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

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

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

Christmas Book Haul

Ahhh Christmas is now over and 2019 is just around the corner! This year has honestly whizzed past me, I’ve literally just blinked and BAM 12 months gone. I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and now we can get in to the real reason we are here. Books.

This book is thick AF and there are some gorgeous illustrations. The necklace on the book was an item in the Fairyloot December box.

I got a pretty decent amount of books, very happy with the additions. First up we have Fire and Blood by George R.R Martin. This is pretty much all about the history of the Targaryens and takes place 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones. There will be two-parts to this and my God is the first part thick. Honestly the book is like a mini brick shit house. I am so excited to dive into this read, I’m a HUGE Game of Thrones fan. I’ll probably get into this in April because that’s when the show comes back on and it will hype me up.

Next up we have The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson. This is an Arc that was included in the Fairyloot December box. I’m including the Fairyloot books in this haul but in future I will be doing separate unboxing posts. This book actually comes out July 9th, so that’s pretty exciting that I have it now. What I’m gathering is that this book is about sisters having to restore their kingdom to how it was before it was destroyed by an invading empire. Elemental crows look to be a big part of the story being the source of magic. Overall, this looks promising so I can’t wait to get around to it.

I received Vicious and Vengeful by V.E. Schwab and I. AM. SO. FUCKING. EXCITED. I have heard many good things about this duology and yes I may be slightly late on the bandwagon but better late than never. I can see Schwab becoming one of my favourite authors. This story follows two former college roommates, Victor and Eli. They gain abilities and become ExtraOrdinaries but shizzle happens and Victor ends up in prison but then escapes and that’s all I know!

Left to right: Reflection, A Whole New World, As Old As Time and Once Upon a Dream. Also Reflection looks a lot darker because the book is matte whereas the others are glossy.

I now own four of I don’t know how many of the Disney’s Twisted Tale stories. I’m not too familiar with these books but I’m interested. Reflection is about Mulan and her adventure to the Underworld. I think out of the four I own this is the one I’m least anticipating just because yes I enjoyed Mulan but it was never a favourite. A Whole New World is all about Aladdin if he had never found the lamp. I am looking forward to this one, I loved Aladdin when I was younger. As Old As Time is based on Beauty and the Beast and what would have happened if Belle’s mother had cursed the Beast. I am very interested in this one! Finally, Once Upon a Dream is probably my most anticipated out of the four. Its based on sleeping beauty a what would have happened if the prince’s kiss didn’t wake her up. I am excited because it looks like we get to see Aurora dominating this story having her own adventure and hopefully *fingers crossed* saving herself.

This cover is sooo pretty like look at them colours. The art print was also included in the Fairyloot and is a picture of Sky. Love.

Next up is the book featured in the Fairyloot December box. Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst. I have never heard of this one but I am so excited to dive into it. It looks like a really fun read. Seems right up my street. We are following the story of Sky Hawkins and her first Heist, which will obviously have some fat twists and turns to keep the story interesting. Sky is also a were- dragon, a human that can turn into a dragon, which I’m very excited to see how this all comes together. The book is actually really short and doesn’t even hit 300 pages, for a fantasy this is bloody short so I’m just gonna go ahead and assume this is the first in a trilogy or series.

I was given The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. I have never heard of this book before, probably because its not something I would necessarily pick up but I am hoping to widen by flavour of books so I am definitely up for giving it a go. This book includes Chinese history so that will be interesting reading about. It is set after the war (don’t ask which one haven’t got a clue pal) and opium flows through the heart of the empire. We follow war orphan Rin, who has fought her way to acquire a place at the Empire’s elite military academy. She learns about drug-fuelled magic and how that could hold the key to defeating the growing threat of the Federation. So yeah not something I would go straight for but it does look quite interesting.

Up next is another V.E Schwab book. This Savage Song. I am super excited to have another Schwab book. This one is not as talked about as much as her other work but I still cannot wait to get into this. We are following the story of Kate and August, the heirs to a divided city. Kate wants to be ruthless whereas August just wants to be human and good-hearted. They have been forced into a tenuous alliance and I’m really liking the sound of it!

These covers have grown on me a lot I think I may love them.

The last series I was given was the Shadow And Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. FINALLY. I am beyond excited to get involved in the Grishaverse. We are following Alina Starkov, a soldier, unleashing magic she didn’t know she had. She now enters the world of royalty as she trains with the Grisha (the country’s magical military elite). Also looks like we have the usual of past secrets and dangerous discoveries. Cannot wait to get stuck in with this world!

Enjoy the New Year! xoxo

Kingdom Of Ash by Sarah J Maas:

This review is actually on Goodreads but you can no longer link Goodreads and WordPress *cue tears* so I will slowly post those reviews on here. If they are from Goodreads I will say so right about here. Enjoy.

Death had been her curse and her gift and her friend for these long, long years. She was happy to greet it again under the golden morning sun.

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

THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!! All I can say is if you haven’t picked this series up yet WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, read it, read it now.
Thankyou Sarah J Maas for allowing me to experience this crazy adventure, it has been my favourite yet.
You know when you find a book that just completes you? That just breaks and remakes you? That you feel yourself relating to on a whole new level?
All my crazed book readers will know the feeling and have a book or book series that brings these feelings out. For me it was this book series, so you can imagine how apprehensive I was to reach the end of the adventure but my God did SJM do it justice.
Such an incredibly bittersweet moment! It was an emotional rollercoaster, alot of twists and turns and NEVER a boring moment. Theres not alot to say without spoiling it except for READ THE GOD DAMN BOOK.
Much love.

~SPOILERS AHEAD~

Well this my friend is going to be along one… I am feeling organised though because I tabbed this book, colour coordinated and eveything *cue the applause* so i’m going to set this out in paragraphs and talk about my OMG moments, momements that gave me all the feels, moments I loved and funny moment (not many, not enough!).

So, up first are my OMG moments and my GAWWWDDD grab your popcorn because theres a fuck ton.
First, did I miss something? Has Maeve mentioned Aelin swearing the blood oath before because I swear I saw that page and was GAPING at the book like WTF.
AND THEN I found out our girl Yrene is PREGNANT, think I was having heart palpataions, only 74 pages in, the thought of that baby not making it the whole way through the book was definitely playing on my mind.
OMG when Nox bloody showed his face I screamed with joy I was hoping to see him turn up!! However where the fook was he at the end like seriously he just disappeared and I was not happy about that at all.
Manon meeting her great-grandmother was cool, slightly unexpected so it made it’s way to my OMG list.
Aedion’s armies had me just shitting myself the whole way through to be honest the tension was tangible “Still Morath did not stop coming” like NO GO AWAY.
Fenrys NOT dying OMG the relief, it’s crazy to think how Fenrys turned from a character we didn’t really now to an essential part of the team… crazy but thank the Gods he didn’t die!
Then we had Lorcan joining the team, which was something I never realised I wanted but trust me I needed, I found it quite amusing aswell.
Back to the armies “there was only ash and dented metal” FOUR THOUSAND SOLDIERS GONE. I remember looking at that part and just saying “Oh piss off”.
When Aelin walked into that tent with Chaol and the rest of them I was JUMPING up and down like YES YES YESSSSS!!
When the matrons found Manon OMG I was thinking surely they are not gonna kill her off now there is way too much still come but obviously deep down I knew Manon was going to kick some ass.
I was waiting and waiting and waiting for a rescue to happen so when Rolfe turned up to save the day it was an OMG moment because I didn’t realise it would be him but thank God somene showed up I was genuinely losing faith for them.
When Maeve turned up at Morath I was like OH JesUs ChRIst wheN CaN wE gEt A BrEaK!!
ANDDDD then when she caught Dorian I was near overcome with panic BUT I needed to be reminded Dorian is so not the young prince we once knew I was so proud of my little baby playing that hoe.
Absolutley crapped my pants when Iskra got a hold of Abraxos I though he was a gonner.
WHEN THEY VOTED TO LET AELIN SEAL THE GATE AT DAWN AND NOT WAIT I WAS BEOYOND PISSED LIKE ARE YOU STUPID?? Quick side note Hasar annoyed the living daylights out of me in this book and oh I adored Borte and her interactions with Aelin, what a queen.
Finally Aelin also not having her god like power I didn’t know whether it bothered me or not to be honest like she’s still a bad bitch but it did shock me right in my bonesssss.

Next up we have moments that gave me all the feels so grab your tissues because it’s about to get real emotinal up in here.
Aelin and Fenrys’ blinking system was utterly hearbreaking, thinking about what they have been through together honestly devastates me.
Jesus Christ when Lorcan said he crawled after Aelin I was so sad but so happy at the same damn time!
Bloody hell when Rowan saw his children my small little heart was in bits.
I was sobbing when we thought Fenrys was going to die ANDDD Aelin’s panic attack screaming to take it off had be all over the place oh that was a horrible scene to read.
‘Her former master gace her a half smile. “Even Sam held out better than this”‘. NONONONO EVERYTIME I even get a whiff of Sam Cortland the tears start flowing. I miss him.
When Manon was going to let Asterin give it to her granmother I cried then, Asterin and her story has always got to me I have loved her since I met her she is(was) such an amazing character!
I’ve never been a huge Manorian shipper but when she woke up alone I felt for the poor girl, I mean we all knew he would come back but she must have felt slightly used and abused.
“I wanted it to be you in the end” Nothing to say except RIGHT IN THE FEELS.
This was the SADDEST part for me I was sobbing my absolute heart out, I just knew they were going to end up sacrificing themselves but I seriously couldn’t take it. I was rooting for Asterin’s happy ending ALIVE. It actually makes me feel sick thinking about it like piss off I can’t even come to grips with it, I AM NOT OKAY.
“My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and I will not be afraid” EVERY DAMN TIME.
Crying when Dorian came out of the gateway thing and it was just Aelin and Dorians dad, Dorian XD I should have known she was going to try and pull something, I actually thought she was going to die and I wasn’t ready for it.
OMG Gavriel. It was the thought that Gavriel and Aedion had like no time together that really tore me apart and it had to be the nicest fae bastard that got killed didn’t it. Gavriel deserved better.
Finally, when the original trio, Aelin, Dorian and Chaol said their goodbyes oh it hurt me right in my soul because thats when it really hit me that it was the end. I canfeel the tears coming back.

Chuckle worthy moments there was only a few but they are just as precious.
Despite being broken down the fact that Aelin gave the filthiest gesture she’s ever made bear in mind this is AELIN we are talking about deserved a giggle from me. Honestly the baddest bitch in the game.
When Cairn pissed his pants ahahahahahaha what a guy Rowan is SKIN THAT MOTHERFUCKER.
And the obvious choice: Dorian as a woman AHAHAHAHAHA NO FOOKIN WAY he wanted to play with his boobies and hisbits oh just when thought I couldn’t fall anymore in love with him.
LORD LORCAN LOCHAN.

Now onto some scenes that I loved or really enjoyed.
When Essar noted Elide wearing Lorcan and Rowan’sclothes oh that scene was SOOOO precious, I probably looked like a crazy woman with the grin onmy face reading that.
When Lorcan saw Aelin and A SOB ESCAPED it was just so unexpectedly cute!!!
Aelin and Rowan and the wedding rings, that was just beautiful “To whatever end”.
“But I will fly against you, if need be, to ensure that there is a future for those who cannot fight for it themselves” ABSOLUTE QUEEN MANON YOU BIG SOFTIE.
Aelin and Yrene’s reunion!!! How amazing are these two and the whole giving the note back it was such a magical moment.
AELIN AND THAT HUGE FIRE WALL. I have never been so imersed in a book but I felt that fire singeing my eyelashes off oh it was epic.
Lorcan and Elide’s declaration of love LORDDDDD I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
“All of them came here because of Aelin. Not you.” YES LYSANDRA GO OFFFFFFshe is an absolute gem, it’s amusing to think of how much I hated her in Assassins Blade.
Dorian blowing up Morath you go babe, he’s came such a long way my boy forever and always.
Dorian and Chaol’s reunion awwwww one of the ultimate bromances what a cute couple.
RIGHT THIS IS SO IMPORTANT THERE WAS 100% AN ACOTAR REFERENCE, I REFUSE TO BELIVE OTHERWISE AND I AM SO HERE FOR IT.
Rowan wondering whether Sam Cortlan smiled down on Aelin was everything, it had me in the feels but I loved it too much so it had to be put right here.
“win me back my kingdom Evangeline” SHE ONLY WENT AND FUCKIN DID IT oh what an amazing character!!

I own the UK paper back edition. The whole series is soooooo pretty. Only problem is because of the stiffness the spines look messed up. You can see it in this picture on the Tower Of Dawn book.

“A new world. A better world” It couldn’t have ended any better.
What a stunning end to a stunning series.
Thankyou SJM for creating this path back to the light, I have enjoyed every step.
Aelin promised to rattle the stars and she did just that.
It has been a pleasure…

Keep reading xoxo