Tag: bookish

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Nevernight Book Review

Megan Nicole

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, Book 1 of the Nevernight Chronicle.

Overall: ****

Romance: ****

Reading Rate: ***

Pages: 464

Purchase on Amazon: Here

Holy cow I was not prepared!!!! Nevernight has been allllll over the book community as a much read since I joined last year. Due to that hype I was a bit nervous to read, but after reading Illuminae and loving Kristoff’s work so much I decided to give it a try.

I actually had a hard time getting into the very beginning of the book and picked it up and put it down a few times over the last few months. Once I made it past the first few chapters I was hooked and blew through the rest of the book.

What I liked:

  • As Jay warns this is NOT a YA book and has quite a bit of wonderful violence and smut, that while is a personal preference is certainly not for everyone.
  • While I was able to predict some of the overall plot points you really never know 100% who is “good/bad” or if anyone is ever safe.
  • Mr Kindley!!! If you have read any of Jay or Jay/Amie works you know first hand how lovable and  they can make there characters and Nevernight brought it 100%.

What I struggled with:

  • The story does tend to jump from past to present a bit. This was necessary for the story line and building out the history but it can make it a little challenging to read.
  • The footnotes can be challenging, I started out trying to read them and then just started skipping. Most of them are really interesting information about the world and funny snips from Jay, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on the story line by skipping them.

Synopsis:

Nevernight is the first in an epic new fantasy series from the New York Times bestselling author, Jay Kristoff.

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, a sixteen year old Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic ― the Red Church. Treachery and trials await her with the Church’s halls, and to fail is to die. But if she survives to initiation, Mia will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the only thing she desires.

Revenge.

After the ending of Nevernight I dove right into the second book Godsgrave and pre-ordered the final book in the trilogy Darkdawn (that releases in September).

Bookish Merch, For the home, Products I love!!

Top Bookstagram Props

Megan Nicole

Kiss of Deception The Remnant Chronicles ReviewShopping for props and putting together photos for Instagram (Bookstagram) is so much fun. But sometimes finding just the right prop can be a challenge so I have created a list of some of my favorites! Almost all of the items below I have personally ordered and used and I will continue to add more as I find new and wonderful products.

Crowns:

I use the crowns ALL the time in my Bookstagram photos! I love the sparkle that they add to pictures, but can still be used in darker themes.

Click on the photo to shop for these crowns and more!

 

 

 

 

 

Backgrounds:

I change out my background every few months. I have tried several different options but have found its worth spending a few extra dollars for a nice matte backdrop. I tried a few stick on options or cheaper plastic options and they either did not last of caused terrible lighting glares that made editing a nightmare!

Swords/Daggers:

Swords and daggers make such a fun throw in for photos, especially for someone like me who reads a ton of fantasy where main characters are often warriors or assassins. They can also be used to add an extra edge to creepy photo styles.

Flowers:

Flowers are a wonderful way to fill up blank place in photo set ups and they tend to add such a great touch! I usually pick up flowers from my local hobby store for a few dollars a stem.

You can use flowers or foliage to enhance any theme set up, it does not have to be a “fluffy” set up to include them. I like to use muted or darker colored flowers to accent my darker aesthetic photos and then use bright white flowers for my lighter themes. I have also seen some folks do amazing rainbow themes with their flowers.

Scarves:

I use scarves in the background of TONS of my photos to break up the wood color and add another layer to the photo. I personally have a ton of scarves that I wear throughout the year so I really enjoy being able to leverage my collection for photos as well.

  • These bookish scarves also make great gifts!!

Fun Accessories:

I am always on the hunt for unique accessories to fill spaces in my photos, I personally can not stand having a lot of open space. I have included links to a few of my favorite items that I have picked up (just click on the pics below).

You can also add layers to your photos using folded old books, book pages, or rolled pages. I have picked up a couple of old dingy books from the dollar or resale shops to re-purpose.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) Book Review

Megan Nicole

The Kiss of Deception – Book one of the Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson

Overall rating: ****

Romance: ***

Reading Rate: ****

Pages: 492

Buy it on Amazon: Here

The Remnant Chronicles have been on my TBR for quite some time now. When a read along was posted with some fellow Bookstagrammers I jumped at the chance to join one for the first time. Kiss of Deception The Remnant Chronicles Review

We are first introduced to Lia the Princess and First Daughter of Morrighan as she prepares to flee from her arranged marriage to the Dalbreck Prince. She and her lady in waiting escape to a beautiful seaside town to try and start their lives over where unbeknownst to Lia she meets the Prince she was meant to marry and the Barbarian Assassin who was sent to kill her.

