Saturday 30 January 2021

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern which published in November 2019 by Doubleday Books. It's an adult fantasy book and Erin Morgenstern is famous for her other book The Night Circus.

I was expecting a lot from this book and thankfully I wasn't disappointed. It became a new favourite. I haven't read The Night Circus and I wasn't sure what to expect from the writing style of the author. After finishing the book I can say that I love her writing. It's beautiful and lyrical / whimsical. 

The book is written in a different way than usual. There are chapters with stories from the books mentioned in the main plot that are  inserted throughout the book. These stories make the main story more interesting and more understandable. It's easier to follow the main story . 

I really liked the book. It is different, confusing at times but very well done as well. The book is hard to describe. It's an hymn to literature and storytelling. It's a whimsical book featuring an underground labyrinth library full of secrets that are never fully revealed.

The Starless Sea isn't for everyone as Erin Morgenstern's writing style isn't for everyone. It's definitely for me. The book left me confused at the end but I don't mind.

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Far beneath the surface of the earth, upon the shores of the Starless Sea, there is a labyrinthine collection of tunnels and rooms filled with stories. The entryways that lead to this sanctuary are often hidden, sometimes on forest floors, sometimes in private homes, sometimes in plain sight. But those who seek will find. Their doors have been waiting for them.
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is searching for his door, though he does not know it. He follows a silent siren song, an inexplicable knowledge that he is meant for another place. When he discovers a mysterious book in the stacks of his campus library he begins to read, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, lost cities, and nameless acolytes. Suddenly a turn of the page brings Zachary to a story from his own childhood impossibly written in this book that is older than he is.
A bee, a key, and a sword emblazoned on the book lead Zachary to two people who will change the course of his life: Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired painter, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances. These strangers guide Zachary through masquerade party dances and whispered back room stories to the headquarters of a secret society where doorknobs hang from ribbons, and finally through a door conjured from paint to the place he has always yearned for. Amid twisting tunnels filled with books, gilded ballrooms, and wine-dark shores Zachary falls into an intoxicating world soaked in romance and mystery. But a battle is raging over the fate of this place and though there are those who would willingly sacrifice everything to protect it, there are just as many intent on its destruction. As Zachary, Mirabel, and Dorian venture deeper into the space and its histories and myths, searching for answers and each other, a timeless love story unspools, casting a spell of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a Starless Sea. 


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Thursday 28 January 2021

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson which is a searing poetic memoir and call to action from the bestselling and award-winning author of Speak. It was published in March 2019 by Penguin Young Readers Group. 


This is a very powerful book and very different from what I usually read. It is a poetic memoir written in free verse. In it she talks about rape and sexual assault and shares her reflections and thoughts through her personal experiences sharing (personal) stories from her life. 
It's an important book for any reader and especially those who can associate with the #metoo nd #timesup movements. 

The first half of the book is a memoir of the author's upbringing, including her rape and her struggles. The second half was more powerful and strong. The poems talk about sexual abuse and the way society treats those who find the courage and strength to talk about it.

TW for rape, PTSD, abuse, alcoholism, substance abuse

Rating: 4 Stars (It's always difficult to rate a memoir because it is somebody's life.)

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless. In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she's never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society's failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #metoo and #timesup, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. Shout speaks truth to power in a loud, clear voice-- and once you hear it, it is impossible to ignore.


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Wednesday 27 January 2021

Angel In the Shadow Court by Stephanie BwaBwa - Book Tour & Int. Giveaway

 


Hello everyone!!

Today I'm excited to feature Angel in the Shadow Court by Stephanie Bwabwa  (@stephaniebwabwa), book 2 in The Seraphim Resistance Prequels!




Series: The Seraphim Resistance #0.2
Published by Stephanie BwaBwa on December 18, 2020
Genres: Young Adult, Epic, Fantasy
Pages: 234
Format: eBook, Paperback
Buy on Amazon
Add on Goodreads




Synopsis:
She's got her eyes on the throne, and shadows in her blood.

