July 2022 Reading Wrap Up

 Hello everyone!!

Well, July is over so what better thing to do than a reading wrap up. In this month I read 9 books, of which 4 were physical books, 2 audiobooks and the rest were ebooks. 

I also had two 5-Star reads and many 4-Star ones.

Let's start...

A Song Among the Silence (The Rythmist Cycle #1) by Julie Janis

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the world - building and I found the magic system very interesting and unique. I really liked the story and I loved the plot twists and tensions.

I liked our main characters, Kota and Derrick and their character development and relationship dynamics. I am also curious to see what will happen to the "villain" of our story Killian. Alfi of course was my favourite of all.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check out my review here

I received an ebook by the author

Η Θαυμαστή Ιστορία του Ανθρώπου από την Αρχή by Gianni Rodari (Original title: La storia degli uomini / The Magnificent history of the man from the beginning)

In this book Gianni Rodari tells the story of humanity from the beginning until around the middle of the 20th century. It reads like a fairytale  and it's written in a way everyone can read it despite their level of knowledge. 

I really enjoyed reading it and I believe that it will be great for middle grade children

Rating: 4 Stars

I read the Greek translation but I don't know if there is a translation in English. I couldn't find one.

Book Of Night (Book of Night #1) by Holly Black

This is Holly Black's adult debut and it is a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies. 

My feelings are mixed for this book. I liked the writing style and I found the magic system interesting but a little complicated. I also really liked the plot twists towards the end. 

However, I didn't like the pacing of the book and I couldn't connect with the characters.

Rating: 3 Stars

Assassin's Creed: The Magus Conspiracy by Kate Heartfield

The war between Assassins and Templars wreaks havoc in the Victorian era, in this breakneck thriller which opens up a whole new chapter of the Assassin’s Creed universe and of course I really enjoyed reading it as it's full of the rivalries between Assassin's and Templars.

I liked the storyline and the writing but I would prefer it to be more action packed. It seems that all the action happened towards the end. However I really liked how we got to the ending and the plot twists.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check out my review here

Expected Publication: August 2nd

I received an eARC from Netgalley & the publisher

The River of Silver : Tales from the Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty

I loved this collection of stories and deleted scenes from the Daevabad trilogy. It was everything that I wanted from my favourite characters. It was really good to be back in this magical world. It is a beautiful collection and it perfectly compliments the main trilogy.

Rating: 5 Stars

This Vicious Grace (The Last Finestra #1) by Emily Thiede

I wasn't expecting to like this one but I loved it. Thanks to the #btww girls that picked this book for our monthly read I found a new favourite book. 

This book has strong main characters, slow-burn romance and an interesting magic system.

Rating: 5 Stars

The Valkyrie's Daughter ( The Helheim Prophecy #1) by Tiana Warner

It is a thrilling, intricate, and romantic #OwnVoices LGBTQ fantasy that builds on Norse mythology into a beautiful story all its own.

Lately I really enjoy reading Viking / Norse mythology inspired books and this one was no exception.

I liked the writing style and I loved the story. There is an LGBTQ+ slow burn romance in the book that was perfectly done. I also really liked how the relationship between Sigrid and Mariam evolved as well as the friendship dynamics between Sigrid, Mariam and Fisk.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check out my review here

I received an eARC from Netgalley & the publisher

The Girl in the Tower (The Winternight Trilogy #2) by Katherine Arden

I really liked this book, it is magical and dark at the same time. It's beautifully written and a great sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale. 

Vasya has grown up as a character and I really liked how the author blended history with fantasy.

Rating: 4 Stars

Equal Rites (Discworld #3) by Terry Pratchett

I wanted to read a Terry Pratchett book for awhile and when I saw these new audiobooks I couldn't resist. 

I really enjoyed this book. It is funny but also tackles some more serious issues. 

Rating: 4 Stars

That's it for my July wrap up.

Have you read any of them? What did you think?

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

Athina

Read More

The Valkyrie's Daughter by Tiana Warner - A Review

 

"Nine Worlds. Two outcasts. One Destiny"

The Valkyrie's Daughter (formerly titled The Helheim Princess) by Tiana Warner, is a YA fantasy book inspired by Norse Mythology and it is the first book in The Helheim Prophecy series. The book will be published on July 26th by Entangled Teen.

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

It is a thrilling, intricate, and romantic #OwnVoices LGBTQ fantasy that builds on Norse mythology into a beautiful story all its own.

