Saturday 31 July 2021

July 2021 Wrap up

Hello everyone!!

July is almost over and we are getting into August. As you might have guessed it, it is time for my monthly reading wrap up.
In July I read five books (3 ebooks and 2 physical books) and the three of them were ARCs. 




Let's see them together... 

The Tangleroot Palace: Stories by Marjorie M. Liu 

This  is a collection of short stories with a novella at the end. It was published by Tachyon Publications on June 15th 2021.

This was the first time I read anything from Marjorie Liu and I really enjoyed her writing style. I really liked the stories as well, some of them more than others. I liked that almost all the stories had strong female protagonists , who were resourceful.
The stories were magical and haunting at the same time, with beautiful world building and from the majority of them I wanted more. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Read my full review here





Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic (Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls) by Lilly Workneh (Editor)

I really like this series of stories about rebel girls. They are always very inspiring and at the same time informative. Every time I read a collection like this I am amazed by all the incredible things women can do if they want to.
Highly recommend it for younger and older readers alike.

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: September 28th






The Ancient World: Ideas in Profile by Jerry Toner

This is a small non-fiction book about the ancient world and more specifically about Rome and Greece. It was published originally in 2015 by Profile Books and I read its Greek translation (Maria Fakinou translator) by Patakis Publications.

It was  pretty interesting to read as it introduced a new perspective to the Ancient World and the study of it. The author's writing style and though was easy to follow. 
This book is a good introduction for beginners and also for more advanced readers in the subject. 
It is also a quick read as it is only 160 pages.

Rating: 4 Stars

Read my full review here


A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir

The second book in the series was even better than the first one. It was more action packed and full of emotions. I love the characters and their development. I also liked the unexpected plot twist and I cannot wait to read the next book. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Review to come pretty soon.








A Dance with the Fae Prince (Married to Magic #2) by Elise Kova

This is the first time I read anything by Elise Kova and I couldn't be happier.
I loved the story and the characters. The romance between the main characters is slow but beautifully written.
I also really enjoy the world building and I think I will read the first book in this world to find out more.
By the way, you don't have to read book 1 to enjoy this one. They are standalones just in the same world.

Rating: 5 Stars

My review will come later in August.

Release Date: August 19th



That's it for this month. Let's see what August will bring readingwise.

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

Tuesday 27 July 2021

New Releases Weekly - July 27th

 Hello everyone!!

Well, it's time for this week's new releases post. This time we look at books published in the week of July 27th. 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.




This week I will highlight only two books.

Let's start...

Gods & Monsters (Serpent & Dove #3) by Shelby Mahurin 

The spellbinding conclusion to the New York Times and IndieBound bestselling trilogy Serpent & Dove. This stunning fantasy take on French witches and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one.

After a heartbreaking loss, Lou, Reid, Beau, and Coco are bent on vengeance more than ever before—and none more so than Lou.

But this is no longer the Lou they thought they knew. No longer the Lou that captured a chasseur’s heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.



Genre: YA Fantasy
Sequel to: Serpent & Dove
                 Blood & Honey
Publisher: Harper Teen


Small Favors by Erin A. Craig

Ellerie Downing lives in the quiet town of Amity Falls in the Blackspire Mountain range--five narrow peaks stretching into the sky like a grasping hand, bordered by a nearly impenetrable forest from which the early townsfolk fought off the devils in the woods. To this day, visitors are few and rare. But when a supply party goes missing, some worry that the monsters that once stalked the region have returned.

As fall turns to winter, more strange activities plague the town. They point to a tribe of devilish and mystical creatures who promise to fulfill the residents' deepest desires, however grand and impossible, for just a small favor. But their true intentions are much more sinister, and Ellerie finds herself in a race against time before all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves go up in flames.


Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Delacorte Press

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

Saturday 24 July 2021

Assassin's Creed Odyssey by Gordon Doherty - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing Assassin's Creed Odyssey by Gordon Doherty which another novel in the Assassin's Creed universe. It is of course a fantasy book but with many historical facts. It was published in 2018 by Penguin.

This one takes place in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian Wars in 5th century BCE. We follow Kassandra who  is a mercenary of Spartan blood, sentenced to death by her family, cast out into exile. Now she will embark on an epic journey to become a legendary hero - and uncover the truth about her mysterious lineage.  

So this was another Assassin's Creed book that I read and loved. It is action packed as always with these novels and the fact that I knew the history and the myth behind it made it even better. 

Rating: 4 Stars

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

Thursday 22 July 2021

The Ancient World: Ideas in profile by Jerry Toner - A mini Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Ancient World Ideas in profile by Jerry Toner  which is small non-fiction book about the ancient world and more specifically about Rome and Greece. It was published originally in 2015 by Profile Books and I read its Greek translation (Maria Fakinou translator) by Patakis Publications.

It was  pretty interesting to read as it introduced a new perspective to the Ancient World and the study of it. The author's writing style and though was easy to follow. 
This book is a good introduction for beginners and also for more advanced readers in the subject. 
It is also a quick read as it is only 160 pages.

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Ideas in Profile: Small Introductions to Big Topics

This introduction to the ancient world, part of the Ideas in Profile series, covers all its different cultures, from the million people crammed into Rome to the Jews and Syrians who refused to be Romanised. Jerry Toner shows what can be learnt from new approaches to ancient history, from analysing the bones of the dead in Pompeii or assessing the impact of environmental change, and considers how we can discover what it was like to live back then. He looks at every period, not just classical Athens and Republican Rome, but the Hellenistic kingdoms that followed Alexander and the Christian-dominated later Roman Empire. Greece and Rome, he argues, must be fitted into the global history of their day: what did Persians think of Greeks and how does the Roman empire stack up to China's?

With vivid examples and animation from award-winning Cognitive at every stage, this is the ideal introduction to the ancient world for general readers and students.

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

Saturday 10 July 2021

The Tangleroot Palace by Marjorie Liu - A Review

 


Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Tangleroot Palace by Marjorie Liu which is a collection of short stories with a novella at the end. It was published by Tachyon Publications on June 15th 2021.

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

This was the first time I read anything from Marjorie Liu and I really enjoyed her writing style. I really liked the stories as well, some of them more than others. I liked that almost all the stories had strong female protagonists , who were resourceful.
The stories were magical and haunting at the same time, with beautiful world building and from the majority of them I wanted more. 
My favourites were The Tangleroot Palace, The Briar and the Rose & Where the heart lies. 
My least favourite was The Last Dignity of Man.

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:
New York Times bestseller and Hugo, British Fantasy, Romantic Times, and Eisner award-winning author of the graphic novel, Monstress, Marjorie Liu leads you deep into the heart of the tangled woods. In her long-awaited debut story collection, dark, lush, and spellbinding short fiction you will find unexpected detours, dangerous magic, and even more dangerous women.

Briar, bodyguard for a body-stealing sorceress, discovers her love for Rose, whose true soul emerges only once a week. An apprentice witch seeks her freedom through betrayal, the bones of the innocent, and a meticulously-plotted spell. In a world powered by crystal skulls, a warrior returns to save China from invasion by her jealous ex. A princess runs away from an arranged marriage, finding family in a strange troupe of traveling actors at the border of the kingdom’s deep, dark woods.

Concluding with a gorgeous full-length novella, Marjorie Liu’s first short fiction collection is an unflinching sojourn into her thorny tales of love, revenge, and new beginnings. 

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

Tuesday 6 July 2021

2021 New Releases Weekly - July 6th

 Hello everyone!!

Well, it's time for this week's new releases post. This time we look at books published in the week of July 6th. 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...

Capture the Crown (Gargoyle Queen #1) by Jennifer Estep

Bestselling author Jennifer Estep returns to her Crown of Shards world with an all-new trilogy and a bold new heroine who protects her kingdom from magic, murder, and mayhem by moonlighting as a spy. 

Gemma Ripley has a reputation for being a pampered princess who is more interested in pretty gowns, sparkling jewelry, and other frivolous things than learning how to rule the kingdom of Andvari. But her carefully crafted persona is just an act to hide the fact that Gemma is a powerful mind magier—and a spy. 

Gemma is undercover, trying to figure out who is stealing large amounts of tearstone from one of the Ripley royal mines when she encounters Prince Leonidas Morricone of Morta—her mortal enemy. Gemma tries to steer clear of the handsome prince, but when she finds herself behind enemy lines, she reluctantly joins forces with Leo. Also coming to Gemma’s aid is Grimley, her beloved gargoyle.

Despite the fact that Andvari and Morta are old, bitter enemies, a dangerous attraction sparks between Gemma and Leo. Further complicating matters is Leo’s murderous family, especially Queen Maeven Morricone, the mastermind behind the infamous Seven Spire massacre.

The closer Gemma gets to the stolen tearstone, the more deadly plots she uncovers. Everyone is trying to capture the crown, but only one queen can sit on the throne… 

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Harper Voyager

It Ends in Fire by Andrew Shvarts 

ALKA CHELRAZI IS ON A MISSION:
1. Infiltrate Blackwater Academy
2. Win the Great Game
3. Burn Wizard society to the ground

As a child, Alka witnessed her parents' brutal murder at the hands of Wizards before she was taken in by an underground rebel group.

Now, Alka is deep undercover at the most prestigious school of magic in the Republic: Blackwater Academy, a place where status is everything, where decadent galas end in blood-splattered duels, where every student has their own agenda. To survive, Alka will have to lie, cheat, kill, and use every trick in her spy's toolkit. And for the first time in her life, the fiercely independent Alka will have to make friends in order to recruit the misfits and the outcasts into her motley rebellion.

But even as she draws closer to victory — to vengeance — she sinks deeper into danger as suspicious professors and murderous rivals seek the traitor in their midst, and dark revelations unravel her resolve. Can Alka destroy the twisted game...without becoming a part of it?

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Little Brown/Patterson

Six Crimson Cranes (Six Crimson Cranes #1) by Elizabeth Lim 

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Peniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her. 

Genre: YA Fantasy / Retelling
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The Empire's Ruin (Ashes of the Unhewn Throne #1) by Brian Staveley

Brian Staveley, author of The Emperor's Blades, gives readers the first book in a new epic fantasy trilogy based in the world of his popular series the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, The Empire's Ruin.

The Annurian Empire is disintegrating. The advantages it used for millennia have fallen to ruin. The ranks of the Kettral have been decimated from within, and the kenta gates, granting instantaneous travel across the vast lands of the empire, can no longer be used.

In order to save the empire, one of the surviving Kettral must voyage beyond the edge of the known world through a land that warps and poisons all living things to find the nesting ground of the giant war hawks. Meanwhile, a monk turned con-artist may hold the secret to the kenta gates.

But time is running out. Deep within the southern reaches of the empire and ancient god-like race has begun to stir.

What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever. If they can survive.

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books

The Queen Will Betray You (Kingdoms of Sand and Sky #2) by Sarah Henning 

After a thousand years of political stability, the realm of The Sand and Sky is up for grabs. Four kingdoms, four rulers vying for the ultimate prize, sovereignty over the entire continent: A ruthless old king spinning webs, whose schemes encompass generations. A widowed queen whose only credo is all kings must die. A runaway queen whose unexpected return upends everyone’s plans. And a prince-in-waiting determined to wait no more.

Standing against them are a dispossessed princess and her stableboy love with a surprising claim of his own. Their only hope in the face of unspeakable betrayals, enemies hidden in the shadows, and insurmountable odds is the power of true love...



Genre: YA Fantasy
Sequel to: The Princess Will Save You
Publisher: Tor Teen

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

A small book for anyone in search of hope, looking for a path to a more meaningful life, or in need of encouragement.

Happiness occurs when you forget who you're expected to be. And what you're expected to do. Happiness is an accident of self-acceptance. It's the warm breeze you feel when you open the door to who you are.

Years ago, Matt Haig began writing notes to his future self. These notes were meant as gifts to his future self: offerings of hope to help himself through anything from the darkest periods of his life to a not-so-great day. As time went on, he added new thoughts and stories, and he turned them into The Comfort Book so that everyone could draw on this well of reassurance and encouragement. Each of its short meditations gives a new perspective on life and all of its highs and lows--small islands of hope for anyone looking for a more fulfilling, more uplifting way through life. Incorporating a diverse array of sources from across the world, history, science, and his own experiences, Haig offers warmth and reassurance, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of existence.