Seventeen-year-old Tayurah Wyld is a sheltered, and underestimated Heiress in a court that refuses to take her seriously. As the High Lady’s only child, and sole heir, she’s destined to one day wear the crown. If others in the court won’t stop getting in her way.
As the lowest ranking angel without magic, Tayurah struggles to prove she can wear the crown and serve the hardened angels of the world she calls home. Tayurah thinks she has what it takes to rule, until poisonous shadows surface beneath her skin, threatening to cost her everything she worked for. Tayurah quickly learns not only she can’t remember much of anything, but she’s also not being told the truth of what’s happening in her world.
When her trainer takes her out of the castle one day, she’s exposed to a reality she never knew of. And she learns, everything she ever knew was a lie. Tayurah fights for her right to rule in a world without respect for her crown. Will she be able to prove herself to the court and the angels? Or is it already too late?

Follow Tayurah Wyld in this angelic, action packed adventure perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Elise Kova, and Laini Taylor.

International Giveaway!!
There is also an international giveaway over on my Instagram (@booknotes_athina) in collaboration with the author and MTMC Tours.

3 readers will win ebook copies of Seraphim Falling (book 1) & Angel In the Shadow Court (book 2)!
Ends February 6th at 11:59 PM EST. Winner announced on MTMC Tours' account. 

Go to my profile on instagram for the details.

About the author:
Stephanie BwaBwa is the YA Fantasy author behind the world of Elledelle, where Narnia meets Wakanda, and an avid reader of fantasy and fiction. Jesus is her Lord and lifeline, Disney is her safe place, Capuchin monkeys have her heart, and coffee is the reason she makes it from sunshine to sunshine. You can usually catch her going for a walk through a park, or simply binging Disney+ with a cuppa Joe in hand.
She's a Canadian born, Haitian raised, Congolese descended, North American dweller who lived a colorful life in south Florida that cultivated a perspective on the world as unique as her background. As a child, she was a reader. As a teen, she became a hobby writer. But once she crossed into adulthood, her burning desire to be a career writer emerged.
BwaBwa's creative prowess doesn't lie only with her Novel Writing Consulting Firm, Bwabs Collective LLC. Stephanie is also the Co-Founder of Indie Author Lifestyle, an indie author company teaching writers all over the world how to write, edit, publish and market their novels while crafting healthy career writer lives. And she is the CEO and Creative Director of Launch Yesterday, a web design company serving authors, entrepreneurs and small business owners who need to build digital platforms in record time.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Tuesday 26 January 2021

2021 New Releases Weekly - January 26th

Hello everyone!!
 
Well, it's time for this week's new releases post. This time we look at books published in the week of January 26th. There are a lot of books that are in my most anticipated list, but as I said before this list is of course incomplete as it includes only books that I am interested in and the majority of them are in the Fantasy genre.




Let's start...

Written in Starlight (Woven in Moonlight #2) by Isabel Ibañez 

An adventerous South American Tomb Raider! This hotly anticipated companion to Woven in Moonlight follows an outcast Condesa, as she braves the jungle to forge an alliance with the lost city of gold.

If the jungle wants you, it will have you...
Catalina Quiroga is a Condesa without a country. She’s lost the Inkasisa throne, the loyalty of her people, and her best friend. Banished to the perilous Yanu Jungle, Catalina knows her chances of survival are slim, but that won’t stop her from trying to escape. It’s her duty to reclaim the throne.
When Manuel, the son of her former general, rescues Catalina from a jaguar, a plan forms. Deep in the jungle, the city of gold is hidden, home to the fierce Illari people, who she could strike an alliance with.
But the elusive Illari are fighting a battle of their own—a mysterious blight is corrupting the jungle, laying waste to everything they hold dear. As a seer, Catalina should be able to help, but her ability to read the future in the stars is as feeble as her survival instincts. While searching for the Illari, Catalina must reckon with her duty and her heart to find her true calling, which could be the key to stopping the corruption before it destroys the jungle completely.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Sequel to: Woven in Moonlight
Publisher: Page Street Kids


You can check out the my review of the first book here.



A Vow So Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers #3) by Brigid Kemmerer 

Face your fears, fight the battle.
Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone—even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series

Genre: YA Fantasy
Sequel to: A Curse So Dark And Lonely
                 A Heart So Fierce And Broken
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA

You can check out my review if the first book here and the second here.



The Mask Falling (The Bone Season #4) by Samantha Shannon 

Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion’s downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim’s puppet empire.

The mysterious Domino Programme has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim – her former enemy – at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war.

As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them – and could end with them.

Genre:  Fantasy / Dystopia
Sequel to: The Bone Season
                 The Mime Order
                 The Song Rising
Pubisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

These are some of the new releases of this week.
Are you excited about them?
Do you have other ones on your radar that I should know of?