We follow Sigrid , who for as long as she could remember, she’s wanted to become a mighty, fearless valkyrie. But without a winged mare, she’s a mere stable hand, left wondering who her parents were and why she’s so different. So when the Eye shows her a vision where she's leading a valkyrie charge on the legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir, she grabs the possibility of this greater destiny with both hands, refusing to let go. 

Too bad that the only one who can help her get there is Mariam, an enemy valkyrie who begrudgingly agrees to lead her to Helheim but who certainly can’t be trusted―even if she does make Sigrid more than a little flustered. As they cross the nine worlds, battling night elves, riding sea serpents, and hurtling into fire to learn the truth about Sigrid’s birthright, an unexpected but powerful bond forms. 

As her feelings for Mariam deepen into something fiery and undeniable, Fate has other plans for Sigrid. What happens when the one thing you think you were meant to do might end the nine worlds?

Lately I really enjoy reading Viking / Norse mythology inspired books and this one was no exception. 

I liked the writing style and I loved the story. There is an LGBTQ+ slow burn romance in the book that was perfectly done. I also really liked how the relationship between Sigrid and Mariam evolved as well as the friendship dynamics between Sigrid, Mariam and Fisk.

The world is inspired by Norse Mythology and it is done beautifully despite the liberties that the author took. I loved the part where they travelled through the nine worlds to Helheim where Sigrid would fulfill her destiny.

It has a satisfying ending and I am really excited to read the next book with new adventures for Sigrid.

Rating: 4 Stars

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

Athina

Read More

2022 New Releases Weekly - July 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 July 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...

Violet Made of Thorns (Violet Made of Thorns #1) by Gina Chen

A darkly enchanting fantasy debut about a morally gray witch, a cursed prince, and a prophecy that ignites their fate-twisted destinies—perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove.

Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the royal court with her cleverly phrased—and not always true—divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip Violet of her official role once he’s crowned at the end of the summer—unless Violet does something about it.

But when the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus’s love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse, one that will end in either damnation or salvation for the kingdom—all depending on the prince’s choice of future bride. Violet faces her own choice: Seize an opportunity to gain control of her own destiny, no matter the cost, or give in to the ill-fated attraction that’s growing between her and Cyrus.

Violet’s wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can’t change her fate. And as the boundary between hatred and love grows ever thinner with the prince, Violet must untangle a wicked web of deceit in order to save herself and the kingdom—or doom them all.

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Publisher: Delacorte Press

The Valkyrie's Daughter (The Helheim Prophecy #1) by Tiana Warner

A thrilling, intricate, and romantic #OwnVoices LGBTQ fantasy that builds on Norse mythology into a beautiful story all its own.

For as long as Sigrid could remember, she’s wanted to become a mighty, fearless valkyrie. But without a winged mare, she’s a mere stable hand, left wondering who her parents were and why she’s so different. So when the Eye shows her a vision where she's leading a valkyrie charge on the legendary eight-legged horse Sleipnir, she grabs the possibility of this greater destiny with both hands, refusing to let go.

Too bad that the only one who can help her get there is Mariam, an enemy valkyrie who begrudgingly agrees to lead her to Helheim but who certainly can’t be trusted―even if she does make Sigrid more than a little flustered. As they cross the nine worlds, battling night elves, riding sea serpents, and hurtling into fire to learn the truth about Sigrid’s birthright, an unexpected but powerful bond forms.

As her feelings for Mariam deepen into something fiery and undeniable, Fate has other plans for Sigrid. What happens when the one thing you think you were meant to do might end the nine worlds?

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Entangled Teen

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows

Velasin vin Aaro never planned to marry at all, let alone a girl from neighboring Tithena. When an ugly confrontation reveals his preference for men, Vel fears he’s ruined the diplomatic union before it can even begin. But while his family is ready to disown him, the Tithenai envoy has a different solution: for Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love—as both will learn—is quite another.

Byzantine politics, lush sexual energy, and a queer love story that is by turns sweet and sultry. A Strange and Stubborn Endurance is an exploration of gender, identity, and self-worth. It is a book that will live in your heart long after you turn the last page.

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Tor Books

Beasts of Ruin (Beasts of Prey #2) by Ayana Gray

The powerful and magical sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller BEASTS OF PREY, perfect for fans of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, SHADOW AND BONE and THE GILDED ONES.

