Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.

Synopsis:

This is the exclusive collectors edition hardback with bonus features inside because we are fancy on this blog.

Victor and Eli started out as college roomates – brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in one another. A shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death-experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horrible wrong. They become EOs, ExtraOrdinaries, leaving a body in their wake and turning on each other.

Ten years later Victor has escaped from prison and is determined to get his revenge on the man who put him there, aided by a young girl with the ability to raise the dead. Eli has spent the years hunting down and killing every EO he can find, convinced that they are a crime against God, all except his sidekick, a woman whose power is persuasion and whom he cannot defy. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the arch-nemeses have set a course for revenge – but who will be left alive in the end?

My Thoughts…

V.E. Schwab never fails to disappoint! Having already read the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy I definitely went into Viscous with high expectations, safe to say my expectations were met if not exceeded. The first thing I want to talk about is the characters. She has crafted such interesting characters that had me incredibly eager to read on. Without sounding to cliché there was so many layers to all of the characters and you never quite know everything about them. Victor and Eli, being main characters clearly show this, whether you love or hate them both leave you with so much intrigue. One of my absolute favourite characters despite her being a villain was Serena, she was so fascinating, I couldn’t help but love the whole bitch role, she honestly a whirl wind, a storm within herself, a force to be reckoned with and a complete bad-ass. Sydney and Mitch also were enjoyable to read, I cannot wait to see how they (especially Sydney) progress in the sequel.

The actual plot I found very enjoyable, I had just finished a very long series so coming out of it I wanted something to prevent me from falling into a slump and would grab my attention, which I certainly got. This book definitely gave a superhero vibe through out that I loved, if you however are not in to that sort of thing I don’t necessarily think you should be giving this a read. This is a twisted tale about friendship and bitter betrayal and I struggle to put into words how fucking good it is. The plot, the characters, the interactions, the absolute crazy shite that Victor and Eli come out with will leave you at a loss for words. You cant help but appreciate Eli’s intelligence all while wanting to punch him in the face for being so ignorant. The juxtaposition is mind boggling. Not to mention his idiocy makes you root for Victor even more, as far as anti-heroes go: I. am. all. For. Victor. You 100% will question his intentions and his true nature but your hope for him to be good and win is completely overriding your questions about whether he’s absolutely bonkers.

It was such a rollercoaster, a very dark, winding, slightly unhinged rollercoaster but I suppose those are the best kind. Maybe not the best but the most thrilling. It was amazing to read, the writing itself was easy to get through. I was never bored or confused and nothing was longwinded. The way we jump between the past and the present in each chapter was particularly enjoyable.

My Rating…

I mean there is nothing really else to say. Five out of five because it was AMAZING. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone! I’d recommend it to a half dead relative just to maybe convince them that they may develop some weird ability, they probably wouldn’t like me too much after but it’s all shits and giggles.

P.S. I do usually post on Sundays but I have quite a busy weekend so enjoy the early post you don’t know how lucky you are.

Keep reading xoxo

Fairyloot Unboxing: February

Sorry about this post being slightly later than usual but hey ho! I haven’t actually got a schedule for when I am posting so maybe I should sort that out. As you can probably tell today’s post is going to be an unboxing of the February Fairyloot box! This month’s theme is Beast & Beauty and I was super excited to receive this one! On the right is a picture of the box with just about everything in it. I had already looked at all the contents so this was me trying to neatly, I’m using that word in the loosest sense, put everything back inside.

So, first we have a very VERY large wall tapestry designed by Sweet Sequels. It features a dancing scene between Belle and the Beast, it is absolutely stunning! Considering I’m not ten foot tall (5’1 incase your wondering) I couldn’t get a picture of the whole thing but I got a little snap of the cute couple, the best part in my opinion.

Next, we are onto the enchanted rose inspired cup or “sparkly tumbler” as they so very fancily put it in the spoiler card. It has the enchanted rose on one side and then a quote from Beauty and the beast on the other. It was designed by Taratjah and KDP Letters. I love it, I’m a HUGE fan of the colour gold and anything that sparkles so I was very pleased to see this.

The third item is a Ceramic Trinket Dish, which they have never before included, for putting your little jewellery bits in. It is in fact on my bedside table with some of my jewellery bits in. The dish has a quote from Beauty and the Beast and was designed by Drop And Give Me Nerdy, it is SO cute.

We also have, well me not you, well maybe you, who knows, a Tea With Mrs. Potts Roll-On perfume (vegan), which is made/designed by Little Heart Gifts. The scent is sweet tea and vanilla and it has certainly grew on me. I usually wear quite floral perfume and this is very much vanilla, something that I would really like as a candle but it is still very nice all the same.

Next this box featured an Enchanted Rose Enamel Pin, designed by IceyDesigns. This is so cute and believe it or not by first ever bookish pin!

How gorgeous is this Belle art print though? Ahh sooo pretty! This was designed by @amaretta_ . Next to the print is what looks like a book mark featuring City of Brass on.

