Thursday, 30 November 2017

On McPig's Wishlist - Beyond a Darkened Shore


Beyond a Darkened Shore
by Jessica Leake


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.



Expected publication: April 10th 2018

Buy from bookdepository

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

The City of Ember - Book Review


The City of Ember (Book of Ember #1)
by Jeanne DuPrau


What is it about:
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked…but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all—the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness…

But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?


What did I think of it:
This is a really nice read.

Meant for children this book is at times too easy for older readers (and for a lot of children as well, I imagine), giving away most of the suspense of what's going on right at the beginning of the book. I'd have enjoyed this book even more if things had been a bit less obvious at some points.

That being said: I liked both Lina and Doon. They're both resourceful and smart, but still make mistakes, which made them feel real. I liked the world building and the way the story developed. Even while knowing what the two would discover I was invested in their actions.

All in all a fast and entertaining read.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Dystopian read.


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Teaser Tuesdays - Otherworld


Iclimbed every ladder and lay inside every shelter. I felt like I'd made one of those discoveries no one makes anymore. I'd stumbled across an abandoned world.

(page 21, Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kristen Miller)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Monday, 27 November 2017

Six of Crows - Book Review


Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1)
by Leigh Bardugo


What is it about:
Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker has been offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams. But to claim it, he'll have to pull off a seemingly impossible heist:

Break into the notorious Ice Court
(a military stronghold that has never been breached)

Retrieve a hostage
(who could unleash magical havoc on the world)

Survive long enough to collect his reward
(and spend it)

Kaz needs a crew desperate enough to take on this suicide mission and dangerous enough to get the job done - and he knows exactly who: six of the deadliest outcasts the city has to offer. Together, they just might be unstoppable - if they don't kill each other first.


What did I think of it:
I loved the stories in The Language of Thorns, so decided to give Six of Crows a try.

And what a cool story!

Yes, Kaz is a bit too clever and too well prepared for the things coming his way for a seventeen year old, especially when you know when he started on his life of crime. Yes, the people he works with are all surprisingly good at their chosen profession for their age as well. But as they're not rubbing it in or do stupid things that contradict their life story I could go with it. Especially as the story is really cool.

There are six main characters and the viewpoint switches between the characters. I liked some of them more than others, but none were so annoying I wanted to skip their viewpoint. My favorites were Inej - a former acrobat turned spy, and Jesper - a sharpshooter addicted to gambling. I really liked how most of them are not good guys, but people who by circumstance or by design ended up in a life of crime.

As they put their plans into action things get more and more suspenseful. Will they pull it off? I was totally rooting for them all to succeed and roll in money for the rest of their lives.

This being the first book in a duology the ending leaves you eager for the next book, so you bet I'll be getting my trotters on it soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a great YA Fantasy read


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 24 November 2017

Midnight Blade - Early Book Review


Midnight Blade (Soul Stones, #0.1)
by T.L. Branson


What is it about:
Kingdoms rise and fall by the blade.

For Davion Callum, that blade is closer than he'd like. Ever the pawn in a scheme of epic proportions, he is given a choice to stand beside those who would wield him as a weapon or defend those who would call him friend.

When the lines blur between ally and enemy, all is not as it seems. Will he uncover the truth? And what will he do when he does?


What did I think of it:
I really enjoyed Soul Siphon, so when I was offered a review copy of Midnight Blade - which is set in the same world, but earlier than Soul Siphon - I jumped at the chance.

This story is a bit longer, so there was more room for character building. The lead character is Davion Callum who also had a role in Soul Siphon. This made that I already knew what choice he would make, but I can't say I minded. Callum is easy to relate to and I rooted for him from the start. Even knowing what he'd eventually decide this is a suspenseful story.

There were several fight scenes again and these were all well written and enjoyable. I also really liked seeing more of the world and being introduced to more characters. Branson already managed to paint a picture of the world in Soul Siphon, but here that picture gets even more interesting details.

All in all this is yet another cool Fantasy story. You can read this one either before or after reading Soul Siphon in my opinion. You bet I'll be keeping n eye out for the next Soul Stones story.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and enjoyable Fantasy read.


Expected publication: December 5th 2017
Buy from Amazon

Thursday, 23 November 2017

On McPig's Wishlist - Recoil


Recoil (Recoil Trilogy #1)
by Joanne Macgregor


When a skilled gamer gets recruited as a sniper in the war against a terrorist-produced pandemic, she discovers there’s more than one enemy and more than one war. The Game is real.