Koffi, gifted with powerful magic, has saved the boy she loves - at a terrible price. Now Koffi is a servant to the god of death, and must choose between the life she once had, or the life she could have if she truly embraced her power.

Ekon is on the run from the ancient brotherhood he betrayed, and desperate to find Koffi: the girl who saved his life. But as he treks into the greater wilds of Eshoza in search of her, he must also contend with secrets his ancestors never wanted him to know.

Separated by land, sea, and gods, Koffi and Ekon will have to risk everything. But the longer they're kept apart, the harder their loyalties are tested.

An extraordinary adventure inspired by Pan-African mythology, from New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Sequel to: Beasts of Prey

Publisher: Penguin

The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne

Everyone knows the tale of Rapunzel in her tower, but do you know the story of the witch who put her there?

Haelewise has always lived under the shadow of her mother, Hedda—a woman who will do anything to keep her daughter protected. For with her strange black eyes and even stranger fainting spells, Haelewise is shunned by her medieval village, and her only solace lies in the stories her mother tells of child-stealing witches, of princes in wolf-skins, of an ancient tower cloaked in mist, where women will find shelter if they are brave enough to seek it.

Then, Hedda dies, and Haelewise is left unmoored. With nothing left for her in her village, she sets out to find the legendary tower her mother used to speak of—a place called Gothel, where Haelewise meets a wise woman willing to take her under her wing.

But Haelewise is not the only woman to seek refuge at Gothel. It’s also a haven for a girl named Rika, who carries with her a secret the Church strives to keep hidden. A secret that unlocks a dark world of ancient spells and murderous nobles behind the world Haelewise has always known…

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: RedHook

Padawan ( A Star Wars Disney Canon Novel) by Kiersten White

Obi-Wan Kenobi struggles with his place in the Force as a young Padawan in this coming-of-age adventure!

Obi-Wan Kenobi really wants to be a good Padawan. The best Padawan, even. But that’s feeling more and more impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All of Obi-Wan’s friends are off training to be real Jedi, getting mission experience, while he’s still on Coruscant, practicing his forms and sitting in silent contemplation. Ever since Qui-Gon’s former master, Dooku, left the Order, it feels like Qui-Gon has been too busy trying to connect with the Force or arguing with the Jedi Council to properly train his Padawan.

When Obi-Wan finally convinces Qui-Gon to take him on a mission to a remote planet once explored by an ancient Jedi, his master doesn’t show up the morning they are to leave—so Obi-Wan impulsively takes off by himself. Upon arriving on the mysterious, lush planet, he encounters a group of teenagers with no adult supervision—and who all seem to have some connection to the Force. Free from the constraints of the Order, Obi-Wan joins them in their daring adventures, but the Padawan side of him keeps questioning the teens’ strange relationship to the Force, and to the verdant planet around them, and what all of it might mean to his future. Obi-Wan will test the limits of his relationship to the Jedi and to the Force in this exciting, yet soulful exploration of one of Star Wars’ most enduring heroes.

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press

Master of Iron (Bladesmith #2) by Tricia Levenseller

In Master of Iron, the conclusion to Tricia Levenseller's exciting Bladesmith YA fantasy duology, a magically gifted blacksmith with social anxiety must race against the clock to save her beloved sister and stop a devastating war.

Eighteen-year-old Ziva may have defeated a deadly warlord, but the price was almost too much. Ziva is forced into a breakneck race to a nearby city with the handsome mercenary, Kellyn, and the young scholar, Petrik, to find a powerful magical healer who can save her sister's life.

When the events that follow lead to Ziva and Kellyn's capture by an ambitious prince, Ziva is forced into the very situation she's been dreading: magicking dangerous weapons meant for world domination.

The forge has always been Ziva's safe space, a place to avoid society and the anxiety it causes her, but now it is her prison, and she's not sure just how much of herself she'll have to sacrifice to save Kellyn and take center stage in the very war she's been trying to stop.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Sequel to : Blade of Secrets

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

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

Read More

A Gleam Amidst the Dark by Julie Janis - Book Tour

 

A Gleam Amidst the Dark by Julie Janis is a YA epic fantasy and the second book in The Rythmist Cycle series. The book is being released today July 26th.

Add A Gleam Amidst the Dark to your Goodreads TBR

I have read the first book in the series A Song Among the Silence and you can find my review of it here

Synopsis:

(For A Song Among the Silence, Book 1, to keep spoilers away!)