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina


Monday 25 January 2021

Rebel Girls Lead : 25 Tales of Powerful Women by Rebel Girls - A Mini Review

 


Hello everyone!!
Today we are reviewing a book that is coming out tomorrow, January 26th. The book is of course Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women by Rebel Girls and I was lucky enough to read an eARC of it thanks to the publisher (Rebel Girls) and Netgalley.

It is a non-fiction book for middle grade readers. In this book Rebel Girls gathered 25 incredible and inspiring stories of women who are leaders in politics, business, sports, activism and more. It is written like a fairy tale which is perfect for the young readers.
I have previously read books by Rebel Girls like the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and had loved everyone of them. This one focuses more on leadership and it was no exception. 
The choices of women were perfect. It's a combination of old ones (from previous Rebel Girls books) and new ones and every story has a gorgeous illustration by a female artist to accompany it. 
It is also very diversified and I appreciate that. 

I highly recommend it for the young readers in your lives and why not, older ones too.

Rating: 5 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina


Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.




Saturday 23 January 2021

A Heart So Fierce And Broken (Cursebreakers #2) by Brigid Kemmerer - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing A Heart So Fierce And Broken by Brigid Kemmerer which is the second book in the Cursebreakers trilogy. It is a YA fantasy book, published in January 2020 by Bloomsbury YA. 
The first book is A Curse So Dark And Lonely, a Beauty and the Beast retelling (check my review here) and the third and last book is A Vow So Bold And Deadly and is being published on January 26th.

We follow the story of Grey, Harper and Rhen after the curse has been broken. In this one our main focus is Grey and we are introduced to more characters like Lia Mara and Tycho. 
I liked a A heatr so fierce and broken more than A curse so dark and lonely, in fact I loved it. The plot was better in my opinion. It was more fast-paced and there was more action scenes and that ending. Oh that ending, what a cliffhanger!
I loved returning to the world of Emberfall once again. This time we follow the story from Grey's and Lia Mara's perspective. I really like it as I love Grey as a character and Lia Mara is strong and loyal. Also their relationship was all I wanted.

I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read the next book A Vow So Bold And Deadly.

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers. 
Win the crown, save the kingdom. 
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Thursday 21 January 2021

My Reading Goals for 2021

 Hello everyone!!

I hope you are having a great January so far. As we are approaching the end of January I though it was time to share with you my Reading Goals for 2021.




As 2020 was a different and pretty difficult year for everyone, including me, I decided that this year I don't want to overdo it with my reading goals. I set myself seven goals which are easy to fulfill if I stay focused. Six of them are strictly reading goals and the seventh one is about my bookstagram account (@booknotes_athina by the way). 

Let's start with my GoodReads reading challenge for 2021. Last year I set my goal on 52 books and that is what I am going to do this year also. I feel 52 books is an easy target that will not stress me throughout  the year. It is one book per week which I think it's fair considering I have a toddler at home. 

The second goal is to read books that are already on my shelves and believe when I say that they are a lot. That said I want to buy less books this year if that is possible. In 2020 I went a little crazy and I add many new books on my shelves that I haven't yet managed to read. In 2019 I was buying one new books after finishing five already owned ones. It worked for a while but not for the whole year. I want to try and do it again in 2021. 

I will combine the next three into one because they are basically in the same spirit. 
I want to read more adult fantasy books. I will of course continue reading young adult fantasy books but I want to read more adult because there are great  titles out there that I need to read. I am looking at you Brandon Sanderson and George R. R. Martin. 
I also want to read more classics as I found them very interesting and a good representation of their times. I also have a lot on my shelves that I want to read.
The last one in this category of goals is my desire to read more non-fiction books and more specifically history and science ones. 
I am all ears for recommendations in any of these categories. 

Lastly for the reading goals I want to finish more book series. I am in the middle or at the beginning of many and I think it is time to complete them in 2021.




The seventh goal as I said is about my bookstagram account. I have my account since February 2017 and in the last year it grew much more than in previous years and I want this to continue. I love taking bookish photos and interacting with so many people who love books as much as I do and who understand me. My goal for this one is pretty ambitious. I want to reach 5000 followers by the end of 2021. I have a long way to go to reach this milestone but I am willing to try and put everything in it. 

Of course I will not forget my little blog. As you may have noticed I am posting more frequently since the beginning of the year. At least three times a week (Tuesday - Thursday - Saturday) and I hope I can keep it up. I also want to expand on how many people my blog reaches which simply means more page views.