There are a lot of pieces to the world that you are introduced to early on in the book without explanation such as the First Daughters, Gifts, and the concept of the Ancients and the Gods. I was constantly on the lookout for more information and answers to my questions. While I didn’t get all that I was looking for in the first book there were certainly a lot of gaps filled in, the author has a very “all things in due time” writing style. I know this can be frustrating for some readers but I really enjoy the way she keeps me on the hook and wanting to know more.

What I liked:

  • This book gets tons of credit for being the first in a long while to throw me for a huge loop. I am usually good at predicting things in books and I really felt while some things were the standard fantasy story line there were still a lot of elements that really surprised me.
  • I was sucked in!!  I made it through the book in about 2 days even though it is almost 500 pages long. I immediately wanted to dive into the second book but made myself hold of for the Read Along discussion 🙂
  • The detailed world and characters keep it interesting and keep me guessing. There was a decent amount of world building done in the first book and also a ton of questions that were posed. I looks forward to learning so  much more in the next two books.

What I didn’t like:

  • This really is not a negative but more a notable element.  This is firmly a YA book, while there are detailed fighting scenes and love elements to the story line so far everything has remained PG-13. I personally would like to see a little more steam, but the story is still very good without.

Synopsis:

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love. 

The read along is for the Remnant Chronicles Trilogy Remnant Chronicles Trilogy as well as Pearson’s Dance of Thieves leading up the release of the final book in the duology Vow of Thieves releasing in August. So look for lots more review goodies to go!

Have you read the Remnant Chronicles or Dance of Thieves? Tell me what you think of them below in the comments.

 

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

My Top 5 Bookish Essentials

Megan Nicole

1. Book Sleeves

I have one heck of a book sleeve addiction. I have always been someone to take a book almost everywhere with me, which also often leads to damage to my books from floating around in my purse or car. As soon as I discovered book sleeves I started using them all of the time. I will even use them for non- bookish items like my planner, or traveling with pictures or important paperwork.

I have tried many vendors for Book sleeves but the top product that I have found comes from Book Beau. I have several of their sleeves in multiple sizes.

  • Their Jumbeau is the only sleeve I have found that fits those large hardback like your Sarah J Maas or Harry Potter.
  • Also I recently have become totally obsessed with their travelers for carrying my kindle, books, headphones, chargers etc.
  • The one down side to Book Beau is they sell out quite quickly and have the highest price point I have encountered (for something not custom).

Beau 1If you are looking for some slightly cheaper options that still have good quality a few other vendors I would recommend checking out are:

  • Book Gizmo
  • Fandom Sleeves
  • Pages Remembered

Amazon also has a few really cheap options that are available with Prime shipping:

  • The Book Sleeve fox has a medium sleeve for only $10.99 that comes in a ton of colors- check them out here
  • Yesodrine also has a really need book/e-reader/planner zip up sleeve that I am just head over heels for, the only downside being that it only comes in a small size- check them out here

2. Kindle E-reader I love love love my Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Now I totally agree that it does not replace a physical book but for someone who reads as much as I do… and also for getting electronic ARCs I cannot replace the convenience. Kindle Paperwhite ereader- top 5 bookish essentialsThere are a lot of e-readers that do more fancy stuff but I love the basic paperwhite. Its extremely light, have incredible battery life and is easy to access existing and download new books to.

The kindle low down:

  • All-new Kindle (base model)- still has incredible battery life, 4 G of storage, adjustable lights and wi-fi compatible.
  • Kindle Paperwhite– this is the next step up from the base Kindle. While it is the same size it has higher resolution, larger storage, its waterproof, and supports Audible.
  • Kindle Oasis– this is the highest level Kindle with an inch larger screen, highest resolution and storage space as well as being waterproof. It also sports an auto adjusting light sensors and spiffy colors. But at around a $250 price point I cannot justify the splurge when I am more than satisfied with my Paperwhite.

Bookish essentials Kindle paperwhite with popsocketI know there are several other vendor who support e-reader, and you can also leverage the Kindle App on your phone or other tablet. I have used these features as well and will pull up my phone for certain locations but I have not encountered another e-reader that beats my Kindle for weight, comfort, and being easy on my eyes when reading for hours at a time.

*Little Lifehack- I dont know why it took me so long to think through adding a pop socket to my Kindle but it has been life changing!!

3. Vera Bradley Travel Pillow/Blanket

This is a little out there for a bookish supply but it is my go to when I travel or even just sitting on my couch or reading nook at home. I works as a reading pillow, arm rest, or a blanket when I want to curl up and relax… I know there are a ton of similar products out there but for the quality and softness I have not found one I like better. I even got both my mom and little sister each one for Christmas and they still use them frequently even though they are not big readers. You can find them up pretty cheap at an outlet or on Vera Bradley Travel Blanket- Bookish Essentialsclearance. I have included the link to purchase on Amazon below as well as a few cheaper but similar alternatives.

  • Vera Bradley Fleece Travel Blanket- check it out here

  • Forestfish Fleece Portable Travel Blanket- check it out here

  • Portable Cozy-Soft 2 in 1 Microfleece Blanket and Pillow- check it out here

4. Headphones

I actually use a strange mix of headphones depending on where I am. Most of the time when I am using wired headphones I take my cheap apple headphones with me wherever I go and have my nice Bose headphones at home. I have also included some details on my higher and lower end wireless headphones… I am terrible at charging things hence my limited wireless use. I got my little sister a pair of the Bose Wireless earbuds mentioned below for her Birthday in January and she literally takes them everywhere with her

  • HPHigh end wireless earbuds- Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones, they come in several colors and run between $100-$150 depending on the sale you catch them on.
  • Low end wireless- LETSCOM IPX7 Waterproof, Wireless Sport Earphones, again they come in quite a few colors and are only $20 plus Prime shipping. Not the best quality but they are cheap and get the job done. 
  • High end wired- Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, these run between $150-$200 depending on the sale you catch. Mine are an older generation that I believe I snagged for about $70. While Bose does have some even higher end headphones I love these so much! The quality is everything I need and they are so comfortable (my husband also uses these when he DJs).
  • Low end wired- Apple Headphones.. guys I know there are a ton of opinions out there about these headphones but in my experience these things just keep on going and going!

5. Bookish Candles

Yes I know this seems still but I LOVE having bookish candles. It is so fun to me to have a candle that embodies a character or bookish place that you love! A few of my favorites shops are listed below.

  • Flickerwix– her glitter babies are amazing and all of the scents are so light and mix so well. Hands down the best candles that I have ordered. As far as individual candles go this is my go to shop, I really only order from anywhere else now if they have a box that I really want… and I have tried quite a few vendors!
  • Wick and Fable– They have an amazing collection of candles and the art on the labels is just incredible. They also have some of the best boxes I have ever seen. While shipping is a bit hit or miss for them the boxes are always worth the wait.

Do you have any Bookish Essentials or Shops you recommend? Let me know below in comments.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Finale by Stephanie Garber Book Review

Megan Nicole

Overall rating: ****

Romance: **

Reading Pace:***

The Caraval series is one of the few times I have read a series as they released. I actually did not know that it was a series until I got to the end of the first book.

I was so so so excited for Finale and to see how the story ended and completely thought that I would breeze through this book in about a day as I did with the others, but it actually took me right at a week to get through. There was a lot more complexity to this book than the previous two. There was a real dive into the characters and how they are felt and tied together versus the hustle and bustle of the Game that you encountered in the first two. As a standalone book I did not like it as much as the first two, but I think it did a great job of bringing everything together to wrap up the story. I think that is a bit of the curse of final books a lot of the time and of course no one is happy to see a series that they love stop, even if they really wanted that ending!

Finale Caraval Book Review

What I liked:

  • Deeper dives into the main characters feelings… and all the great Tella and Legend moments
  • Finally having all of the secrets revealed!!!
  • The author left some amazing opportunities for Spin-offs series or novellas of the Fates… please of please give me some more Jacks!

What I didn’t like:

  • I honestly missed the game in this book, I wish it had been closer to sequences of Caraval and Legendary.
  • This points of view flipped back and forth between Tella and Scarlett, so it was a little harder to get invested in the characters connection for me.
  • There were a lot of people and characters- I really think the dealing with the fates alone could have been split into another two books.

I know people have a lot of strong opinions about this series and it seems to be in extremes. Yes, while I agree that the series is not a work in literary art. They are fun, suck you in stories that leave you wanting more and wondering what on earth is going to happen next. Also, if you happen to follow author Stephanie Garber on social media, she is super sweet, always going out of her way to keep fans informed and thanking them. Honestly just on person alone I would read her work.

Official Synopsis:

Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in Stephanie Garber’s #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series!