Life has never been easy for Derrick. Having been raised among the Nixormans—a species with quick reflexes who pride themselves on being great soldiers—all Derrick wants is to join the human world and finally belong. When Derrick meets a human girl in the forest, he finally takes a stand against his guardian and leaves for the human kingdom. But what he expected is far from what he finds. The human kingdom is suffering from the winter and is bathed in more Darkness than what heimagined.

Being the princess of a suffering kingdom cursed with an eternal winter didn't make Kota Holland's life as grand as it could be. Especially afterher mother dies and her father marries a Dark mage. But when her father becomes ill and her stepmother takes control, Kota will do anything to heal him—even if it means dabbling with Dark magic for a cure.

When a cunning Dark mage enters their lives and offers to fix everything, Derrick and Kota find themselves making an unbreakable deal to get their answers. Failure to uphold their end of the deal and a curse will take their lives.

As Derrick’s and Kota’s lives intertwine, they find the winter growing stronger and the kingdom's resources depleting. Without the answers they seek, more is at stake than just their lives. They risk the entire kingdom’s survival.

One wrong step and everything they’ve worked for will crumble.

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

Athina

Read More

The Fair Isle Trilogy by Tessonja Odette - Book Tour (Re-brand)

 "Every young woman dreams of marrying a king. Everyone except for me.  Because the king I am to wed has razor sharp fangs and a thirst for blood."

The Fair Isle trilogy by Tessonja Odette is an Upeer YA/NA fantasy romance. The books are already out.

Purchase the series here

Add the series to your Goodreads TBR here

Here are the beautiful new covers of the trilogy.

TITLE: To Carve a Fae Heart, To Wear a Fae Crown, To Spark a Fae War

SERIES TITLE: Fair Isle Trilogy, Books 1-3

RELEASE DATE:  Already released

GENRE: Upper YA/NA Fantasy Romance, Epic Fantasy

STEAM LEVEL: Moderate

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Adult situations, Moderate violence

About the book:

All my life I knew I’d come of age during the Hundred Year Reaping. According to the ridiculous treaty, two human girls are sent to the fae lands as brides for the fearsome fae king and his devilish younger brother.

Not me. I was supposed to be safe. Two girls were chosen from my village already. But when they are executed for offending the king, my sister and I are sent in their place.

What a mess. Then again, maybe it’s not so bad. The younger brother I’m paired with doesn’t seem as monstrous as I’d expected. He’s delightfully handsome too. But nothing compares to the chilling, dangerous beauty of the fae king. And when my sister flees the castle and her terrifying husband-to-be, I’m left to marry him instead.

If I go through with this, I might not survive my wedding night. If I don’t, no one is safe, neither human nor fae. An ancient war will return, bringing devastation we haven’t seen in a thousand years. Can I sacrifice myself for the good of my people? Or will a dangerous desire be the death of me first?

If I don’t lose my heart, the king will certainly lose his. I’ll carve it out with an iron blade if I have to.

To Carve a Fae Heart is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy, perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, ACOTAR, and The Iron King. If you like snarky fae, brooding fae royals, sizzling romance, and fierce heroines, you'll love this breathtaking fae fantasy.

To Carve a Fae Heart is the first book in The Fair Isle Trilogy, set in the same world as the Entangled with Fae series. To Carve a Fae Heart takes place twenty years before the Entangled with Fae books. Journey back to Faerwyvae or start your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale!

There is a giveaway running until July 28th and you can learn more about it and also enter on my Instagram post @booknotes_athina .

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

Athina

Read More

A Song Among the Silence by Julie Janis - A Review

 

"In a poisoned world ruled by Darkness, you are a song among the silence."

A Song Among the Silence by Julie Janis is a YA fantasy debut novel that is the first book in The Rythmist Cycle. The book is already out.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the world - building and I found the magic system very interesting and unique. I really liked the story and I loved the plot twists and tensions. 

I liked our main characters, Kota and Derrick and their character development and relationship dynamics. I am also curious to see what will happen to the "villain" of our story Killian. Alfi of course was my favourite of all.

I am really interested to see how the story continues in the next book and whether or not my questions about the world and some of the characters will be answered. Fingers crossed they are.

Rating: 4 Stars

Add the book on your Goodreads TBR here

The next book in the series, A Gleam Amidst the Dark will be released on July 26th 2022.  