Fairyloot have been featuring collectable Tarot cards in their boxes in December, they are currently doing the A Court Of Thorns and Roses series, which I am very happy about. In this box Mor and Rhysand were featured, they are so pretty. All the artwork for these cards were done by Emily Haynes. I am very excited to receive more of these cards.

The book featured in this box this month is A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. I predicted this book and was so excited to get it and this cover is absolutely stunning! The spine of the book is holographic and oh my god I am obsessed. It may be one of my favourite covers ever. On the left of the book you can see February’s Fairyscoop and on the right we have a few things. How cute is the little signed bookplate? We also have a large bookmark (that is a bookmark right?) with the book cover on. The Fairyloot bookmark with the theme art on, I LOVE the theme art. Finally, an art print inspired by the book itself, designed by @kf1n3.

Overall, this box has been amazing, I am so excited to keep receiving Fairyloot. Definitely worth it!

Keep reading xoxo

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare

Yes. Yes. Yes. It is what I am sure you have been waiting for… the last Goodreads review I will be posting on here. I do actually have a couple more but I think the time has come to stop with that. So, here it is: the last, the final, the ever amazing Goodreads review.

“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”

~This review will have a non spoiler section and a spoiler section further on, there will be a warning before the spoilers.~

I really really enjoyed this book, it was so fun and interesting and has made me ALOT more excited to read on about the shadowhunter world.

This book does however include a love triangle, a trope that many love and many despise. If you fall into the despise category I would advise to STAY CLEAR of this because it is a huge part of the storyline.

I have to say I pretty much liked all of the main characters and a lot of the interactions were so enjoyable to read. I also thoroughly enjoyed the time period it was set in, I found it so interesting to read, particularly how the treatment of people (especially women) differs to nowadays.

We follow our main girl Tessa, who I have to say is ALOT less annoying then Clary thank sweet baby Jesus, and her coming from America to London and her discovery of the shadowhunter world and everything in it. We also get to see her development with her own abilities and she meets a bunch of interestig characters; the good, the bad and the fookin weird.
We get to see her experience romance, action, magic and betrayal dun dun duuuuun.

I gave this book a four stars because I liked it a lot but there wasn’t enough OH MY GOD moments, so I am definitely anticipating that for the next two books but I have really high hopes!

~Spoilers~

So, this book took me on a journey and I was loving every minute!
I would first like to point out that I LOVE that Tessa LOVES books, I think that brings abit of joy to everyone involved.
Tessa, Will and Jem. The love triangle is pretty evident and extremely significant to the story. Obviously we have to have a Will, that arrogant ass hole that we all just love and to be honest I was so shipping him and Tessa throughout most of the book even though Jem is literally the nicest boy ever (kind of hate myself for it but oh well). BUT when we got to the end of the book and Will said some things to Tessa, YOU KNOW WHAT I’M ON ABOUT, I was like FUCK NO. I was rooting for him so bad to let his walls down and ughhhh he was just so horrible. I honestly don’t even know what to do like he’s gonna have to do some serious making up. I’m in some SERIOUS turmoil at the moment.

Send help.
Anyway back to the actual plot.

We see Tessa discover and develop her powers because she’s part Warlock, I’m very interested to find more about her though because we definitely haven’t heard the full story.
We see her come into the institute and meet the whole gang: Charlotte, Henry, Jem, Will, Jessamine, Thomas, Sophie and Agatha.
Also I hope Jessamine gets some well needed character development because I want to like her but my God it’s bloody hard like I do at some points and then others I’m like really bitch?

Even though a lot of the book for me was a tad on the predictable side one thing that really wasn’t was Nate’s betrayal like idk if it was just me that didn’t see it coming? It just hit me and I was like NO WAY. Lawwwd it was so juicy.

So, when all the shit did hit the fan and everyone was tricked and it was just the girls, Nate and Thomas left in the house I was like this is so not going to end well.

Obviously it didn’t.

Poor Agatha, I mean I wasn’t too hurt by her death because she wasn’t a character we got to see really but oh well, what did hit me was Thomas. I was so not expecting to feel as sad as I did. I think it was the whole being inlove with Sophie and then saying to Will that he wasn’t a shadowhunter, it all just hit me in the feelings.

When Tessa was threatening to stab herself, ofcourse I didn’t want her to die but the way she was so willing and just acted like a bad bitch I was like YES GURL.

Also need to mention Jem. Like he deserves the world. He is too precious. What I can’t get over though is he is literally DYING. Like are we going to see him die? Will it be in the books? I don’t know whats going to happen to him let alone the relationship with him and Tessa. I just don’t know how I feel about it all.

The whole romance has maybe kind of taken over the other plotlines for me to be honest at the moment but I’m not mad.
I can’t wait to read on with this series, I’m loving these characters so much already!
I have enjoyed this first book more than the first two books of the mortal instrument series (the third was pretty damn good so idk).

Which series did you prefer and why?

Keep reading xoxo

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, #3) by Cassandra Clare

Ahhh once again this is a Goodreads review so beware!! After this there is only ONE more Goodreads review so. Get. Excited.

She supposed they were imperfections, these marks, but they didn’t feel that way to her; they were a history, cut into his body: the map of a life of endless war.