Well, let's hope that everything goes to plan and we will be back here to check my progress.

Have a great 2021!

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina
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Tuesday 19 January 2021

2021 New Releases Weekly - January 19th

 Hello everyone!!
It's time for this week's new releases post. This time we look at books publishing in the week of January 19th. There are a lot of books that are in my most anticipated list, but as I said before this list is of course incomplete as it includes only books that I am interested in and the majority of them are in the Fantasy genre.




Let's start...

Cast in Firelight (Wickery #1) by Dana Swift 

The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance
Publisher: Delacorte Press










We Free the Stars (Sands of Arawiya #2) by Hafsah Faizal

The battle on Sharr is over. The dark forest has fallen. Altair may be captive, but Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah are bound for Sultan’s Keep, determined to finish the plan he set in motion: restoring the hearts of the Sisters of Old to the minarets of each caliphate, and finally returning magic to all of Arawiya. But they are low on resources and allies alike, and the kingdom teems with fear of the Lion of the Night’s return.
Lush and striking, hopeful and devastating, We Free the Stars is the masterful conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Sequel to: We Hunt the Flame
Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux




Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor 

"She’s the adopted daughter of the Angel of Death. Beware of her. Mind her. Death guards her like one of its own."
The day Fatima forgot her name, Death paid a visit. From hereon in she would be known as Sankofa­­--a name that meant nothing to anyone but her, the only tie to her family and her past.
Her touch is death, and with a glance a town can fall. And she walks--alone, except for her fox companion--searching for the object that came from the sky and gave itself to her when the meteors fell and when she was yet unchanged; searching for answers.
But is there a greater purpose for Sankofa, now that Death is her constant companion?

Genre: Science Fiction Novella
Publisher: Tor. com


The Mask of Mirrors (Rook & Rose #1) by M.A. Carrick  & Marie Brennan 

Darkly magical and intricately imagined, The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a rich and dazzling fantasy adventure in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord must unite to save their city.
Renata Viraudax is a con artist who has come to the sparkling city of Nadezra -- the city of dreams -- with one goal: to trick her way into a noble house and secure her fortune and her sister's future.

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Orbit






Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies
by D.K. Publishing, Mireille Harper (Foreword)

Erased. Ignored. Hidden. Lost. Underappreciated. No longer. Delve into the unique, inspiring, and world-changing history of Black people.
From Frederick Douglass to Oprah Winfrey, and the achievements of ancient African kingdoms to those of the US Civil Rights Movement, Timelines From Black History takes kids on an exceptional journey from prehistory to modern times.
Stacked with facts and visually vibrant, Timelines From Black History is an unforgettable and accessible hive of information on the people and the issues that have shaped Black history.


Genre: Children's non-fiction
Publisher: DK Publishing


The Forever Sea (The Forever Sea #1) by Joshua Phillip Johnson

The first book in a new environmental epic fantasy series set in a world where ships kept afloat by magical hearthfires sail an endless grass sea.
On the never-ending, miles-high expanse of prairie grasses known as the Forever Sea, Kindred Greyreach, hearthfire keeper and sailor aboard harvesting vessel The Errant, is just beginning to fit in with the crew of her new ship when she receives devastating news. Her grandmother--The Marchess, legendary captain and hearthfire keeper--has stepped from her vessel and disappeared into the sea.
But the note she leaves Kindred suggests this was not an act of suicide. Something waits in the depths, and the Marchess has set out to find it.

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Daw Books



Finally on January 21st is the release day for the House Editions of Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince that Bloosbury UK does .



These are some of the new releases of October 2020.
Are you excited about them?
Do you have other ones on your radar that I should know of?

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Saturday 16 January 2021

A Curse So Dark And Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) by Brigid Kemmerer - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing A Curse So Dark And Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer, the first book in the Cursebreakers trilogy which was published in January 2019 by Bloomsbury YA.
The second book A Heart So Fierce And Broken came out in January 2020  and the final one A Vow So Bold And Deadly comes out on January 26th.

This book is a retelling of The Beauty and the Beast story but in a very unique way. 
We follow Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall,  who is cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, thought he could be saved easily if a girl fell for him. But that was before he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. Before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
We also follow Harper, whose life was never easy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper learned to be tough enough to survive. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she's pulled into a magical world. Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe.  As she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

The story is engaging and addictive but not from the beginning. At least it wasn't for me. But as the story continued I really enjoyed it. 
I liked the main characters of the book. Harper, Rhen and Grey are a great combination. Harper is a strong female character with cerebral oalsy that she accepts and it doesn't affect her. Rhen is sensitive and caring but that doesn't show from the beginnig, as it was expected. 
The author did a great work building the story and the world of the book, with its characters and romance. 