About the book: 

Life has never been easy for Derrick. Having been raised among the Nixormans—a species with quick reflexes who pride themselves on being great soldiers—all Derrick wants is to join the human world and finally belong. When Derrick meets a human girl in the forest, he finally takes a stand against his guardian and leaves for the human kingdom. But what he expected is far from what he finds. The human kingdom is suffering from the winter and is bathed in more Darkness than what he imagined.

Being the princess of a suffering kingdom cursed with an eternal winter didn't make Kota Holland's life as grand as it could be. Especially after her mother dies and her father marries a Dark mage. But when her father becomes ill and her stepmother takes control, Kota will do anything to heal him—even if it means dabbling with Dark magic for a cure.

When a cunning Dark mage enters their lives and offers to fix everything, Derrick and Kota find themselves making an unbreakable deal to get their answers. Failure to uphold their end of the deal and a curse will take their lives.

As Derrick’s and Kota’s lives intertwine, they find the winter growing stronger and the kingdom's resources depleting. Without the answers they seek, more is at stake than just their lives. They risk the entire kingdom’s survival.

One wrong step and everything they’ve worked for will crumble.

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

Athina

Read More

Assassin's Creed - The Magus Conspiracy by Kate Heartfield - A Review

 

Assassin's Creed - The Magus Conspiracy by Kate Heartfield is a historical fiction / fantasy book that takes place in the well-known Assassin's Creed universe. The book will be released on August 2nd 2022 by Aconyte.

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

The war between Assassins and Templars wreaks havoc in the Victorian era, in this breakneck thriller which opens up a whole new chapter of the Assassin’s Creed universe and of course I really enjoyed reading it as it's full of the rivalries between Assassin's and Templars.

I liked the storyline and the writing but I would prefer it to be more action packed. It seems that all the action happened towards the end. However I really liked how we got to the ending and the plot twists. 

I also really liked our main characters and especially Pierrette, who is strong willed and smart. 

As with every Assassin's Creed novel I really liked the historical elements and the historical figures that we meet. 

I recommend this book even if you are new to the Assassin's Creed franchise.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

London, 1851 – When Pierrette, a daring acrobat performing at the Great Exhibition, rescues the mathematician Ada Lovelace from a gang of thugs, she becomes immersed in an ancient feud between Assassins and Templars. But Lovelace is gravely ill, and shares her secrets with Pierrette, sending the acrobat in search of a terrible weapon which she’d been developing for a shadowy figure known as “the Magus”. Pierrette’s only ally is Simeon Price, Lovelace’s childhood friend, who belongs to a Brotherhood devoted to free will. With Simeon’s aid, they uncover a startling web of political assassinations destabilizing Europe. As they race to foil the Templars’ deadly plot, murders and bombs are everywhere they look, but hope is nowhere in sight.

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

Athina

Read More

2022 New Releases Weekly - July 19th

 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 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...

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Sylvia Moreno - Garcia

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night comes a dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.

Carlota Moreau: a young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of either a genius, or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: a melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: the fruits of the Doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them living in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is both a dazzling historical novel and a daring science fiction journey.

Genre: Historical fiction /  Science fiction

Publisher: Del Rey

These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) by Lexi Ryan

Brie finds herself caught between two princes and two destinies while the future of the fae realm hangs in the balance.

After Abriella's sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn't get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making ­- loving two princes and trusting neither - things are not quite as clear as she once thought.

As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn't even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don't lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm - whether she likes it or not.

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Sequel to : These Hollow Vows

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Heat Wave (The Extraordinaries #3) by TJ Klune

Heat Wave is the explosive finale to the thrilling Extraordinaries trilogy by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author TJ Klune!

Nick, Seth, Gibby, and Jazz are back in action bringing justice, protection, and disaster energy to the people of Nova City.

An unexpected hero returns to Nova City and crash lands into Nick's home, upturning his life, his family, and his understanding of what it means to be a hero in the explosive finale of the thrilling and hilarious Extraordinaries trilogy by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Sequel to: The Extraordinaries

                  Flash Fire

Publisher: Tor Teen

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

Read More

A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin - Book Tour

 

A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin is a middle grade mystery that was published on July 12th , 2022. It is a moving, voice-driven novel about friendship, responsibility, and fighting against unfair expectations, for fans of Rebecca Stead and Erin Entrada Kelly.