Three years after a series of terrorist attacks flooded the US with a lethal plague, society has changed radically.

Sixteen year-old Jinxy James spends her days trapped at home – immersed in virtual reality, worrying about the plague and longing for freedom. Then she wins a war simulation game and is recruited into a top-secret organisation where talented teenagers are trained to become agents in the war on terror. Eager to escape her mother’s over-protectiveness and to serve her country, Jinxy enlists and becomes an expert sniper of infected mutant rats.

She’s immediately drawn to Quinn O’Riley, a charming and subversive intelligence analyst who knows more about the new order of government and society than he is telling. Then a shocking revelation forces Jinxy to make an impossible decision, and she risks losing everything.



Buy from bookdepository

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

The Gift - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


The Gift
by Margaret Mallory

Lily’s well-honed sense for trouble tells her no healer is safe in London while gangs roam the city looking for witches to burn. In the dead of night, she escapes on a northbound ship, intending to return after Christmas celebrations calm the city’s witch fever. But when Lily lands in the wilds of Scotland, her skills for surviving in the city can’t save her.

Roderick MacDonald is on a secret mission for his chieftain when he finds a lass near death on a barren hillside and is forced to take her with him. Though this mysterious Sassenach may have The Gift his clan needs—and he burns with passion for her—he’s determined to resist the enchantment she weaves on his scarred heart.

When love blooms amidst the harsh winter beauty of the Highlands, will these two obstinate souls from different worlds accept the Yuletide gift?


What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Sullivan met Margaret Mallory at the Love Letters Convention in Berlin and got me this novella as he thought I might enjoy Mallory's writing.

This is a nice read.

As it is a novella the attraction and romance move fast, but not unbelievably so. I liked both Roderick and Lily, although at one time during the story I thought everyone, including Roderick, was being very unfair towards how Lily is feeling. But this being a novella there's not a lot of room to work with storywise, so I decided to not hold it against Roderick too long.

The ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. I'd have loved another more intimate scene between hero and heroine before being ushered to the Happily Ever After epilogue.

Overall this is an enjoyable novella though, and I think I'll investigate what other books Mallory has written.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice historical romance.


Buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Teaser Tuesdays - Dangerous


"My team and I have been holding and studying these for years," said Howell. "As you can see, we're perfectly fine."
That might be a matter of opinion, I thought.

(page 63, Dangerous by Shannon Hale)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Monday, 20 November 2017

Spell Games - Book Review


Spell Games (Marla Mason #4)
by T.A. Pratt


What is it about:
Brain-eating fungi, wannabe sorcerers, long-lost relations–does even a hard-core witch stand a chance?

Mad sorcerers, psychic vampires, an army of vengeful demons, Marla Mason would rather face them all than a flesh-and-blood ghost from her dysfunctional family past: her con artist brother, Jason. As Felport’s chief sorcerer, Marla would ordinarily consider it her duty to protect her town from such an unscrupulous ne’er-do-well. As his sister, things are a lot…trickier. Now, as Marla attempts to train an apprentice oracle whose magical wires have gotten crossed, Jason is setting up an elaborate sting and drawing her ever-so-corruptible partner Rondeau into the ruse.

Their patsy is a filthy-rich wannabe mage and their bait is something so valuable, so dangerous, so sought after, it probably doesn’t exist. But now word’s gotten out that the Borrichius spores do exist and instead of a sucker Jason and Rondeau have a much bigger–and much deadlier–fish on their line: a reclusive sorcerer whose devotion to the mushroom god and command of vegetal magic could bring a fungal apocalypse to Felport. It’ll be the mother of all bad trips unless Marla can pull off the ultimate magical switcheroo…and somehow live to tell about it.


What did I think of it:
It 's been a while since I read Dead Reign, but I remembered all too well how it ended, so it took me no time at all to get back in Marla's world.

And this book is yet another roller coaster of action. Marla has her hands full with trying to keep her beloved city from danger. A character from a previous book is back to help her, and he was just as cool as I remembered. And there's Rondeau of course, Marla's right hand man.

With each book there are new things added to this world, but in a way that makes you feel they've always been there. They just needed to be encountered. I liked the glimpse into the magic of the other sorcerers in the city, and of the mushroom god who sets eyes on Felport.

It was also good to see that with all her power Marla has her flaws and weaknesses. It makes it easy to root for her and her close friends.

The ending was gut wrenching and heart breaking. I need the next book!