I will definitely continue with the series. In fact I have already read book two and its review will come soon. I cannot wait for book three to be published next week. 

Rating ; 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Friday 15 January 2021

Glimpse of Time by J. M. Buckler - Cover Reveal

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are having a different kind of post and that is a cover reveal.
In collaboration with Literary Bound Tours, I am really excited to show you the cover for Glimpse of Time by J. M. Buckler.

Without further ado, here is the stunning cover...



Title: Glimpse of Time
Author: JM Buckler
Publisher: Gratus Publishing
Release Date: Early 2022
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Ebook



Synopsis:

Three worlds. Two families. One war.
The Capturing Time Saga is the name of the new series.

Author Bio:

JM Buckler has been featured in top media including ABC, NBC, and Fox. She is the award-winning author of Seeker of Time, Stillness of Time, and Passage of Time, young adult fantasy-fiction books which have received praise from the likes of Kirkus Reviews and which have been best-selling young adult books on Amazon. 

Gamechangers in the young adult marketplace, Buckler’s novels combine electric storytelling with deep spiritual lessons and meaningful takeaway on how to cope with life’s hardships – addressing everything from betrayal and heartbreak, to violence and death.

Buckler offers writing-based programs to diverse audiences – teaching how to use the power of the pen to reshape and reclaim one’s life, as Buckler did when she began her own writing journey: After years of drifting through life, feeling insecure and lacking a sense of meaning or purpose – always trying to be the image and fill role that others held out for her – Buckler took a leap of faith and walked out on the person she was supposed to be, instead diving into the world of her imaginary characters. Through developing their lives, Buckler discovered that she cultivated her own – ultimately finding her calling and passion, transforming her reality, and emerging a grounded and confident young woman. 
Buckler lives in Austin, TX, with her husband, son, and Havanese dog.


CONTACT LINKS:



See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Thursday 14 January 2021

Shades of Magic Vol. 2: Night of the Knives by V. E. Schwab - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing the second volume of Shades of Magic: Night of the Knives by V. E. Schwabwhich is a graphic novel based on her famous Shades of Magic series. and it published in 2019 by Titan Comics. It collects Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #5 - 8.
It is actually a prequel to the main series as we follow King Maxim Maresh when he was still a prince.

You can read my review of the first volume here.

We are continuing with the story of Prince Maxim Maresh in this volume. The young and arrogant prince, having faced the terror of the Pirate Queen, now aims to capture the respect of the combative port town of Verose - by taking the impossible challenges of the Night of Knives... and surviving, where none has survived before! 

The story continues to be amazing and well written and the illustrations done by Andrea Olimpieri are gorgeous and capture the spirit of the story. 

Rating: 5 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Tuesday 12 January 2021

2021 New Releases Weekly - January 12th

 Hello everyone!

Welcome to another new releases post. Today we are looking at books that are releasing the week of January 12th.  
As always this list is of course incomplete as it includes only books that I am interested in and the majority of them are in the Fantasy genre.




Let's start...


Of Princes and Promises (St. Rosetta's Academy #2) by Sandhya Menon

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the second installment in a brand-new series set an elite boarding school that’s a contemporary spin on fairy tales, this one a delightful, romantic twist on The Frog Prince.

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Sequel to: Of Curses and Kisses









Across the Green Grass Fields (Wayward Children #6) by Seanan McGuire

A young girl discovers a portal to a land filled with centaurs and unicorns in Seanan McGuire's Across the Green Grass Fields, a standalone tale in the Hugo and Nebula Award-wining Wayward Children series.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Tordotcom
Sequel to: Every Heart A Doorway
                 Down Among the Sticks and Bones
                 Beneath the Sugar Sky
                 In An Absent Dream
                 Come Tumbling Down
        



Tales From the Hinterland (The Hazel Wood #2.5) by Melissa Albert & Jim Tierney (Illustrator)

A gorgeously illustrated collection of twelve fairy tales by the author of The Hazel Wood and The Night Country!
Before The Hazel Wood, there was Althea Proserpine's Tales from the Hinterland...
Journey into the Hinterland, a brutal and beautiful world where a young woman spends a night with Death, brides are wed to a mysterious house in the trees, and an enchantress is killed twice--and still lives.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Sequel to: The Hazel Wood
                  The Night Country



The City of Tears (The Burning Chambers #2) by Kate Mosse

Following on from the Sunday Times number one bestseller, The Burning Chambers, Kate Mosse's The City of Tears is the second thrilling historical epic in The Burning Chambers series, for fans of Ken Follett and Dan Brown.