A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end…

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Book Boxes, Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

OwlCrate World Of Caraval Special Edition Unboxing

Megan Nicole

Just a Final 🙂 Warning- LOTS of spoilers below

Overall Rating: ****

Value: ****

Uniqueness:****

I am so so so excited for the release of Finale!!!! I want to set aside all of the other books in my TBR list to start reading right away! These books always leave me needing to know what happens next! I am forcing myself to finish off the two books I am currently reading before I can dive in…. so probably will be my weekend treat!!!

Now without further ado! The unboxing of the World of Caraval Special Edition box from OwlCrate.

What was all included in the box:

  • LeeLoo’s Bath Steamer-I could smell this thing outside of the box and it was wonderful!!
  • Enamel Pin by Alchemy and Ink. There were actually three different version of this pin inspired by the book covers that you could have received.
  • Book Tin from Stella Bookish Art that features quotes from all three books.
  • Citrus and Sea Salt Scented Candle by Rose and Adder
  • Throw Pillow Case designed by Catarina Book Designs
  • Tote Bag designed by Evie Bookish
  • Art Prints depicting scenes fro Caraval and Finale
  • Deck of Playing Cards inspired by the Deck of Destiny… this might be my favorite item in the box, after the book of course.
  • Finale with Exclusive OwlCrate Alternate cover!!! I love this alternate cover so much, especially since I am not a purple fan!!

I believe there are still some unsigned books or boxes with unsigned books available on OwlCrate’s website.

I did give this box 4 starts instead of 5 as I didn’t feel the items really warranted the higher cost, I might be spoiled with how many items are usually in the monthly OwlCrate boxes, but I didn’t feel I received a whole lot of extra. Also aside from the cover art the book doesn’t have any exclusive content so I will still need to purchase a Barnes & Noble Exclusive version of the book if I want the extra chapter from Legends perspective. I don’t enjoy having multiple copies of the same book, so I will wait and see how much I love the book before deciding if I really really need the extra content.

How do you feel about the series??? Let me know in the comments below, and of course Spoiler warnings please!!!

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Book Review

Megan Nicole

I posted a review of The Raven Boys a little while back and have since finished the remaining books in the series- The Raven Cycle. I still stand by my statement of “Wonderfully Strange”. I enjoyed this series so much and actually am already looking forward to a reread because of all the things that I know that I missed the first time around.The Raven Cycle Book Review

I never feel like I had a clue about what was going to happen next or who else might come into the picture. Not to mention I was always worried about someone dying at basically every point during this series! The characters are so wonderful and I have to say again that I really love the way she describes the odd things about people and places and how she writes the strange thoughts that people really have in their head.

This series is so hard to describe without giving anything away, which is a part of the fun of leaving you guessing all of the time. I will say these books are not a quick fast paced read. I actually listened to them all on audio book and I think I would have had a hard time getting into them, and would have taken much longer to read a physical copy.

The full list of books in the series:

After reading this series by Maggie  Stiefvater I immediately started searching out more of her work and discovered that in additional to several other series, she has also written a novella called Opal, that takes place after the events of The Raven Cycle. She will also releasing another book in The Raven Cycle universe in November of this year called Call Down the Hawk.

Needless to say I will be consuming everything Steifvater that I can find!!!

Bookish Merch, Products I love!!

May 2019 Top Book Releases

Megan Nicole

So May 7th has turned into the release day of the year apparently! There are so many amazing books with extras that I cannot wait to come out.

May 7th

Aurora Rising (The Aurora Cycle #1) by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

After listening to Illuminae (which I reviewed earlier this month, check it out here) anything done by Amie and Jay will be an automatic buy for me! Not to mention the early reviews for this book have been phenomenal.

Synopsis:

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their Aurora Rising Bookfirst missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm

A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates

A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder

An alien warrior with anger management issues

A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They’re not the heroes we deserve. They’re just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

AND OH MY GOODNESS THE PRE ORDER OFFER FOR THIS BOOK:

Memento (The Illuminae Files 0.1) by Amie Kaufman & Jay KristoffMemento Illuminae Novella

December, 2574. Forty-three days before the BeiTech attack on Kerenza IV.

This is the story of my first friendship.

This is the tale of my first murder?

Some monsters are born.

But I?

< ERROR >

I was made. 