Showcasing my paperback edition. It’s actually so easy for the cover and spine to crack and look rough.

~There will be a non-spoiler section and a spoiler section further on, there shall be a warning before the spoilers don’t worry.~

YES YES YES.

This was definitely the step up, the ooomph I needed to really get me more invested in this series. It was alot more gripping and fast-paced. Action, arguments, love and all that gooood stuff were stuffed in here

.
So, this is the third installement in The Mortal Instrument series and this is where it is at so far, it went down.
My expectations had definitely lowered after reading the first two due to them just not meeting them but this has got me starting to see what the hype is about.
We got to meet some new characters and I connected more with the characters that we have already met. I received some answers that I wanted and a well needed confrontation. There hasn’t been a full on sob worthy moment for me yet but I’m patiently waiting for one!
Overall, this has made me excited to continue on with the series, although I am reading Clockwork Angel first because apparently that is the best way to read them.

4/5 stars, I thouroghly enjoyed this one.

~Spoilers ahead!!~

We got to meet Luke’s sister!! I haven’t formed much of an opinion of her to be honest she seems like someone that could be likeable but there were too many other things that had my attention. BUT hearing that she was ashamed of Luke due to what happened to him was irratating like wtf that’s your brother?

We learn that Simon can walk in the sun because he drank Jace’s blood because he’s got more angel blood in him or something idk what’s gonna happen with Simon in the next books but I’m excited to find out.

OH MY LORDDDD when Clary walked in on Aline and Jace God I felt for her like reading the build up to that moment I was like oh no oh no oh no, the tension was running high!!
AND THEN my heart literally cracked when Jace was being a complete ass to her and telling her to go home I was reading like wtf are you doing? Pissing all over her parade mate. And then she was like your just like Valentine I was like OMG NO SHE DIDN’T. God it was so horrid yet so good.
Then we got that all good confrontation and she was throwing plates and then herself at him God I loved that, it was so needed.

Then he took her to the manor where they discovered that angel guy (pretty sure the name is Ithuriel but if it isn’t don’t crucify me) and then that angel guy died but before he died he showed them some pretty pictures. But enough of that, when that angel guy died the manor went down with it AND bloody Jace and Clary were lying on the grass only just nearly getting it on!!! At this point they were still brother and sister so I was reading it like I don’t know whether to be on board with it or not (totally on board). Obviously it couldn’t end happily and they had a little huff with each other and resumed their moods. They return to Alicante only to find the city on fire. Yeah great.

OMFG NOW THIS PART I WAS LIKE NO. NO. NO. NO. Before I get into it I best mention my feelings on Sebastian because he’s a new one. At first I was kind of rooting for him to be a good character like I did not ship him and Clary at all but I was boarding his train as a character. And then little things started to happen and I was like oh just great he’s gonna turn out to be an asswipe. I was correct. Right but Jesus Christ I thought he fully killed Isabelle I was like no, no way this is happening. But it was just a cheeky death scare. I LOVE Isabelle so thank the high heavens she’s not dead.

My heart when Magnus said he loved Alec. Oh I actually adore them I cannot wait to see where those two go like so far those two are my number 1 ship.

So, we find out that the person Simon has been locked up with (oh yeah Simon got locked up lol) was the one and only Hodge. Jace and the rest of them got Simon and Hodge out of the cells only for Sebastian to kill Hodge, I think because Hodge was going to tell them some important info.

Max. The poor guy. I wasn’t distraught with this death or anything, we didn’t get to see him all that much but still, awww.

From morbid to excited. I LEGIT THOUGHT SIMON AND ISABELLE GOT IT ON. I love them together, I ship them way more than Simon and Maia buttttt definitely the wrong time to be doing THAT

.
“There is no pretending,” Jace said with absolute clarity. “I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there’s a life after that, I’ll love you then.” MY HEART.

Jocelyn came back, idk what her role is gonna be in all this, she’s just kind of there. Was cute though when her and Luke declared their love for each other. Awww.

We finallyyyyyyy found out that Clary and Jace weren’t related (who would have guessed) so now I am openly, proudly and fully aboard their ship. So, Sebastian is actually Jonathan and Jace is Stephen’s son and the Inquistor’s (Imogen) grandson and Valentine cut him out of his dead mothers belly. Interesting.

Alec and Magnus KISSING infront of EVERYONE was the highlight of the book.

Is Sebastian dead? That is the question, somehow I think not. Valentine is though so that’s good because he bored me, Sebastian seems like a much more interesting villain.

The ending of this actually felt like the ending full stop to be honest it was weird. Like there was unanswered questions and things but I guess I mean I have no problem jumping into Clockwork Angel because I wasn’t left on a cliffhanger or anything, which I have to say I’m actually grateful for.
I’m so excited to see what happens next when I get around to jumping back into the series!!

Keep reading xoxo

Alice (The Chronicles of Alice #1) by Christina Henry

This is a Goodreads so as you may have gathered from previous reviews it. Will. Be. Messy.

“That is true,” Alice said. “I could never understand you.” She would never comprehend the need to hurt those who never hurt her, the need to hate for the sake of hating. She never wanted to rule over others in fear.

I do love this creepy cover! I don’t know if you can see but I tabbed this book with pink paper tabs. Don’t judge my basicness, I have evolved.

~This review will have a none spoiler section and then a spoiler filled section further on,(there will be a warning before the spoilers) enjoy!~

Honestly, I was quite underwhelmd with this book. It’s not a bad book but it’s not particularly great either. I didn’t know what I was quite expecting going into this, I was excited to read something abit different, a dark, twisted retelling of Alice in wonderland. I enjoyed parts of the book and I appreciated the writing (although at times I did think it was pretty basic) and was delightfully disturbed at parts but overall I guess I just wasn’t hooked.

I did enjoy the concept of the story being told after Alice went ‘down the rabbit hole’. It was really interesting to see how Henry executed it. The story was dark and creepy, which I think was done pretty well, at parts I was deeply unsettled (in a good way).

The ending though… didn’t do it for me it wasn’t an OMG moment, it isn’t something that’s going to stay with me, I’m not going to be thinking about it in a couple of months, it was pretty boring. There is a second book that continues this story and I’m not going to be fighting people at the book shop to get it.

If you are thinking about reading this book it’s an average reads with some enjoyable parts.
3/5 stars because it was decent. You may love it but I just wasn’t captivated. In my opinion, this book isn’t a necessity, you won’t die if you don’t read it but it’s by no means a bad book.

Trigger warning: this book doea include things such as rape, which may upset you as a reader, if so this book isn’t for you.

~Spoilers ahead~

So, we start off seeing Alice in a hospital for the mentally ill where she is confined to all in all a crappy room. She is basically being called crazy because after escaping from the rabbit (bad bad guy by the way) she can’t remember everything that has happened to her and when your daughter comes home spouting nonsense about an evil rabbit the first thing your mum would do would be to lock you up in a mental hospital, right?

Inside this mental hospital she becomes friends with Hatcher (a murderer but a nice guy really) next door. I honestly thought Hatcher was going to turn out to be evil but he stayed good to Alice throughout the book, thank God! I couldn’t have Hatcher killing Alice on me. I found their relationship abit odd, I didnt hate it but at times I was slightly confused.

Anyway, we see the hospital getting burned down and Hatcher and Alice’s escape.

Plot twist!

It’s not just them that escape but the Jabberwocky!! Who, they now need to go and defeat. Not only that but Hatcher is a seer and so is magically linked to the Jabberwocky and can sense when it’s close which sends Hatcher abit (a lot) loopy.
Hatcher in general is just abit (a lot) loopy and when you anger him he tends to ‘see red’ and kill you, spectacular I know!

The first important stop is Chesire’s house.
I found him a very intriguing character and wished there was more actual interactions with him, I found myself wanting to read more about him.

After some strange trickery from Chesire we then see Alice and Hatcher meet up with the caterpillar and my word the caterpillar’s home was a distubing scene. Basically a brothel.

Also a moment just for the Walrus. Vile. Vile. Vile
Stealing women and eating them WHILE he rapes them, (we later find out he was eating them to uncover whether they were a magcian or not as he was trying to steal their power because he was meant to buy Alice who, PLOT TWIST is a a magician as well as the Jabberwocky).

Back to the caterpillar, their conversation was interesting, we got to find out the story of Hatcher and how he actually worked for the rabbit in exchange for protection for his wife and later his dauhter against the big bad world.
That turns sour because their daughter, Jenny, is that stunning that the rabbit has Hattie, the mum, raped and murdered and the daughter stolen away to far far away. Just the usual thing you do to pretty girls.
Alice then being the bad ass she is gives the caterpillar the knife to the throat. Fully deserved!

Next stop the walrus. I wasn’t happy with these scenes. The walrus was bigged up throughout this book to be some big, scary character and in my opinion he went down way to easily. No tension. No suspense.
I get he wasn’t the main villian so perhaps not alot went into his storyline but he was a big obstacle in the way of their ultimate goal but it seemed like Alice and Hatcher had no issue of ridding themselves of the him.
It wasn’t even that their plan was made to be unrealistcally perfect or anything, I think it was just too short. I would have liked the walrus to put up abit more of a fight.

We then finally get to encounter the rabbit, who turns out to be some frail, old man because Alice took his eye out (when she previously went down the rabbit hole), taking his magic with him due to this magical knife she used (WHICH IS WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR TO DESTROY THE JABBERWOCKY ONLY ALICE THREW IT IN THE RIVER AGESSSSS AGO).
Not much to say about the Rabbit except he was abit weird. Again they seemed to roll right through him – onto the Jabberwocky.

I was sooooooo happy when Alice faced the Jabberwocky alone, Hatcher had been referred to as her protector throughout the book so seeing her able to take on this main villian alone was so pleasing to read.
However, again this villian was portrayed as an incredibly powerfull, ultimately evil type of baddy but Alice, who couldn’t even control her powers properly turned him into a BUTTERFLY. I don’t even know what to say. Amusing? Bizzare?

The ending really was quite predictable, similar to a fairy tale ending but it did set up for the second book nicely.
The adventure to Hatcher’s daughter, which I assume will be the main plotline in the sequel.
It felt like eveything was too much of a picture perfect ending and I needed something to grab me and make me want to pick up the next one and although this book had some good aspects unfortunately I just didn’t have that something that I needed.

A decent read but nothing spectacular.

I’m interested to see how other people found this book and if you picked the second book up what are your thoughts?A dencent book with some enjoyable disturbing scenes, a good read but not really a “go get it now” type of read.

Keep reading xoxo

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

This is a review from my Goodreads page so be warned it is most likely to be slightly chaotic.

“You are mortal; you age; you die,” the queen said dismissively. “If that is not hell, pray tell me, what is?”

Paper back edition, the same as the first and the rest of the series I have. Look how messy my tabs are!

~This will have a non spoiler section and spoiler section further on, there shall be warnings before the spoilers don’t worry~

So, this is a tricky one for me really because there isn’t a whole bunch to say.
This is the second book in the mortal instruments series andddd it was… alright. I have heard such AMAZING things about this series and the hype surrounding it was crazy so maybe I went in with my expectations a little too high. It’s not bad by any means it just wasn’t incredibly gripping.

However, I have heard that the first two books were slower and they do get better so I’m definitely continuing clinging to my hope that this series will grab me by the balls at some point. It is okay so far i’m just waiting for a sweep me off my feet kind of moment.

The rating for me? 3/5 stars because I’m liking it but I’m not completely sold so far.

Have you read the series? If so what are your thoughts on this book?

~Spoilers ahead!~

What I do really love about this series so far is the humour between the characters! Starting off with Alec losing his shit “mostly extinct… IS NOT EXTINCT ENOUGH”, like how random but how bloody amusing. I’m really starting to love Alec, his character is so interesting and developing really nicely, I’m excited to see where he ends up.

We have a little smooch scene with Simon and Clary, and I’m just NOT. FOR. IT. I don’t ship them at all but I do love their friendship.

OMG PAGE 138 when Alec’s hand was on Jace and Magnus coughed and I could just picture him thinking HELL NO BIATCH, oh I just loved it, chuckle worthy moment. I can’t wait to see more Magnus and Alec!

The back and forth between Jace and Simon is comedy gold, definitely some of my favourite character interactions! I really appreciate little moments like these in books, mixing this with other elements and you really are onto a winner! One of my favourite moments was when Jace was like “I knew you wanted to kiss me” , like wtf ahahaha.
Speaking of kissing that whole seelie court scene JESUS CHRIST like I genuinely don’t know how to feel about this situation, it was quite uncomfortable to read but I just couldn’t stop, not going to lie I weirdly liked it, oh well. It’s also so obvious that they are just not related. I don’t believe it at all.

When Clary was yelling at Jace telling him she wished Simon was her brother I actually got abit emosh! I felt like it was kind of written off though because he took her “sickening” comment extremely bad. I didn’t like that. He could have been more a whole lot more understanding, she thinks your related how is she meant to feel?
Then we got a death scare. Simon, Simon, Simon. Like you have got to be KIDDING ME I was like hell no this is not about to happen. Ofcourse, it didn’t actually happen because authors love to give you a little death scare and then miraculously bringing them back to life or somehow they didn’t actually die. I don’t know if you can tell but I’m very split when it comes to killing but not really killing a character off. Aslong as it doesn’t happen multiple times I really don’t mind but if it doesn’t it honestly getting annoying.

Jace jumping about the place like a flippin kangaroo was pretty cool, we all knew he was special but I wonder how all that’s going to play out along with Clary’s magical power.

AND THEN WE GET ANOTHER DEATH SCARE FROM SIMON. I understand a death scare. I even sometimes like a death scare BUT twice in one book. The book is not even big. NO. No thanks. Wasn’t here for it.
Oh yes, Simon is no longer Simon, he is now vampy Simon. I can get on board with this idea, I’m intrigued to see where he is going. This being the reason I wasn’t too bothered about the first death scare because it had a PURPOSE to the plot line but the second death scare for me just didn’t really serve any purpose.
OMFG the conversation between Jace and Clary at the end was so FRUSTRATING! I was like yes she’s going to declare her love for him despite their situation and then he INTERRUPTS and is all like oh you were right like NO SHE WASN’T WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? And then Clary JUST WALKS OUT. NONONONO you don’t do that you say listen here Jace mate this is what I want. AHHHH.
I mean I guess it does build more tension and gets me excited for when they do actually have THAT conversation which will hopefully be in the next book.

P.S. I’m also still waiting for Clary to be less annoying, feel free to tell me when that is!

I’m hoping book 3 will pick up more and grab hold of me because it definitely has the potential to really get me invested. It has all the teenage cringe and problems mixed with this magical world which does get me excited. I just need some real twists and turns, something unexpected. So, on with the next book!!

Keep reading xoxo

Fairyloot Unboxing

Hey Hello Hi.

Today’s post as you can probably tell is going to be the January Fairyloot unboxing! Fairyloot is a subscription box for Young Adult fantasy lovers that features around 5-6 bookish items related to the theme and then of course the exclusive Fairyloot edition book.

This is actually only my second box from Fairyloot so I’m pretty much a new subscriber but I had been wanting to subscribe for a while previously. Honestly, this subscription just seemed right up my street so I am incredibly excited!

This months theme is *drumroll please* … Unbreakable Bonds!!

Let’s get straight into it then. So this is what the box looks like, the spoiler card has the theme art on (how gorgeous), which is done by Fairyloot’s official artist, @taratjah.

So, first we have this exclusive Dregs hair band, which is inspired by The Dregs in Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. It was designed by Fictiontea Designs. Ahh I haven’t read Six of Crows YET (I know shoot me). I do have the book though so its just getting around to it, I have the collectors edition and its sooooo stunning. I cant wait to get around to it (I want to read Shadow and Bone first though). This hair band is so cute and thank Jebus because I’ve been needing one so I’m super happy!

Next we have some Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from The Tea Leaf Co, which is inspired by The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson and the characters on the front are Lia and Pauline (if you didn’t notice). Now this is definitely an item I can get on board with! I have tried it and I can say it tastes bloody fantastic. Again I haven’t read The Remnant Chronicles but again it is on the long list of books I would like to pick up soon.

FAN GIRL MOMENT. Will and Jem candle? YES FOOKIN PLEASE. This is an exclusive Will and Jem candle by Geeky Clean, inspired by the Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. The scents is tea and sage, I really like the smell, its quite strong and smells really fresh. I have read the first two books of the Infernal devices trilogy and after I finish City of Lost Souls the last book is the very next I am picking up. I. CAN’T. WAIT.

How cute is this? This is an exclusive Lip Balm by Book and Nook. It’s inspired by the friendship between Jules and Arsinoe in Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. The lip Balm kind of smells like Palma Violets but when actually on the lips feels quite minty fresh so Idk what’s going on there. I have read the first two books in this trilogy and I do have the third it is just a matter of getting around to it. I love Arsinoe but to be honest I actually wasn’t the hugest fan of Jules. This Lip Balm is cute though.

Fairyloot are now including collectable tarot card theme trading cards in their boxes and the first set is inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses! This month they have sent out Feyre and Azriel (at first I thought it was Ryhsand but the spoiler card rectified that and I am now aware that it’s my baby Azriel). I’ve read the series (obviously) I love the series (obviously) so I am very happy with the inclusion of these cards and what a good idea in general anyway?

On the left we have an exclusive Fellowship Friendship woodmark inspired by The Lord of the Rings by Ink and Wonder Designs. How pretty is this design please? I love love love it! The quote on it says “There is some good in this world and it’s worth fighting for”. On the right we have the Fairyloot bookmark, which is included in every months box, it has this months art theme on.

How gorgeous is this?! This is an exclusive Raven Crew cushion cover by Monolimeart and KDP Letters. It features the artwork and quote from The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. The size is 18″ x 18″. I haven’t read this series YET but I am familiar with it and it is on my list.

These two items were also included. They are a Once & Future Postcard and The Black Cats Postcard. I’m not really familiar with either.

And here it is! The main item. The book of the month is Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye. This edition is a Fairyloot exclusive, it has lavender sprayed edges and is actually signed by the author. The character art was designed by @sallteas and I’m loving it! I’m not familiar with the book or the author but it definitely looks like something I would go for so I’m excited to get around to it, whenever that will be.

Overall, I am beyond happy with this box, everything looks to be really good quality and I’m loving all the items. I’m sooo excited for next month! Would I recommend Fairyloot? Yes!

Keep reading xoxo

Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst

Socialite. Were-Dragon. Thief. The only thing worth stealing is the truth.

Synopsis:

This is the Fairyloot edition. It’s sooo pretty and I’m in love with the art print!

Leading your first heist is a major milestone in Sky Hawkin’s family even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It’s a chance to gain power and acceptance within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated – especially when you’re a wyvern, a human capable of transforming into a dragon. Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky’s mission uncovers deep secrets about the mother who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family’s wealth and rank in their community. With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows that she has everything she needs to complete her first heist – and get back the people she loves in the process. But instead, she ends up discovering a dark truth about were-dragon society – a truth that is more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.

My Thoughts…

Spoilers Ahead!

Fire and Heist was a fun and entertaining read! I hadn’t heard anything about it previously so diving into this read I was slightly apprehensive, especially with the book being so short (290!!) and being under the impression that it was a stand alone. Like a Fantasy stand alone? Pure madness! I was impressed, I’m not going to be too critical with this read because I didn’t find it to be particularly bad and it doesn’t delve into sensitive topics. It was honestly just a quick light read and I really enjoyed it.

Sky is your typical teenage girl really (despite the OBVIOUS differences), I love having a sarcastic, snarky female lead so I was beyond pleased with her delivery. There was probably a few points were she annoyed me like I wasn’t there for her fawning over boyfriend, keep in minding I LOVE a good romance, Ryan (the love interest) gave me a bad vibe at first and even-though there wasn’t any plot twists and he was in general a good guy there was just something off about him. So, I couldn’t fully invest in the romance, which to be honest is pretty devastating.

As for other characters one of my favourites had to be Maximus! He was just fun to read, amusing, entertaining and didn’t take things to seriously, which I feel is pretty much a must. I found myself wanting to read more about the brothers. We don’t learn a great deal about them, I mean granted this book doesn’t even hit 300 pages so there isn’t really time for a lot of character development, background knowledge and worldbuilding so yes, it’s good for what it is but could there have been more? Absolutely! I didn’t get to have particularly strong feelings about any of the characters because there simply wasn’t enough of them.

I quite enjoyed the plot. It was a good idea, something that definitely caught my eye. However, again there just wasn’t enough of it. You just don’t see many short fantasy books and they aren’t usually stand alones either and to be honest there is probably a reason for it. Don’t get me wrong it was an entertaining, fun read but I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the world or dig my teeth in when I blink a couple of times, take two sips of a cup of tea and then BAM it’s over. You know what I mean?

The conclusion was your standard happy ending. Sky got her boy and her family and her family’s rank was restored. Overall, I was satisfied with the ending, no real plot twists but still, nice.

My Rating…

Originally my rating was a 4/5 stars and it still is that on my Goodreads. However, now that I’m actually discussing it it has gone down to a 3. This doesn’t mean “oh my god it was bad” it just means it was good but the more I think on it the more I realise I was expecting it to be better and my expectation is what was reflected in my initial rating. It was a good read though and I did enjoy it but there wasn’t enough and comparing it with other books I have gave 4s to, it just doesn’t make the cut. The ideas and potential of this book was huge but the execution while yes, it was decent and enjoyable, could have been better. I still would recommend for an entertaining, light read but if your looking for a book that is going to take you on a rollercoaster then this is not really the book to go to.

Keep reading xoxo

Catwoman Soulstealer By Sarah J. Maas

This is a review that is also available on my Goodreads. Here it will have significantly less spelling mistakes because I PROOF READ IT, yes yes I know I go out of my way. Also I mention Kingdom of Ash and at this point it wasn’t out yet so don’t get confused.

She scanned his handsome face.”Being normal is a trap.” He blinked. Selina whispered as the song came to a close, “Don’t let it cage you”.

~There will be a non spoiler section and a spoiler section further on. There will be a warning before the spoiler secton don’t worry.~

I have the paperback version of this book, it’s cute, I’m not the biggest fan of people on the cover of books though.

Wow.
Sarah J Maas does it again. I picked this book up because I’ve read Maas’ other work and knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed… suprise surprise I wasn’t! FYI Sarah is the main bitch I love her dearly.

This book is part of the DC icons series however you don’t need to read the others to read this one in the same way you don’t need to read this one to read the others. I do enjoy a good super hero film so I was excited to pick up this and give it a go.
I didn’t expect to get as invested in this story as I did, I planned to drag this book out to be honest becuase I didn’t want to jump into another series in the lead up to kingdom of ash (CANNOT WAIT) so I thought this would be a light read that I wouldn’t be aching to pick up all the time.

My God was I wrong!

Selina’s adventure is honestly so addicting, I got to the end and I just wanted to keep going, Maas honestly knows how to create a strong, bad-ass female lead and I absolutely love her for it.
There was constantly something going on, no parts or chapters where I felt something was lacking. Full of action, emotion, humour and enjoyable character interactions!

I’m highly recommending this book especially if you want a quick stand alone read, this book gives you that thrill and excitement you didn’t even know you needed!
4/5 stars this book was an incredibly pleasant experience.

~Spoilers ahead!!!!~

This book was AMAZING for so many reasons.
First the relationship between Selina and her sister Maggie was so endearing it brought warmth to my cold little heart. It started off establishing this gorgeous bond between these two, showing how Selina would do ANYTHING for Maggie, who is currently extremley ill. However, we see the two girls separated and the adventure for Selina really begins. Throughout her story I constantly had Maggie in the back of my head like where is she at?
It was all tied togother nicely though at the end but we will get to that later.

We then meet Luke, who OMG I instantly fell head over heels for he was just a gorgeous character.
I wasn’t expecting there to be any love really but I was so here for it when these two interacted. Swoooooon.

I enjoyed Selina or Holly should I say and how she played this role of a stuck up rich socialite even though we know she is the complete opposite.
As the story went on though the anticipation for them to take off their masks (physically and metaphorically) was tangible and when they had that scene, you know what I’m talking about in the dark OMG I was gasping for air!

We obviously have to give our other two girls a mention, Harley was a nut case and I loved Ivy.
The notorious Harley Quinn certainly was a chracter, we dont see a great lot of her but what we did see of her was definitely interesting.
Poisin Ivy I just adored her she was great, loyal to a fault and just a sweet heart!!

Then the ending came around and Maggie came back into play.
To find out what Selina had done, all just to save her sister was so heartbreaking, when she was bleeding out still determined to save her sister’s life even though she was on the verge of death herself was so gut wrenching to read.

On top of that to watch Luke put all the pieces together and to instantly help, willing to die himself if it meant Maggie could be saved was just…
Oh my heart, my eyes I’M FEELING ALL THE FEELS.

The only problem I had was the whole being dead and then being brought back to life again, I don’t know I just dont feel it was needed and it happened in Mass’ other series, ACOTAR so it was kind of predictable, if it happens in Kingdom of Ash I’m going to be so annoyed but other than that the story ties up pretty nicely quite a cute ending with everyone ending up happy.

There has been alot of details I haven’t divulged in but I’m always up for a chat and would love to hear what you thought of this incredibly fun read?

Keep reading xoxo

City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare

This is a review from my Goodreads so bear with it. Also just putting it out there reviews that are not from Goodreads shall be a lot more organised!

I knew then that I hadn’t stopped believing in God. I’d just stopped believing God cared. There might be a God, Clary, and there might not, but I don’t think it matters. Either way, we’re on our own. – Jace Lightwood

Paperback, Aus Paperback, 415 pages Published 2015 by Walker.
The spines of this edition are everything.

~There will be a non-spoiler section and a spoiler section further on, there will be a warning before the spoilers don’t worry~

I know, I know i’m incrediby late to the party but to be honest i’m not always for the hype. Diving into this book i’d heard alot of amazing things about this series as a whole but there was a variation with the first book.
Obviously there had been alot of great things said about this one but also the warning that it is abit slow, getting better further on in the series.
I have to say overall I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to continue with this series but i’m just not inlove with it… YET.
So I like it but I don’t love it.
It was just abit too predictable at times for me and there were quite a few situations were Clary annoyed the hell out of me, she was just a very damsel in distress kind of character, I’m hoping that changes throughout. So far I’m liking the plot and interested to see where things go.
Hopefully I will be jumping on the Cassandra Clare bandwaggon because I have heard SO MANY incredible things about her. Would I recommend this? I think I would, I can’t say for definite but it’s a nice introduction into a series.
3/5 stars, on the way but not completely hooked yet.

~spoilers ahead~

For me there were quite a few chuckle worthy moments, which I LOVE in a book, like if you can make me laugh we’re on to something! One of my favourite scenes didn’t play a role in the plot or anything but it was just a YES QUEEN type of moment.
Drum roll please…
Clary smacking Jace!! You know for that other ten percent, it was just so amusing to me, it reminded me off something I would do and we all love a relatable moment. All in all though Clary was pretty annoying at times. I thought there was going to be a part where she REALLY took control and grew abit as a person like don’t get me wrong she does stick up for herself but she near enough always needs saving. I’m really hoping for a bad ass moment soon.
Jace was a very enjoyable character, I mean who doesn’t love an asshole thats really a nice guy deep down? It was pretty easy to like Jace.
So the villain of the story… Valentine, I don’t really know what to make of him just yet other than being a very peculiar guy. He is also Clary’s mum’s husband. What I didn’t get is how Clary didn’t connect the dots that he was her father like she didn’t even wonder??
Slightly strange but hey ho.
Alec really grew on me, I can’t wait to see where his character goes!! SOOO SHIPPING HIM AND MAGNUS.
I was left wanting to know more about Isabelle, I feel like there is alot more to her but so far I’m loving her and her chioce of weapon… YES GURL.
Also quick mention for Simon, he had me laughing a few times. When he was mortified at what Clary was wearing was one of my favourites!! I loved his witty, sarcatic remarks throught aswell, definitely a highlight.
Moving onto to a lurrrve scene we see Jace and Clary kiss it out because who didn’t see that coming? I’m liking them together at the moment though (we do however find some disturbing information out but we will get to that in a minute).
Oh how I HATED when Jace was a complete ass to Clary like he was just nasty in an obvious awkward situation and oh poor Simon. This was another thing that annoyed me about Clary like HOW DID SHE NOT REALISE SIMON FANCIED THE PANTS OFF HER like come on girl whats going on??
‘”you really want to know what else it was my mom said about you?”… “She said you’d break my heart”‘
Literally the moment I realised Simon was too precious and needs to be protected at all costs!!
One thing I didnt’t expect was Hodge’s betrayal, I thought one was coming but I was thinking Luke rather than Hodge so this was a surprise and when that bloody bird attacked Clary I was like SHIT.
Ans then we had the big reveal at the end that Jace is actually Clary’s brother like WTF!! I realised abit erlier on that this was going to happen. When Luke was telling his story and he mentioned white-blonde hair I was thinking wait a minute… WTF.
I have a feeling it’s not going to be true though because there was a few things implying it was a lie but I just don’t see this storyline continuing like that’s abit messed up but i’m intrigued to see how it’s going to play out. I really don’t want to be shipping a brother and sister like nooooo thanks.
So yeah a decent book, not fantastic but major potential with this series.
Excited to see what comes next, hoping that I fall inlove!
What are your thoughts on this book and the series as a whole?

Keep reading xoxo