A gripping, breathtaking novel of revenge, persecution and loss, the action sweeps from Paris and Chartres to the city of tears itself, Amsterdam.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Sequel to: The BurningChambers





These are some of the new releases of the week.
Are you excited about them?
Do you have other ones on your radar that I should know of?

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Saturday 9 January 2021

Nightshade Forest (Eleanor Mason's Literary Adventures #1) by Nikki Mitchell - Book Tour & Review




 Hello everyone!!

Today we are going to talk about a middle grade book that sounds very interesting. The book is Nightshade Forest by Nikki Mitchell and it's the first book in the Eleanor Mason's Literary Adventures series. It is an indie published book that came out on June 2020 and I am very happy that Literary Bound Tours chose me to be part of the book tour for it. 



Title: Nightshade Forest (Eleanor Mason's Literary Adventures #1)
Author: Nikki Mitchell
Publisher: Poison Apple Press
Release Date: June 20, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade – Portal Fantasy
Pages: 143
Format: Paperback, Ebook



Synopsis:
When eleven-year-old Eleanor receives a gift from her father, she never imagines it will open a portal to a fairytale world. Upon reading the first sentence of chapter one, she finds herself standing in the middle of Nightshade Forest—a dark woods with glowing blue and purple trees. She soon learns that the magic in the kingdom is out of control, and it is up to Eleanor to restore what has gone missing.

Join Eleanor and her newfound friends, Elfie and Milo in a search for a magic crystal as they fight off creatures Eleanor has only dreamed about. Can she make it to the happily-ever-after and rejoin her family, or will she be stuck in the Nightshade Forest forever?

Purchase Link on Amazon:

My Review
It is a beautiful, well-written story about Eleanor's adventures in the Nightshade Forest and her efforts to save the kingdom. Eleanor is a great character. She is smart and curious about everything. The book is fast-paced and you cannot put it down easily once you start reading it. 
The Nightshade Forest is a happy and whimsical read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Rating: 4 Stars

Author Bio

Nikki Mitchell is the American author of Eleanor Mason’s Literary Adventures series.
She is a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Evelyn and Everett. She lives in the Upper Peninsula with her husband, kids, and three cats. Nikki loves spending time outdoors, at the local library, and telling stories of grand adventure to her kids. Her favorite place is anywhere cozy with a warm blanket, good book, a hot cup of tea, and classical music.
With her debut novel, Nikki hopes to help kids find true adventure in the Nightshade forest, while learning about bravery, friendship, and the true magic of reading.


CONTACT LINKS:

Don't forget to also check out the rest of the stops for this book tour. 


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

The Dark Vault: Unlock the Archive by Victoria Schwab - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Dark Vault: Unlock the Archive by Victoria Schwab, which is a bind up of the books Archived and Unbound and it's a YA Fantasy book. 

As with all Victoria Schwab's books that I have read so far, I loved this one too. I liked more the second book than the first.  
I really like the way the story goes and how despite my guesses I was still surprised by the plot. Wes is one of my favourite characters. The world building is amazing and different from what we are used to in fantasy books. 
This book is filled with suspense and mystery and it can get creepy some times. Also, Victoria knows how to make a good villain and the one in these books was no exception.

I like that every new book V. E. Schawb writes is completely different  from the others she has written. You never know what to expect from her books and that's a good thing for me. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.
Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. 
Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was: a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 
Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost, Da's death was hard enough, but now that her little brother is gone too, Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself may crumble and fall.


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina


Thursday 7 January 2021

Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V. E. Schwab - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing the first volume of Shades of Magic : The Steel Prince by V. E. Schwab which is a graphic novel based on her famous Shades of Magic series. and it published in 2019 by Titan Comics. It collects Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince #1-4. 

