for you!

Welcome to the Book Blast for

Shadow Fall by Audrey Grey

presented by Blaze Publishing!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Looking for more books to read? Read on and find a book that’s waiting for you to devour!

 Shadow Fall (Shadow Fall #1) by Audrey Grey 

Publication Date: November 22, 2016 

Publisher: Blaze Publishing

The asteroid hurtling toward the earth will kill billions.

The Emperor and his Gold Court will be safe in their space station, watching from the stars. The Silvers will be protected underground. But the Bronzes must fight it out at the Shadow Trials for the few remaining spots left on the space station.

When an enigmatic benefactor hands Maia Graystone a spot in the Trials, she won’t just get a chance at salvation for her and her baby brother, Max: She gets to confront the mother who abandoned her in prison, the mad Emperor who murdered her father, and the Gold prince who once loved her. But it’s the dark bastard prince she’s partnered with that will make her question everything, including her own heart. With the asteroid racing closer every day, Maia must trust someone to survive.

The question is who?

BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

" a one of a kind gift to today's literature." - Ashley Marie Nestler "An edge-of-your-seat, thrilling action-adventure reminiscent of "An Ember in the Ashes" and "Red Queen"" - Esther Dalseno "reminded me of why I love YA Dystopian books" - Cassie James

Audrey Grey lives in the charming state of Oklahoma, with her husband, two little people, and four mischievous dogs. You can usually find her hiding out in her office from said little people and dogs, surrounded by books and sipping kombucha while dreaming up wondrous worlds for her characters to live in.

Website | Twitter | Facebook 

Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads 

---

YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK OUT…

 Asleep by Krystal Wade 

Publication Date: February 16, 2016 

Publisher: Blaze Publishing

Seventeen-year-old Rose suffers from terrifying, painful nightmares that leave her bruised, exhausted, and questioning her sanity. Desperate to hold on, she makes a choice: Trust her doctor who claims he can cure her, or listen to another patient who swears the asylum will kill them.

BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | TBD

Because I Love You by Tori Rigby 

Release Date: May 17, 2016 

Publisher: Blaze Publishing

When Sixteen-year-old Andie Hamilton discovers she’s pregnant, she also learns the truth of her adoption. Overwhelmed, Andie must choose what’s best for the baby, but after hearing the heartbeat for the first time, she doesn’t know how she’ll ever be able let go.

BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

The Carver by Jacob Devlin
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Publisher: Blaze Publishing

Crescenzo never would’ve thought his father’s figurines were modeled after real people, but when his loved ones start vanishing from his life, he must unite their real life counterparts and seek their aid to save his family.

BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

The Surrendered by Case Maynard

Publication Date: September 20, 2016

Publisher: Blaze Publishing 

After a financial collapse devastates the United States, the new government imposes a tax on the nation’s most valuable resource—the children.

BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

---

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More