Add A Perfect Mistake to your Goodreads TBR here

Purchase A Perfect Mistake:

Amazon /  Book Depository /  Barnes & Noble /  Indigo / IndieBound

About the book:

Max wishes he could go back in time to before he was diagnosed with ADHD, before he grew to be the tallest kid in his class, and before he and his best friends went into the woods in the middle of the night. Max doesn’t remember what happened after he left his friends Will and Joey and the older kids who took them there. He’s not sure if he wants to remember. Knowing isn’t going to make Joey talk to him again, or bring Will out of his coma.

When the local authorities run out of leads, Max realizes that without his help, they may never know what really happened to Will. Charged by the idea that he may be the key to uncovering the truth, Max pairs up with classmate and aspiring journalist Sam to investigate what really happened that night. But not everyone in the community wants that night to be remembered.

About the author:

Melanie Conklin grew up in North Carolina and worked as a product designer before she began her writing career. Her debut middle grade novel, Counting Thyme, is a Nerdy Book Award winner, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, winner of the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award, and a finalist for the Missouri Mark Twain Book Award, the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, the Illinois Bluestem Award, and the Arkansas Charlie May Simon Award. She is also the author of Every Missing Piece, A Perfect Mistake (2022), and her picture book debut, When You Have to Wait (2023). When she’s not writing, Melanie spends her time doodling and dreaming up new ways to be creative. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.melanieconklin.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MLConklin 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanieconklinauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8041873.Melanie_Conklin 

Tumblr: https://mlconklin.tumblr.com/ 

Check out the rest of the tour schedule here

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

Athina

Read More

When Stars Become Shadows by Emmie Hamilton - Book Tour

 When Stars Become Shadows by Emmie Hamilton is an adult dark fantasy standalone. The book has already been released. 

Add When Stars Become Shadows to your Goodreads TBR here

Purchase When Stars Become Shadows here

Title: When Stars Become Shadows

Author: Emmie Hamilton

Publisher: Innulum Press

Release Date: July 12, 2022

Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy

Page Count: 320

Age Requirement: 18+

Format: Paperback | Ebook

About the book: 

For the past seven years, Emersyn Jane Merona had been owned by a deadly mob boss and forced to service any lonely soul who found their way to Skarsrowe, a shady port town on the edge of the Baronian Sea. When Syn commits a murder and initiates a daring escape, she finds herself in the arms of her boss’ archrival, the legendary Captain Killian O’Donnell.

After seeking refuge on his mysterious ship, Syn soon realizes that she may have traded one form of danger for another. Desperate to regain her freedom, she falls back on all the old tricks she used to survive her indentured servitude. Just when she

is ready to give up, a murdered siren changes her fate and the Lord of Lost Souls, Malakai Barron, drags her down into the underworld.

Through a deal brokered by someone from her past, Syn now has to try to earn her freedom from not one, but two key players in the dark underworld. Though it seems impossible, opportunity strikes when Malakai’s missing sirens reappear and Syn is given the chance to investigate. Who is taking the sirens? And why does their song haunt her dreams?

As Emersyn uncovers the demons of her past, will the monsters of her future be kept at bay, or will she become another lost soul anchored to the bottom of the sea?

About the author:

Emmie Hamilton is forever inspired by the "in-between" moments. You know the ones - the empty spaces between the chaos of life. The conversations that are never said, the days filled with waiting, the silence after the emotion calms down; those are what Emmie's stories are built off of.

In her free time, Emmie likes to fulfill her passion for "life" whether that's writing emotional connections, reading addictive novels, travelling the world or trying new food.

Emmie received her MFA in Creative Writing in 2019 and has since had poems and essays published with Scary Mommy and Pure Slush Press. Her debut novel, Chosen to Fall, was released in May 2021. Its sequel, Fated to Burn, was released in November of that same year.

SOCIAL LINKS:

• Website: http://www.emmiehamilton.com

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/authoremmiehamilton

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authoremmieham

• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmie_ham

• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emmiehamilton

Check out the rest of the tour schedule here

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

Athina

Read More

2022 New Releases Weekly - July 12th

 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 12th. 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...

The Wizard of Eventide (The Goddess War #3) by Jon Skovron

In the thrilling conclusion to Jon Skovron's epic fantasy trilogy that began with The Ranger of Marzanna, allies and enemies alike must band together to defeat an evil on a scale never before seen—and this time, the Gods are on the battlefield.