It is actually a prequel to the main series as we follow King Maxim Maresh when he was still a prince.
We are back in the world of Shades of Magic and its incredible magic system. When I finished the series I wanted more and this graphic novel fulfills this need. 
It was nice to read about the past of King Maxim Maresh and his adventures that gave him the title The Steel Prince. 
The story was spot on and the illustrations, done by Andrea Olimpieri were incredible. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Delve into the thrilling, epic tale of the young and arrogant prince Maxim Maresh, long before he became the king of Red London and adoptive father to Kell, the lead of A Darker Shade of Magic! 
The youthful Maresh is sent to a violent and unmanageable port city on the Blood Coast of Verose, on strict orders from his father, King Nokil Maresh, to cut his military teeth in this lawless landscape.
There, he encounters an unruly band of soldiers, a lawless landscape, and the intoxicatingly deadly presence of the newly returned pirate queen, Arisa...

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina


Wednesday 6 January 2021

Crown of Bones (Crown of Bones #1) by A. K. Wilder - A Review

 




Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing Crown of Bones by A. K. Wilder. It is a YA fantasy book and it's the first book in a duology. It released yesterday, January 5th 2021 by Entangled Teen

Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. Al opinions are my own.

After reading the synopsis of this book I was confused but intrigued and that's why I read it. After finishing it, I can certainly say that you should check it out because it's very very good. 
I loved the storyline and I loved the characters. Mysterious Kaylin is my favourite. He is at the same time dangerous and sweet. I also loved Ash and the dynamics she has with him. She is a smart and strong character with secrets even she doesn't know. Marcus is also smart and loyal. The friendship dynamics of the group were excellent. 
I liked the three POV narration (Ash, Markus & Kaylin) of the story and the author's writing. I found the world-building interesting and I want to learn more about it. The phantoms concept reminded me of the daemons in His Dark Materials series. 
The romance in the book was everything I wanted from it. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Raise. Your. Phantom.
For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.
In a world on the brink of the next Great Dying, no amount of training can prepare us for what is to come …
A young heir will raise the most powerful phantom in all of Baiseen.
A dangerous High Savant will do anything to control the realms.
A mysterious and deadly Mar race will steal children into the sea.
And a handsome guide with far too many secrets will make me fall in love.
My name is Ash. A lowly scribe meant to observe and record. And yet I think I’m destined to change us all. 


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina

Tuesday 5 January 2021

2021 New Releases Weekly - January 5th

 Hello everyone!!

Welcome to the first New Releases post of 2021. This year there are coming many amazing books and because they are A LOT I decided to change these posts to a weekly basis instead of a monthly.

So this post contains book releases for the first week of January and as always this list is of course incomplete as it includes only books that I am interested in and the majority of them are in the Fantasy genre.



Let's start...

Crown of Bones (Crown of Bones #1) by A. K. Wilder

For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.

In a world on the brink of the next Great Dying, no amount of training can prepare us for what is to come …
A young heir will raise the most powerful phantom in all of Baiseen.
A dangerous High Savant will do anything to control the realms.
A mysterious and deadly Mar race will steal children into the sea.
And a handsome guide with far too many secrets will make me fall in love.
My name is Ash. A lowly scribe meant to observe and record. And yet I think I’m destined to change us all.


Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Entangled Teen

I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. So come back tomorrow for my review.


Lore by Alexandra Bracken

A sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love and redemption.

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality.

Genre: YA Fantasy / Greek Mythology retelling
Publisher: Disney - Hyperion







Siege of Rage and Ruin (The Wells of Sorcery #3) by Django Wexler 

Siege of Rage and Ruin is the explosive final adventure in Django Wexler's The Wells of Sorcery trilogy, an action-packed epic fantasy saga.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Teen
Sequel to: Ship of Smoke and Steel
                 City of Stone and Silence








The Ever After (The Omte Origins #3) by Amanda Hocking 

New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking concludes the magical world of the Trylle with The Ever After, the final book in her last Trylle arc.

Nestled along the bluffs of the forested coast lies the secret kingdom of the Omte--a realm filled with wonder...and as many secrets.

The Ever After closes the last trilogy of the long-running Trylle series.




Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Sequel to: The Lost City
                  The Morning Flower


I have a read the first book in the trilogy and really liked it. Yu can check my review here.


These are some of the new releases of the first week of January 2021.
Are you excited about them?
Do you have other ones on your radar that I should know of?


See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina


Saturday 2 January 2021

2020 My Favourite Books

 Hello everyone and Happy New Year!!

I hope 2021 is better for all of us in every aspect.