Genre: Non-fiction / Self help
Publisher: Penguin Life

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



Saturday 3 July 2021

A Curse of Blood And Power by Viviene Noel - Cover Reveal


 Hello everyone!!

Today in collaboration with Book Of Matches Media , I am really excited to show you the cover for A Curse of Blood and Power by Viviene Noel. 

"What if the monster lurking was the part of her that had been stolen?"

The book will be released on August 3rd , it is YA/NA Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark Fantasy and it is also the first book in a series. 

Without further ado here is the beautiful cover.


You can preorder the book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097S4YGV5/ .
There is a special preorder price of $3.99, please make sure to check it out because it will be for a limited time!

If you like Brandon Sanderson, Sarah J. Maas, Laini Taylor, Leigh Bardugo and Audrey Grey , you will like this one too.

Synopsis
Engulfed in darkness, she will stumble upon her own. 
On Fanhalen, world-walking was once a coveted gift wielded only by the Castellain line. But their line is long gone, and since the sudden disappearance of magic at the beginning of the Shadow War, it is only a whispered memory.
In Mahena’s world, twenty-first century Earth, magic doesn’t exist. But when she awakens in another realm, it rapidly becomes clear that whatever magical fragments remain, they react to her. Plagued by dreams and visions of a past she doesn’t remember, and a cruel voice at the back of her head that isn’t hers, she has no choice but to place her trust in the two secretive, mysterious twins who took her in.
With a death warrant on her head, Emmerentia has been in hiding, with the help of her twin, Fàaran, since the war began. When she learns that a part of her memory might have been stolen from her, she decides to come out of the shadows in search of answers. With a complicated past and twisted emotions, the twins’ unwavering loyalty will be put to the test in the face of this new threat.
To find the answer to the mist surrounding Mahena’s true identity, they all must travel to the Scholar-Kingdom, where the last spell cast still holds and the world’s most coveted collection of knowledge resides. But through a land ravaged by spreading Shadows, will they find their way through the dark?

There is also an international giveaway running at the moment. You can enter by searching #ACOBAPCoverReveal or going to my Instagram page @booknotes_athina .

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

Thursday 1 July 2021

June 2021 Wrap up

 Hello everyone!!

Another month went by and now we are in the middle of summer. July is here and the heat with him. In June I was behind in many things relating to my blog and my Instagram account (@booknotes_athina if you didn't know) with no particular reason. Just because I am on holidays! That affected my reading a little bit too. I managed to read 4 books (3 ebooks and 1 physical copy) and most of them were arcs.




Let's start...

The Ming Storm: An Assassin's Creed Novel by Yan Lei Sheng

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

You know by now my love for the Assassin's Creed books. This one was good but not as good as I expected it to be. I liked the story and the writing style but sometimes I found it a little slow and the number of names was a little confusing. 
I liked that it is inspired by the Chinese culture, which isn't used very often. Towards the end it was action packed and fast paced and I really enjoyed at. 

Rating: 3 Stars

Check out my full review here



Awakening Shadows (The Navarre Chronicles #1) by Sydney Hawthorn

Awakening Shadows is a fantasy romance book that I really enjoyed.
I liked the writing style of the author and the world that she builds around the story. The book has the  perfect amount of adventure and there is also magic and mystery that I really love. I enjoyed the characters and the slow burn romance between Quinn and Joseline. My favourite is Quinn and I also enjoyed the dynamics between Evalyn and Dax. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Check out my review here




Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (Assassin's Creed #9) by Gordon Doherty 

Another Assassin's Creed book that I loved. It is action packed as always with these novels and the fact that I knew the history and the myth behind it made it even better.

Rating: 4 Stars

There will be a review pretty soon.









No Way, They Were Gay?: Hidden Lives and Secret Loves (Queer History Project) by Lee Wind

I enjoyed reading this book as I learned a lot of things that I haven't known before about all these famous queer people. There is very useful information at the introductory chapters. 
The book is well written in a simple way that everyone can understand. It would be a great gift for younger readers and adults alike. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Check out my review here






These are the books I read in June. 
Have you read any of them? 

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