Finale (Caraval #3) by Stephanie Garber

Finale Caraval BookThis is one of very few series that I have read as they release and I cannot wait for this book!!!!! I am not a huge person for having multiple editions but I have ordered both the Fairyloot Special Edition box and the OwlCrate Special Edition box… and most likely going to have to get the Barnes & Noble Exclusive for the extra chapter from Legend’s perspective. If you haven’t already I highly recommend reading this series, they are a super fast paced and fun read!

Synopsis:

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…all games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything. . .

Storm Cursed (Mercy Thompson #11) by Patricia Briggs

Storm Cursed- Mercy Thompson BookI read the first several books in this series and enjoyed them. I just started to get a bit behind and have not had a chance to catch up. I will probably do a full reread and knock the whole series out once complete since I have lost track of a lot of the details.

Synopsis:

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Romanov BookSynopsis:

The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.

 

Nocturna (A Forgery of Magic #1) by Maya Motayne

Synopsis:

Set in a Latinx-inspired world, a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince must team up to defeat a powerful evil they accidentally unleashed.

To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.

As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.

After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.

But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.

Broken Throne (Red Queen #4.5) by Victoria Aveyard

Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection BookWhile I was not a big fan of how this series ended I was a fan of the first few books so am really interested so see some extra content from this world. I have pre-ordered a singed Barnes & Noble exclusive version .

Synopsis:

Return once more to the deadly and dazzling world of Red Queen in Broken Throne, a beautifully designed, must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard.

The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content.

Fans will be delighted to catch up with beloved characters after the drama of War Storm and be excited to hear from brand-new voices as well. This stunning collection is not to be missed!

 

Dark Shores (Dark Shores #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

Dark Shores Book ReviewI got a chance to read an advanced eGalley of this book and I really enjoyed it, you can read my full review here.

Synopsis:

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

 

May 14th

We Hunt the Flame BookWe Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal

I am super excited for this book, and I have an educated guess that it will be in the May OwlCrate which means special edition!!!

Synopsis:

People lived because she killed.

People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

May 21st

Kingsbane- Empirium Trilogy BookKingsbane (Empirium #2) by Claire Legrand

I have not yet read Furyborn but it is on my TBR for May before the release of Kingsbane, all of the early hype for this book has been amazing!

Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Dark Shores by Danielle Jensen Book Review

Megan Nicole

Overall Rating: *****

Releasing on May 7th. Dark Shores Book Review

Greek mythology meets Pirates of the Caribbean in this action-packed fantasy.

When Teriana breaks a sacred law and reveals the existence of The Dark Shores to the godless Empire to save her people she finds her life tied to Marcus, a ruthless legionnaire known for his conquests. As the two fight for survival they soon discover their lives and intertwined by more than just a contract. This story was as thrilling as it was heartbreaking… full of secrets and mysteries that set you up for so much more in future installments.

The author did a great job of introducing this diverse world of gods and conquest. For me she struck just the right balance of information to keep you from being overwhelmed, but always wanting to know more. If I had a full series I would binge them all right now! I have so many questions and know there are many more adventures to come so I will be eagerly awaiting Jensen’s sequel (and reading everything else she has written in the meantime).

Official Synopsis:

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmilan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read Dark Shores in exchange my honest review.

Book Reviews, Products I love!!

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Book Review

Megan Nicole

Overall Rating: *****

Guys! I cannot say enough about this audiobook!!!! I admit I didn’t even read the synopsis for this book before I started listening and I COULD NOT STOP. I went through an 11 hour audiobook in two days!!

I have heard that the book is a bit harder to read as it is written like a file after the eventsIluminae Files Book Review have occurred. The audiobook is done with a full cast and it comes off wonderfully!!! This book had the Sci-Fi, the end of the world dystopian feel, the zombie land feel, AND the love story. I think I cried 4 times listening to this and have also now ordered a hard copy to have for a follow along reread with the book accompaniment. I would have started the second book right away, however I hit my max of audiobooks on scribd for the month so have to wait a few more weeks for it to be available.

The characters in this book are so well done, I can’t believe I was able to connect with them so much through a “case file” document. I think you love or hate (or can’t determine which feeling you really have) each of the characters detailed along the journey.

One warning- This book has a lot of heart wrenching moments and quite a bit of graphic death. If the story had not been so consuming I would have had a hard time being ok with it.

The book is in the YA section but is more in the NA spectrum, I don’t feel it would be appropriate for a child younger than 15-16 just due to sheer gore factor and sexual references.

Official Synopsis:

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.

BRIEFING NOTE: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

 

I would love to hear your opinions on this story (include spoiler alerts if applicable please) in the comments below! I hear I am going to need a support group after the final book!!!