Today I want to share with you all the books that I loved in 2020 aka my Favourite reads of the year. They are 17 books in total and it's roughly one book for every month but there are the necessary exceptions of course.




Without further ado let's see those books. They are in the order that I have read them and I will link to the corresponding book review if there is one up. 



The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Read in January 2020 
Rating: 4 Stars

I was expecting a lot from this book and thankfully it didn't disappoint. The reviews on this one are controversial but I liked it. I loved the way Erin Morgenstern writes.

There will be a review pretty soon. Actually towards the end of this month.



The Left hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin

Read in February 2020
Rating: 4 Stars

This is the first Le Guin book I read and I really enjoyed it. It's a SF political thriller that turns to an adventure as the story goes. The book has a dynamic plot and a good character development too.

Find my review here


The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Read in March 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I loved this book! It's a five star read for me and I highly recommend it.
Many people describe it as a Slytherin romance and I couldn't agree more with those characters.

Find my review here


An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir

Read in March 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. It is brilliant! I enjoyed every aspect of it. 
Fortunately I have books 2 & 3 already on my selves and book 4 will be mine soon.

Find my review here


Assassin's Creed: The Essential Guide by Titan Books

Read in April 2020
Rating:  5 Stars

If you like me love the Assassin's Creed franchise, you need this book. It is full with all the information and beautiful photos from the games.
I have only read the books and I loved this one.

Find my review here


The Last Wish (The Witcher #0.5) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Read in May 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I knew these books existed but before the Netflix TV show I have never thought of them. Now after reading the first one, which is a collection of short stories that somehow are connected together, I am hooked.

Find my review here


The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.1 - 0.5) by Sarah J. Maas

Read in June 2020
Rating: 4 Stars

This is the first time I read anything from Sarah J. Maas and after reading The Assassin's Blade, I think I should have done it earlier. I really enjoyed reading the backstory of Celaena and I cannot wait to read more.

Find my review here


Where Dreams Descend (Kingdom of Cards #1) by Janella Angeles

Read in August 2020
Rating: 4 Stars

Where Dreams Descend is full of magic! 
I really enjoyed reading this book and I practically devoured it. It is well-written  fast-paced and the action starts from the beginning.
It's a fun and at the same time dark story with some mysterious characters. 

Find my review here


Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Read in August 2020
Rating: 4 Stars

I didn't expect to like this one, but I really did like it. It's kind of a retelling of a Persian myth and it reads like a real fairytale. The story is perfectly structured and well-paced.

Find my review here


Harry Potter Film Vault (vol. 10) - Wizarding Homes & Villages by Titan Books

Read in September 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

It's a book about the filmmaking secrets behind the HP films regarding the wizarding homes and the Hogsmeade Village. It's the 10th volume out of 12 in total and I am intrigued to get them all. I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it for any Harry Potter fan.


The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Read in October 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

Well, I have no words. I loved this book! It was everything I was expecting and even more

Find my review here



The House in the Cerulean Sea by T J Klune

Read in October 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

It is a contemporary fantasy book about finding family in an unexpected place. It is a wonderful, heartwarming story that makes you feel good. There is no way you won't love it too

Find my review here


The Wicked King (The Air of the Folk #2) by Holly Black

Read in November 2020
Rating: 5 Star

I liked it more than The Cruel Prince and the ending was very unexpected and "Wicked". I need to read book 3 asap.

Find my review here


Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco

Read in November 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I liked this one more than SJTR. I found it more fascinating and I like the story better.

Find my review here


A Curse So Fierce And Broken (Cursebreakers #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

Read in December 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I liked this one more than the first. It was more fast-paced, there was more action and that ending was everything...
In a few words: I loved it!

There will be a review pretty soon. Actually towards the end of this month.



Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) by Kerri Maniscalco

Read in December 2020
Rating: 4 Stars

Well, this was a highly anticipated book and thankfully it didn't disappoint. I loved the writing style, the story, the pacing and I really liked the characters.

Review to come pretty soon.



The Maiden Ship (The Maiden Ship #1) by Micheline Ryckman

Read in December 2020
Rating: 5 Stars

I finally read The Maiden Ship and I am in love with it. The story, the characters, the world-building everything. I cannot wait to read the next book. Thank fully I have an eARC so I can read it asap.

Review to come pretty soon.

These 17 books are the ones that I loved reading in 2020. I read many good books but these are the ones that stood out. 
Have you read any of these?
What are your favourite books of 2020?

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina