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Fairyloot unboxing: August

Back again with this month’s Fairylootbox! The theme for this month was: Things are not what they seem. I loved absolutely everything in this box. Unfortunately, I haven’t read a great deal of these boxes which yes, is pretty depressing BUT it just adds to my anticipation to get my hands on these books. I’m really loving the art on the spoiler card for this box, which you can see to the right.

The first item is this “One ring to rule them all” Pocket Mirror, this is a Fairyloot exclusive! Obviously. this item is based on The Lord of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. This and The Hobbit are some of my favourite films but while I have read The Hobbit can you believe I haven’t read The Lord of The Rings? This is such a cute little item that I will definitely be making use of.

This was a surprising item and has to be one of my favourites of the box! This Lunar Cutlery set features chopsticks, a fork and a spoon (and comes in a container). It features quotes from The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, I LOVE a good quote! The logo on the box is designed by @taratjah. Another series that I am DYING to get my hands on. To be honest despite not having read the series I picked it up and knew that it was inspired by The Lunar Chronicles so that has to count for something.

This box is literally filled with fandoms that I am not apart of but so desperately want to be! This is an Ember in the Ashes Pillowcase featuring the characters Elias, Laia and Helene. The pillow case has art from two amazing artists: character illustration by @_saintdri and lettering by @kdpletters. I can’t wait to read this series so I can hopefully make use of this item.

No, I also haven’t read this but that doesn’t stop this bookmark from being the most gorgeous bookmark I have EVER seen. LOOK AT IT. This Metal Bookmark is inspired by the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. The art is done by @in.the.reads. I’m inlove with it and I cannot wait to use it.

I haven’t used hair scrunchies since I had a matching one to my summer dress in primary school! Having said that thanks to Fairyloot I am wearing one right now! These were inspired by the covers of the Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore and designed by @taratjah.

I get way to excited when Fairyloot include a candle and this was no exception. This Cresswell candle was inspired by the Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco. It is from @flickthewick and the illustration is done by @taratjah. The scent is chocolate and coffee and it is pretty strong. Personally I LOVE it.

We have the next two cards from the Tarot card collection, they are The Star and The Hanged Man. This is Harry and Hermione from (obviously) The Harry Potter series. The gorgeous art was done by @loweana.art.

Now this, what I am taking as a pencil case, was not on the spoiler card so I gathered that it was highly likely to be inspired by the featured book!

This month’s featured book is The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen! It is set in a world where there are magical castes, and each caste has a different ability. The story follows a girl that draws magic from teeth, who strikes a bargain with a fugitive prince and a wily bodyguard. This sounds right up my street and I am SO excited to read this! This Fairyloot exclusive edition is signed by the author, has exclusive art on the reverse of the dust jacket and comes with an exclusive embossing on the naked cover. The character art card is done by @obsidiayan. All this exclusiveness makes me feel important and I’m completely here for it.

Keep reading xoxo

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Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

No mourners. No funerals.

Synopsis:

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist: break into the Ice Court – a military stronghold that has never been breached – and retrieve a hostage whose knowledge could change Grisha magic forever. To succeed would mean riches beyond his wildest dreams, but he can’t pull it off alone.

A convict with a thirst for revenge. A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager. A runaway with a privileged past. A spy known as the Wraith. A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Together they might just be unstoppable – if they don’t kill each other first.

Genre: Fantasy, Young-adult Fiction

Pages: 491 (Collectors Edition)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts…

What an adventure this was! This book was honestly amazing, between the characters and the plot this book had pretty much everything I needed. After reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy and getting on board with that hype I knew I had to dive into this one because the hype was even bigger. This book was worth all the hype and more.

I’m going to have start by going through my love for this diverse bunch of unlikely allies. My favourite being Jesper just for the pure amusement he adds and his enjoyment of getting into trouble. I am also completely here for him flirting with Wylan like YES PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN. Nina is just a whole mood. Matthias definitely started out as slightly too grumpy but quickly grew on me because I can’t help but love a broody male. I mean Inej is just on a whole new level of female and despite Kaz’s questionable “hobbies” you can’t help but love and root for him and the team.

This book definitely gets better as you read on, the first part of it was a lot to do with the planning of the heist and establishing the characters, which I really enjoyed but all the fun towards the end when all the action was happening was by far my favourite. I have always loved a strong love element in my fantasy stories but this didn’t have one and I didn’t hate it. It gave me obvious ships without throwing love scenes at me and although at times I wanted to scream because these ships were so obviously into each other it was enjoyable reading their own turmoil with their feelings. I also LOVED the banter that was threaded through the story it really helped keep things upbeat and not too serious.

Six of Crows was full of shocks and kept me engaged throughout the whole story some of my favourite what the fuck moments included when I thought Matthias had reverted back to his trash ways when Nina was off her head on parem and of course that ending had me feeling all types of ways; mainly hunger for the next book!

Not only were my emotions tampered with but this book left me with some preety great quotes! I’m a sucker for a good quote and felt that these once resonated with me the most:

“Men mock the gods until they need them, Kaz.”

“Facts are for the unimaginative”.

There was no part of him that was not broken, that had not healed wrong, and there was no part of him that was not stronger for having been broken.

This book 100% deserved the five stars and I am HIGHLY anticipating Crooked Kingdom!

Keep reading xoxo

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thought and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.

Synopsis:

A fragile teenage girl is held captive. Locked in a cell by The Reestablishment, a harsh dictatorship in charge of a crunching world. But Juliette is no ordinary teenager – one touch from her can kill.

The Reestablishment wants to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has other plans. After a lifetime without freedom, she’s finally discovered the strength to fight back – and to find a future with the one person she thought she’d lost forever…

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Distopian

Pages: 329

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts…

I picked this book up a little sceptical but being the mood for a lot of romance and I seeing many people mention Shatter Me I though why not? Why was I sceptical? Well, girl with a lethal touch, too afraid to touch people but then discovers her strength? Sound familiar? I was thinking OH GOD X-men has been ripped off here but nevertheless if so many people can adore this series it can’t actually be bad. And it wasn’t bad at all I actually really enjoyed it, as you read on it becomes incredibly addicting. After finishing I actually looked up whether Mafi intended to base Juliette off of Rogue but she never even knew who Rogue was! Pretty crazy.

Also this book is like a gold for an English teacher, I mean it is PACKED with metaphors and imagery. I LOVED it I mean the quote that I have used says it all really.

Anyway, diving into the book the first thing you spot is the strikethroughs, sentences or words that have been crossed out intentionally to visually represent Juliette’s chaotic mind. I really love this idea, I thought it was really unique and interesting although at times I did feel it was a tad disjointed and sometimes took me out of the story.

Onto our female protagonist. Juliette. I have such conflicted feelings about her. I was trying to understand and put myself in her shoes but I just couldn’t justify how much crying and whining she did. Actually, I probably could but one I don’t want to and two half of the book should not be dedicated to Juliette’s tears. It became tiresome after a while like I get you have had it rough but HOW DO YOU HAVE THAT MANY TEARS IN YOU. I swear at one point she said she didn’t have any tears left. LIES. Despite this I am enjoying her story and I’m not against her first-person narrative which is something I also experience turmoil over.

Reasons for my 4 stars instead of 5 stars include Juliette’s neverending crying and the relationship between her and Adam. I found it odd, it felt forced at points and almost like she loves him because she feels she has to. Adam himself I don’t really mind, he’s kind of too much like I love a healthy amount of jokes and banter in my ships and he really isn’t delivering. I am so hoping they aren’t endgame because there is a certain blonde who very much intrigues me.

Warner is the most interesting character for me so far. I’m not usually into blondes but he wears dickhead so very very well. I am betting my life on it that there is more to him and I can’t wait to find out. Any time his name was mentioned I was instantly eager to keep reading.

PRAISE FOR KENJI. He is what I needed. He adds so much enjoyment I can’t wait to see more of him in the series. Any situation he’s involved in he makes it so amusing, definitely the comic relief you need in a book packed with intensity and romance.

Overall, this book was so much fun to read and it definitely gets better with every page-turn. There is a lot of hype around this series and I’m super happy to continue on to determine whether I think the hype is well-deserved. So far it’s looking promising. It has to be a 4 stars because I picked it up completely in the mood for it and it did not disappoint!

Keep reading xoxo

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Fairyloot Unboxing: July

Another month another Fairyloot! This month’s theme was Magic In The City and as usual I was very excited. This theme definitely intrigued me because I feel it’s quite unique. On the right you can see the box in all of it’s glory.

Obviously the first item is this big mug sticking out of the box. I like a good mug, I love a good bookish mug. This is an exclusive Shadowhunters ceramic mug that has a variety of characters from the Shadowhunter series! It includes: Jace, Clary, Tessa, Will, Jem, Emma and Julian. The characters were illustrated by @taratjah. I’m in love with this! Not only does it looks good but it feels like good quality too! I still need to pick up The Dark Artifices but Lady Midnight is there and ready to be picked up… soon.

The next item, which nicely accompanies the mug is an exclusive Nine-tailed Fox Mug Rug. Yes, you heard me a nine-tailed fox. It is soo pretty but I was soo confused. I quickly gathered that it was Chinese mythology and it’s inspired by the book of the month! It was designed by @obsidiayan and I am going to feel ever so fancy using it.

I get way too excited when I get a bookish candle! This “Princess of Disi” candle is by @acourtofcandles (the best name really). This candle was inspired by the book included in Fairyloot’s February box, A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer! I have read the gorgeous edition and I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy it was an enchanting read. My review for it is available on the reviews section! The artwork is by @taratjah and the smell is AMAZING. The scent is cotton, vanilla and cinnamon and it has been my favourite candle smell so far!

Another pin banner! I don’t even have that many pins but I can’t even be mad because to be honest in the nicest way possible this pin banner shits on the previous one. LOOK. AT. IT. This was inspired by The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and I can’t help thinking they had me in mind too. This was designed by @inkandwonder.designs.

Anything Harry Potter is an instant yes! This exclusive Diagon Alley Enamel Necklace is inspired (obviously) by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and was designed by @bookmarkd.tattoos.

Next is this Bravado Coin Purse which is inspired by The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey. Am I strange for never even hearing of this book? Something I will definitely have to check out. The design is by @nutmegandarlo. It is super cute!

I got way too hyped when I saw an edible item. I thought this fortune cookie was going to have some deep wisdom that may change my life so you can imagine my surprise when I opened it to find “never trust a duck”. Can you guess which beloved trilogy this quote is from?

As usual we have the next two tarots cards in the collectable set. I really look forward to these each month and this months cards were The Sun and The Moon featuring characters from the Harry Potter series! The art is by @loweana.art!

The book of the month is ‘Wicked Fox’ by Kat Cho! It is an urban fantasy set in Korea and inspired by Korean mythology. The main character is a nine-tailed fox that feeds on the souls of bad men to stay alive and if that doesn’t sound enticing then I don’t know what is. This exclusive Fairyloot edition has pink sprayed edges and is signed by the author. The character card was designed by @Kavon_kayleigh.

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Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

She was the girl who’d come afraid to the city that could smell your fear. She’d faced the witch. She’d poisoned the wolf. She’d strolled into the land of death with her head held high and left it a lord. She was an impossible player in a fixed game, the only person not playing to win.

Synopsis:

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school – and her reputation – behind to follow her mother’s trail.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected – he’s a street lord and con man, but could be the only one who can help her.

As their search for clues leads them into the clutches of a ruthless society, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city to uncover the truth.

My thoughts…

This was the book I didn’t know I needed. A magical Vegas setting with gang bosses and a pretty girl who doesn’t know what she’s about to step into? Yes please.

The first aspect that really grabbed my attention was this whole split talent that individuals possess depending on who their parents were. I found it amusing all the commotion when Enne was found to have the acrobat talent. Holy shit she can do flips she’s one dangerous bitch. I also want to know more about Levi’s orb-making talent. The whole orb-currency-thing is interesting but confusing and this whole notion of people having orbs in their skin, what sorry? And then these little black orbs making an appearance, erm what sorry?

I really fell in love with the whole atmosphere the book created, the City of Sin was incredibly enticing and never boring. There was always something new to be seen or uncovered. The plot, the city and the characters made this book such a page turner. It really did not disappoint.

Enne Salta really went from irritating to bad-ass and I was so here for it. I wasn’t sure how many times someone could cry or be on the verge of tears in a single book but Enne really showed me that it could be 549 times if someone tried enough. I mean her life was going to shit but I haven’t got time for her tears. Other than that I really did enjoy her as our female protagonists like despite crying every five minutes she still took no nonsense. I found her relationship with Lourdes really interesting, hopefully we will learn more about her in the next book. I’m looking forward to more unravelling of who Enne is and what role she will play in New Reynes.

I think the little cocky bastard that is Levi Glaisyer stole my heart from the beginning. He’s has “little shit” plastered on his forehead and he wears it the best way possible. You would never be bored with him. What a king. I never thought two men kissing would do it for me. But. Levi. Did. That. The only turn off was how quickly Levi near got knocked out, I thought he would do better. He’s just a complete babe though.

As far as relationships go I’m so used to the love interests being together by the end of the book but to see Levi and Enne get so close so many times but never actually YOU KNOW ughh I can’t even. Frustrating isn’t the word. The ending of the book made it seem like they won’t even see each other as much which actually kills me off because if they don’t live happily ever after I might just dig a hole, jump in and never come out.

The Shadow game was fun and interesting to read but these bloody card games are confusing as fook. I swear I’m not slow they actually are confusing. To be fair I’m not paying much attention to the rules because HELLO LEVI.

My Rating…

I love love loved this read. It made me happy, sad, frustrated, confused and all the feelings you get when you are so immersed in a whole new world. It didn’t get the full five stars because Levi and Enne aren’t happily married. I also will need a few things clarified in the next book but if it keeps heading in this direction the sequel will be guaranteed to be five stars. I am so excited to read what comes next!

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Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

“Suffering is cheap as clay and twice as common. What matters is what each man makes of it.”

Synopsis:

For Alina Starkov, time is running out. The Darkling rules from his shadow throne while she, broken by their previous battle, is under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a saint. And as Alina convalesces she must also battle her conflicted feelings for the Darkling and her beloved Mal.

Her last hopes lie with the magic of a long-vanished ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince still survives.

As her allies and enemies race toward war, only Alina stands between her country and a rising tide of darkness that could destroy the world.

My thoughts…

The conclusion to this series was so bittersweet! I picked this up straight after the second book because I became so invested in these characters, some more than others.

Nikolai definitely stole the show in this one, he is just so likeable and his chapters were never boring. My stomach literally fell out of my arse when he turned into a nichevo’ya , that was shortly before I remembered there is a whole book based on him out so my panic was short-lived thank God. I wish there was more of him to be honest like I just want to know his life story because he’s definitely had a wild one. I can’t wait to see a lot more of him when I pick up King of Scars.

Someone I haven’t enjoyed throughout the whole series is the apparat. I have never seen the point of him, he could not be there and the story would virtually be the same. I guess he was just someone to dislike, such a slimy odd character. I can’t even remember what happened to him in the end but does it really matter?

As for Alina and Mal I was slightly surprised that they ended up together but at the same time I wasn’t. I didn’t particularly mind their relationship but I wasn’t a die hard shipper, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them (clearly bitter about the Darkling). However, I am a sucker for a love story so I wasn’t opposed to them ending up together. Cute or whatever. Mal as the third amplifier though! I had a sneaky feeling it wasn’t the bird but I was shocked. You know what didn’t shock me though? Mal being killed. THEN BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE. Such a staple in YA fantasy I guess.

Obviously I couldn’t not mention my absolute favourite. The Darkling actually broke my heart. I knew he was going to die, he’s the bad guy so it’s what you expect really but I clutched onto a tiny strand of hope that MAYBE a miracle would happen. That clearly didn’t occur but his last words had me sobbing. He may have been a nut-job but he was misunderstood and in his own twisted way wanted a better world for his people and NO ONE can tell me different.

As far as the plot goes I enjoyed the ride. It is that trashy YA fantasy that I feel like everyone needs, the classic fight between darkness and light with it’s own twists. These characters, right down to the side characters, are characters that have and will stay with me. Having read Six of Crows I feel like I can say Bardugo 100% creates some amazing characters and I am excited to read more of her work.

My Rating…

Could it be anything else? I read these books soooo quickly and they were so hard to put down. They were definitely a mini-obsession I experienced and I loved every minute of it. The only negative I really have to say is the chemistry between Mal and Alina and perhaps the ending. I’m not sure what it was, it’s not that I didn’t like it but I wasn’t left completely satisfied (definitely bitter about the Darkling).

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Fairyloot Unboxing: June

Onto the next Fairyloot! This box was surprisingly early, I’ve had it for about a week now. This month’s theme was Broody Banter and it definitely did not disappoint. On the right you can see a full view of the box as usual. Why is the picture smaller than usual? Who can say but we are rolling with it.

The first item included in this month’s box was an exclusive Raven Boys iron on patch by @bookmarkd.tattoos. Would it surprise you if I said I haven’t read the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater? I mean at this point probably not. This is cute though!

Next is the Reading Journal which covers from June to December. I actually used the previous one so I am excited to continue with this one. It features layouts designed by @fictionteadesigns and gorgeous art by @monolimeart. Characters in this one include Mia (Nevernight), Rook (An Enchantment of Ravens), Manon (Thone of Glass), Holland (A Darker Shade of Magic), Aeduan (Bloodwitch) and Cardan (The Cruel Prince).

These socks are sooo cute! They are designed by Fairyloot and the quote is from the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I have wore them and I can confirm: they are good socks (am I meant to say something else?).

I think I actually am starting to climb up the nerd ladder because I’m really enjoying getting pins. Not over the top or anything but they are nice to see in a box. This pin is inspired by Aeduan from The Witchlands by Susan Dennard. This Bloodwitch enamel pin is designed by @ironandinkdesigns. Right I haven’t read this series but I really want to, I hear about it quite abit so hopefully I will get my hands on it at some point.

You can never get tired of a good bookmark. This exclusive Woodmark features a design by @stellabookishart. The quote is from Fire Falling by Elise Kova. I’m not going to lie I haven’t heard of the Air Awakens series, is that bad? I can appericate this bookmark though, it’s really pretty.

I can’t wait to try this item! This strawberry and kiwi mermaid tea is inspired by Lira from To Kill a Kingdom by Alex Christo. Another book that I’m dying to get my hands on! The tea was made by @thetealeafco.

This item was really cool to see be included as it’s never been done before. It’s the first time Fairyloot has ever included a box! It was designed by @noverantale and includes a bunch of different amusing quotes from different books.

I’m not going to lie to you I am not a fan of Avatar the Last Airbender but I can appreciate work of the artist. This print and comic was drawn by @tarajah.

ANYTHING with Rowan’s face on is an instant win with me. These enamel paper clips were designed by @taratjah and include Jace from The Mortal Instruments, Jacks from the Caraval series by Stephanie Garber and Rowan from Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Mass. The only thing is why is Jace ginger? I’m confused.

Obviously we have the continuation of the tarot cards with these ones being inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

This month’s featured book is Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. It is a Fairyloot exclusive edition with shimmery sprayed edges and is signed by the author. This book may be the most stunning book I’ve ever owned. I had to start reading it just for the looks and so far so good!

Keep reading xoxo

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Heartless by Marissa Meyer

“To be all right implies an impossible phase. We hope for mostly right on the best of our days.”

Synopsis: (as seen on Goodreads)

This is the Macmillan edition with 45o pages.

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland – the infamous Queen of Hearts – was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favourite of the unmarried King of hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere.

A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms.

But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

My thoughts…

I started reading this book while in a bit of a slump so it took me longer than usual to get into but once the story started to unravel I really fell in love with this book. It made me feel all sorts of feelings, it filled my heart with bliss then proceeded to shred me apart.

I loved the stories of Wonderland since I was a really small child so going into this I was excited but apprehensive because the world is so creative and crazy I didn’t want it ruined in all honesty. Safe to say it wasn’t. Meyer added her own twists and flavour to the world without overdoing it and changing a great deal. It was a very believable heart wrenching love story.

The descriptive writing was something that really stood out for me. There were times when Meyer was describing Cath’s desserts and my mouth was actually watering.

Sometimes I get irritated by the female protagonist but Cath – except for one action which I suppose was inevitable – I actually enjoyed all about her. It just made it all the harder to get to the end because it was never going to be a happily ever after. Cath’s relationship with Mary Anne was really enjoyable to see and it did actually shock me that Mary Anne basically betrayed her. I get to an extent she was worried but I don’t know it was a shock for me. I knew Cath was going to walk through that door to save her but it didn’t make it any less frustrating, the split second of oh my god they are going to make it was brutally ripped away from me and I was suddenly reminded of where this plot was heading. Another relationship I found really interesting was between Cath and Chesire, I love Chesire in general and I was really happy he was included in the story.

Onto the other half of the relationship. This always seem to happen but when a pretty boy with a cheeky attitude appears in a book I instantly think we have a connection. Forget Catherine I AM RIGHT HERE. Jest was a very likeable character even when he revealed his true intentions you could tell he just wanted to do what he thought was right. I really wished I had got to read more about his friendship with Hatter and their own adventures. The ending for Jest was quite abrupt I didn’t even clock on to what was happening at first and when I realised I was just in disbelief for a good while. Literally broke me into pieces. Being so used to books ending all love and happy smiles it was sad but almost a little refreshing for something to have a bitter ending.

A character I hated throughout this whole story was Catherine’s mother. I may actually despise her. She was trying to live through Catherine and the whole fat shaming made me want to punch her. LET HER EAT THE FUCKING SWEETS. When she didn’t let her eat her dessert I was like no way. No. Way. Let my mum try and do that to me I’ll take her hand off. Her Dad was spineless.

I feel like the Jabberwocky plot line was thrown in there and at first I didn’t know how I felt about it. I still don’t to be very honest. I think maybe there could have been more development just because it was overshadowed a lot by the love story and courtship with the king, that was definitely the main focus regardless of whether it was meant to be. I would have appreciated knowing more about the pumpkin seeds that Hatter had tried to give to Peter.

The ending was really depressing in the best way possible. Obviously, you know getting into this book where it was going to end but seeing Cath at the beginning to how sour she is at the end really does break a girls heart.

My Rating…

So, this got a 4/5 star rating, which is pretty high! Even though going into this book my mind wasn’t fully in it due to my temporary slump I was so pleasantly surprised with how this turned out. I think what stopped this story reaching the full five was the fact that I was in a slump and felt like I couldn’t be pulled out of it and the development of the whole Jabberwocky and Peter was a bit off for me, I just needed slightly more explanation. This was my first Marissa Meyer book and it’s made me want to read The Lunar Chronicles so bad! I don’t think I will ever look at the Queen of Hearts in the same way again and “off with their head” will never mean the same.

Also I am aware and sorry that this post has been so late in the week college got the best of me for a quick minute and when it came to Wednesday I had completely forgotten but better late than never!

Keep reading xoxo

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This post was meant to be my Fairyloot March unboxing. As you can see it isn’t. I am more annoyed than you. When I was uploading the pictures it wasn’t allowing me to make them smaller for some reason. It usually gives me the % I want to make it smaller by and it just wasn’t having any of it so hopefully that will right itself and I will get that out as soon as possible but for now enjoy the Red Queen.

The truth is what I make it. I could set the world on fire and call it rain.

Synopsis:

This is a world divided by blood – Red or Silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to seventeen-year-old Mare, a Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilits, it seems like nothing will ever change.

But Mare possesses a deadly talent of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of her potential, the Silvers hide Mare in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess. Knowing that one false move will mean her death, Mare must use her new position to bring down the regime – from the inside.

Now Mare has entered a game of betrayal and lies.

This is Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart…

My thoughts…

YA trash at it’s finest and not going to lie I was completely here for it. There was huge hype surrounding this book, mainly because the covers were gorgeous but then the bad reviews came creeping. This book definitely has some love but I have seen a whole lot of hate and while I can completely understand it I have to say, I really fuckin enjoyed it.

Before you rip me to shreds this book was mostly enjoyable because I was in the mood for it like I so wanted some crappy YA fantasy with love and drama and all that business. And I got it with Red Queen. Mare as a character was a bit bland like she is the same lead female character we see everywhere but I knew this when getting into the book because this was what I needed at the time. Don’t. Judge. Me.

You know what did piss me off though that I have to get out: the writing. I didn’t like it. I found there was unnecessary comments or declaratives that did not need to be there. It made me laugh but at the same time shut up. Mare shut up. JUST SHUT UP.

Everything was predictable. I’m not exaggerating. It was funny because I knew what I was getting myself into and while I got myself invested, I knew exactly what was going to come next. From the marriage to the betrayal to the “dead” brother not actually being dead. I knew it. All while I knew it, I was lapping this shit up. I don’t know what was wrong with me, looking back now I can see the issues, trust me I can, I get these bad reviews but at the time? Nope. Didn’t care. I was gulping down Mare, Cal and Maven like they were vodka shots and I was a raging alcoholic.

Cal. He is the only thing that I’m still gulping down and I’m not even sorry. I know what your thinking. Slut. And I don’t even care. He was like a cheap version of Dorian from Throne of Glass and I LOVE ME SOME DORIAN.

I’m not really going to delve into the plot too much because it is pretty much like every other story. Saddens me to say but there is a clear lack of originality. To be honest I feel bad because the whole reason I picked it up because I was in the mood for a shitty YA with characters that I knew were going to be copies of other characters and a storyline that wouldn’t take time getting to grips with. If this is a reason someone picks up your book. Yikes.

Does it make things better that despite all the crap I really enjoyed it AT THE TIME? Or maybe it’s the fact that it included ALL the crappy stuff that I did enjoy it. Either way I suppose not something someone usually wants to hear about their book. Oh well.

My Rating…

AGAIN. GIVE ME A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN. In reality this book is more like a two stars. Trust me I know. However, at the time I was like FUCK YES. Red Queen is what I wanted and while I recognise the bad I also appreciate that the bad is what I wanted. Like drugs. There we have it Red Queen is like heroin. Let a girl live. This book is very much like a watered down hunger games, a cheap divergent and a crappy EVERY OTHER YA book. Will I be continuing this series? Honestly, I don’t know. If I’m in the mood for heroin I guess this is a safer option. Seriously though I probably will revisit the series, I do love a shitty YA book and I know this won’t disappoint.

Keep reading xoxo

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

“I feel myself diminished, parts of me spiralling away into the darkness, that which is good and honest and true-If you hold it away from yourself long enough, do you lose it entirely? If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?”

Synopsis:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

My Thoughts…

Spoilers Ahead!

The first book in this series really took me on a whirlwind and the sequel was no different. It was full of emotional moments, oh my god moments, lovey-dovey moments and some chuckle-worthy moments for good measure. After the first book ended the way it did (my heart in bits) I knew that this one was going to take no prisoners and I was absolutely right, it grabbed me by the lady balls and swung me about until I had nothing left.

The love triangle is definitely in full-swing, we see Tessa and Jem getting closer and despite Will being a complete ass at the end of the first book, doesn’t deny the fact that he is head over heels for her. Love triangles are a difficult one for me. I don’t hate them by any means but they are a frustrating trope. I find it exciting that you don’t know who they will end up with but sometimes it can be quite uncomfortable to read especially when the two boys in question are BEST FRIENDS! Like can you imagine that in the real world? Excuse all the magic and demons and whatnot imagine THAT situation. No. Thanks.

The characters are a huge part of what I love about these books. The friendship between Will and Jem deserve a book of their own and Tessa is such a refreshing change from Clary (the mortal instruments). I also loved the more secondary characters, Charlotte and Henry being the most likeable people ever. Jessamine was a weird one, half the time I’m looking at the page when she makes a decision like is she for real? She was a character I so wanted to like but she didn’t half make it hard for me. We are also introduced to new characters, which I was not opposed to. Oh and can we all just take a minute for Sophie, she is amazing!

I realise though I have one slight problem with the trilogy, it is only minor for me and so didn’t hinder my rating but I find it slightly annoying that we have Tessa being all so new to the world and Will, the good looking, confident boy with all the secrets mirrors Clary and Jace for TMI and I’m not all that into it. I didn’t mention it in Clockwork Angel’s review, mainly because I forgot but I’m mentioning it now. At least I like these characters a lot more, that definitely redeems it but I guess you can’t get much more irritating than Clary.

Plot-wise I was pretty engaged and interested in what was going on but its the sub-plots that had my attention.

Something that I have to talk about is we now have a MARRIAGE on our hands. I love Will. Like I really love Will so when Tessa got engaged to Jem I was very conflicted. Don’t get me wrong Jem is absolutely precious so I wasn’t against the whole thing but my POOR POOR WILL. My emotions were all over the place, I didn’t know what to feel. And then to make my heart break even more when Tessa and will were arguing and he was proclaiming his love for her I DIED. DeHd. BuRiEd.

There was moments that literally made my heart swell aswell as shatter some of my favourites being Charlotte’s pregnancy (I love love love) and the romance between Gideon and Sophie, I am so here for it!!

Overall, this book had me up, down and all around, emotional turmoil does not even begin to describe what I was feeling. Was I excited to read on? Understatement.

My Rating…

I had to. I loved it. For me this tops The Mortal Instruments by a mile. Cassandra Clare completely got my heart with this trilogy and hit me right in the feels. I was beyond excited to reach the conclusion of the final book and find out what the fook was going to happen. So far I would definitely recommend this series.