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool UF read.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 17 November 2017

Zombies vs The Living Dead - Book Review


Zombies vs The Living Dead (Surviving The Evacuation 0.5)
by Frank Tayell


What is it about:
The outbreak began in New York. Within days the world descended into chaos as the infection spread to every corner of the globe. Across Britain, millions of people are told to leave the less defensible villages, towns and cities for the safety of one of the enclaves being established around the coast.

For George Tull and the other residents of the Waverly-Price Retirement Home, evacuation is not an option. Finding the staff have left, George has to choose between trying to save those he loathes, or abandoning the woman he loves to an uncertain fate.


What did I think of it:
This is a nice short read with zombies.

George Tull is a character I could sympathize with and I cheered him on as he's trying to find out where all the staff is gone when a zombie invasion is imminent. He's resourceful and can kick zombie ass better than many younger guys could.

For a short story there's a really decent story line and the suspense and action build up nicely towards the ending.

All in all an entertaining read.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable zombie read.


buy from Amazon

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Ashes by Laura Bickle available as a stand-alone ebook!

Until very recently you could only get Ashes by getting the book Fantasy Medley 3, which contains 4 stories by 4 different authors. But now you can get Ashes as a stand-alone ebook!


Ashes (Anya Kalinczyk #3)
by Laura Bickle


With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.


My review:
This is a really cool and touching story. Anya and Sparky team up with Charon to save the city from destruction. I will keep hoping for more books and stories in this series, but if this story is the last then I'm happy with how Bickle leaves things for Anya and Sparky.


Find buy links here

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Grid Seekers - Book Review


Grid Seekers (Grid Seekers #1)
by Logan Byrne


What is it about:
In a dystopian future, WorldNet, a semi-autonomous evolved form of the Internet, controls daily life. WorldNet allows people to plug themselves in, transporting their minds and sensory organs into what citizens call the grid while their physical bodies stay put. Inside WorldNet they can shop, bank, dine, travel, and do everything they can do in the real world, and although WorldNet itself is free, there’s a cost for doing business.

Any citizen aged sixteen to sixty who accesses WorldNet during the year is entered into a lottery. Twenty-four people, four from each of six megacities, are randomly chosen to compete in an annual televised competition in which they’re plugged in and forced to search for one of two hidden talismans. If they fail to find one of the talismans, or if they die in the process, they’re sentenced to three years of hard labor. But if they win, they’re granted one wish, any wish, that could completely change their lives—or the world.


What did I think of it:
24 people battling it out every year as a punishment for a rebellion a long time ago. Does that sound familiar?

Yup, this book is The Hunger Games all over again, including the participants getting trained before being send off to fight it out in a foresty (virtual) world.

But as The Hunger Games isn't original either and draws heavily from Battle Royale, I couldn't hold it against Grid Seekers.

This is an entertaining read. I had hoped that Byrne would use the fact that these games are set in a virtual environment to its full advantage, but alas. Apart from some minor thing the whole virtual part of the games could have been left out. I also didn't get Alexia. You get entered into the lottery if you used WorldNet in the previous year. Now maybe I missed something and Alexia did use it earlier that year, but it read like she decided to use WorldNet the day of the lottery and could have escaped being entered that year if she would have waited just one more day.

These things aside it's a fun, uncomplicated read. The ending feels a bit easy, but maybe that will be remedied in the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Dystopian read.


Buy from Amazon

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

Teaser Tuesdays - Spell Games


"You have a brother?" Langford said.
"I do," Marla said. "Don't get any ideas. You aren't allowed to dissect him."

(page 136, Spell Games by T.A. Pratt)


Buy from bookdepository

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Monday, 13 November 2017

Blood Beast - Book Review


Blood Beast (The Demonata #5)
by Darren Shan


What is it about:
Grubbs Grady has so far escaped the family curse, but when he begins to experience alarming symptoms at the onset of the full moon, he is scared that the jaws of fate are opening and about to swallow him whole.

He has cheated death, defeated demons, moved on with his life. But Grubbs is torn between the world of magic and his wolfen genes. Can he fight the beast inside or will he fall victim to his tainted blood?


What did I think of it:
I loved Bec, which could easily be read as a standalone, so it took me a while to gather the courage to pick up book 5 in this series, knowing I'd be going back to the continuing adventures of Grubbs.

You see: I do not like Grubbs most of the time. He's a self centered little jerk. He's friends with those who are useful to him instead of being friends for who they are. And he is telling himself and the reader that is ok, because all kids act like that. I can tell you: no, not all kids are like that. Just jerks like Grubbs are like that.

Still the story was compelling enough to keep reading although there was a lot of grumbling towards Grubbs. I sure am starting to hope that Bill-E will man up and kick Grubbs ungrateful ass.

Things are a bit predictable in this book again, and it seems there was a red herring in a previous book, because something I expected to happen there and thought I'd gotten wrong, happened in this book.

All in all a nice read, although I'm reading it more for the action and the other characters than for Grubbs. I'll pick up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining read for younger teens.


Buy from bookdepository

Friday, 10 November 2017

Dead But Not Forgotten - Book Review


Dead But Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse
Anthology


What is it about:
Charlaine Harris' smash-hit Sookie Stackhouse series may have reached its conclusion, but the world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, lives on in this all-new collection of 15 stories. Written by a killer lineup of authors, including New York Times best-sellers Rachel Caine, MaryJanice Davidson, Jonathan Maberry and Seanan McGuire, and with introductions by Charlaine herself, Dead but Not Forgotten puts your favorite characters center stage.

The stories included in Dead but Not Forgotten are:

"Nobody's Business" by Rachel Caine (featuring Kevin Pryor & Kenya Jones)
"Tyger, Tyger" by Christopher Golden (featuring Quinn)
"The Real Santa Claus" by Leigh Perry (featuring Diantha)
"Taproot" by Jeffrey J. Mariotte (featuring Andy Bellefleur)
"Knit a Sweater Out of Sky" by Seanan McGuire (featuring Amelia)
"Love Story" by Jeanne C. Stein (featuring Adele Hale Stackhouse)
"The Million-Dollar Hunt" by Jonathan Maberry (featuring Mustapha Khan)
"Borderline Dead" by Nicole Peeler (featuring Desiree Dumas)
"Extreme Makeover Vamp Edition" by Leigh Evans (featuring Bev & Todd)
"Don't Be Cruel" by Bill Crider (featuring Bubba)
"What a Dream I Had" by Nancy Holder (featuring Alcide Herveaux)
"Another Dead Fairy" by Miranda James (featuring Claude & Claudia Crane)
"The Bat-Signal" by Suzanne McLeod (featuring Luna)
"The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars" by Dana Cameron (featuring Pam Ravenscroft)
"Widower's Walk" by MaryJanice Davidson (featuring Eric Northman)

Dead but Not Forgotten was edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner.


What did I think of it:
I thought the idea of letting other authors write stories in the Sookie Stackhouse universe was too interesting to let this book go unread. It was on sale at bookdepository as well, so all the more reason to finish my Sookie Stackhouse experience by reading this anthology.

And it is a fun read.

It was interesting to see what characters the authors had picked to write about. Some were favorites of mine as well, others left me cold.

My favorite stories were Nobody's Business by Rachel Caine, The Real Santa Claus by Leigh Perry and The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars by Dana Cameron.

I will confess I skipped a few stories, especially the ones about characters I really didn't like (Amelia, anyone?).

All in all a nice read that I recommend to fans of the series.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable anthology.


buy from bookdepository

Thursday, 9 November 2017

On McPig's Wishlist - Rage


Rage (Stormheart #2)
by Cora Carmack


Princess or adventurer.

Duty or freedom.

Her Kingdom or the Stormhunter she loves.

If Aurora knows anything, it's that choices have consequences. To set things right, she joins a growing revolution on the streets of Pavan.

In disguise as the rebel Roar, she puts her knowledge of the palace to use to aid the rebellion. But the Rage season is at its peak and not a day passes without the skies raining down destruction. Yet these storms are different—they churn with darkness, and attack with a will that’s desperate and violent.

This feels like more than rage.



Expected publication: June 5th 2018
pre-order at bookdepository


Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Dead Ever After - Book Review


Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13)
by Charlaine Harris


What is it about:
There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart...

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough...


What did I think of it:
I did it! I managed to finish the Sookie Stackhouse series.

I will admit: it was a bumpy ride. Sookie wasn't an easy character to love for me, and in book eight I got so angry at her it took me years to continue the series.

Still I enjoyed the series overall. The characters, the mysteries, the world building were all enticing enough to convince me to get reading again, even after my anger at Sookie.

I couldn't help being spoilered about the ending of the series: it was all over the internet when this book came out. But I think Harris worked towards this ending, so even without the spoilers I wouldn't have been surprised. I thought it was a fitting end for this series.

The overall plot of this book isn't the best in the series, but entertaining enough that you won't hear me grumble. And all's well that ends well for one of my favorite characters, so I was happy about that.

All in all a nice ending for an entertaining and mostly enjoyable series.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable UF read.


buy from bookdepository

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Teaser Tuesdays - Bodies in Motion


"Yes." The word was divorced from any emotion, her face blank and uncaring.
"So, you would have the skill level to open a door in the Enclave Shield."

(page 22, Bodies in Motion by Liana Brooks)


Buy from Amazon

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Monday, 6 November 2017

Fairytale Christmas - Book Review


Fairytale Christmas (The Fair Folk Saga #1)
by Merrie Destefano


What is it about:
Three thousand years ago, a war began between the immortals and the mortals. It's a war that continues to this day...

Before history began, a legendary queen battled a foreign army, braved the death of her husband, and faced betrayal at the hand of someone she trusted. This is the story of Eire, Queen of the Faeries, the Immortal One, and the leader of the Tuatha de Danann.

To this day, her homeland, Ireland, bears her name, and this is the story of the war that drove the Immortal Ones into exile. It's also the tale of how she found help from an unexpected place, leading her to a love like she had never known before.

Fairytale Christmas is a story that spans thousands of years. It's also the beginning of all of our fairytales and legends; it's where mortals and immortals survive because they love one another, proving that love is the greatest gift of all.

This is the first installment in the Saga of the Fair Folk, a journey that lasts until the end of time.


What did I think of it:
I usually don't want anything Christmassy before December 6th, but the cover of this novella was too gorgeous to resist.

And luckily it also turned out less Christmassy than the title suggests, making it a beautiful read for any time of the year.

This is a story about Eire, Queen of the Faeries. It is a beautiful, bitter-sweet tale of betrayal, loyalty and love. I was hooked from the start and finished it in one sitting. I could easily picture Eire and the trials she goes through. There was one scene where things got a bit confusing, but apart from that this is a magical and suspenseful tale.

I will certainly keep an eye out for more.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful Fantasy read.


Buy from Amazon

Friday, 3 November 2017

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns - Book Review


Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress #1)
by Julie C. Dao


What is it about:
An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.


What did I think of it:
I love a good fairytale retelling, or as in this case reimagining, so when I heard about this book it immediately ended up on my wishlist.

And this is a wonderful read.

Even though this is a reimagining instead of a retelling and it tells the story of the rise to power of the Evil Queen - something the original fairytale of Snow White doesn't show - there are similarities to be found. But this tale is so beautiful and engrossing that those similarities are the last thing on your mind. I was too invested in the story to be busy comparing anyway.

Xifeng is a character who I could both relate to and despise, depending on the choices she made. During the story my opinion on her kept changing, but even at the moments I didn't like her I still wanted to keep reading to find out if her plans would work out.

The world building is absolutely beautiful. I could easily picture the settings, from the enchanted forest to the palace everything felt real.

The way this books ends makes that you could easily read it as a standalone, but also hints at enough things still to come to make you want to get hold of the next book. I will most certainly keep an eye out.

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful Fantasy read.


Buy from bookdepository

Thursday, 2 November 2017

TBR Orphans Challenge - Update



Thanks to the fact I decided to try to finish the Sookie Stackhouse series I read a total of 4 orphans in October.

Two of them had been in my TBR pile since May 2014 and one since last January. Add the second book in the Mediator omnibus to that and I'm on a roll.

How about your challenges?

Wednesday, 1 November 2017

The Language of Thorns - Book Review


The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (The Grisha)
by Leigh Bardugo & Sara Kipin (Illustrator)


What is it about:
Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.


What did I think of it:
This is such a gorgeous book!

My copy was an extra book in the October 2017 FairyLoot box and as I understand it differs from the regular version in that the text on the cover has another color.

That explained: Just look at the beautiful illustrations within this book:


Even if the stories had turned out to be mediocre or worse, I'd have kept this book just for the illustrations alone.

Luckily the stories are also amazing!

They all read like Fairytales or Fables. In some the fairytale that inspired the story is still faintly recognizable, but Bardugo has taken them in new directions and made them her own. I understand these are the tales people in her Grishaverse books tell each other, and these stories made me curious about this world. You can bet I'll read more of her books in the near future.

There are six stories, and I loved them all - The way Bardugo tells them paints a vivid picture and the beautiful illustrations in the margin build up to a climax along with the story - but my favorites are The Soldier Prince and When Water Sang Fire. Both of these have a certain melancholy that spoke to me.

All in all this book was more than what I had expected and it is a definite keeper. I can advice this to anyone who loves a good fairytale.

Why should you read it:
It has gorgeous illustrations and beautiful stories.


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