 

As Vittorio’s empire enacts its bloody reign, the Uaine now behind him after a stunning betrayal, a reunited Sonya and Sebastian must embark on a journey to distant lands to amend past wrongs—and find unlikely allies along the way.

 

In far Raiz, Jorge has his hands full enough with the devastation the Empire left behind. But the battle isn’t over, and the sovereignty of his nation will depend on his ability to band together the ancient houses—and recruiting a figure straight out of legend.

 

Galina, now Queen of Izmoroz, rules her land with an iron fist in a velvet glove. But heavy is the crown, and enemies lie in wait both within and without her dominion. To realize her vision for a free Izmoroz at last, she’ll have to fight with much more than politics.

Genre: Fantasy

Sequel to: The Ranger of Marzanna

                  The Queen of Izmoroz

Publisher: Orbit

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

The mind-blowing new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter and Recursion

“You are the next step in human evolution.”

At first, Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little . . . sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking. Reading a bit faster, memorizing better, needing less sleep.

But before long, he can’t deny it: Something’s happening to his brain. To his body. He’s starting to see the world, and those around him—even those he loves most—in whole new ways.

The truth is, Logan’s genome has been hacked. And there’s a reason he’s been targeted for this upgrade. A reason that goes back decades to the darkest part of his past, and a horrific family legacy.

Worse still, what’s happening to him is just the first step in a much larger plan, one that will inflict the same changes on humanity at large—at a terrifying cost.

Because of his new abilities, Logan’s the one person in the world capable of stopping what’s been set in motion. But to have a chance at winning this war, he’ll have to become something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human.

And even as he’s fighting, he can’t help wondering: what if humanity’s only hope for a future really does lie in engineering our own evolution?

Intimate in scale yet epic in scope, Upgrade is an intricately plotted, lightning-fast tale that charts one man’s thrilling transformation, even as it asks us to ponder the limits of our humanity—and our boundless potential.

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Ballantine Books

The Collected Enchantments by Theodora Goss 

A wicked stepsister frets over all the ways in which she failed to receive her mother’s love. A lost woman travels through an enchanted forest looking for someone who can remind her of her name. A girl must wear down seven pairs of shoes to gain help from a witch. A fox makes a life with a human, but neither can deny their true natures. A young woman returns to her childhood home and the fantastic stories she left there. A man lets himself be taken prisoner by the Snow Queen to prove that the woman who loves him would walk barefoot through the ice to save him. Medusa cuts her hair for love.

The Collected Enchantments gathers retellings of folk and fairy tales in prose and verse from World Fantasy and Locus award-winning author Theodora Goss, creator of The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series. Drawing from her Mythopoeic Award-nominated collections In the Forest of Forgetting and Songs for Ophelia and her Mythopoeic Award-winning tome Snow White Learns Witchcraft, and adding new and uncollected stories and poems, The Collected Enchantments provides a resounding demonstration of how, as Jo Walton writes, Goss provides “a vivid, authentic and important voice” that, in the words of Jane Yolen, “transposes, transforms, and transcends times, eras, and old tales with ease.”

Genre: Short Stories Fantasy

Publisher: Mythic Delirium

Into the Narrowdark (The Last King of Osten Ard #3,1) by Tad Williams

The New York Times bestselling world of Osten Ard returns in the third Last King of Osten Ard novel, as threats to the kingdom loom...

The High Throne of Erkynland is tottering, its royal family divided and diminished. Queen Miriamele has been caught up in a brutal rebellion in the south and thought to have died in a fiery attack. Her grandson Morgan, heir to the throne, has been captured by one of Utuk’ku’s soldiers in the ruins of an abandoned city. Miriamele’s husband, King Simon, is overwhelmed by grief and hopelessness, unaware that many of these terrible things have been caused by Pasevalles, a murderous traitor inside Simon’s own court at the Hayholt.

Meanwhile, a deadly army of Norns led by the ageless, vengeful Queen Utuk’ku, has swept into Erkynland and thrown down the fortress of Naglimund, slaughtering the inhabitants and digging up the ancient grave of Ruyan the Navigator. Utuk’ku plans to use the Navigator’s fabled armor to call up the spirit of Hakatri, the evil Storm King’s brother.

Even the Sithi, fairy-kin to the Norns, are helpless to stop Utuk’ku’s triumph as her armies simultaneously march on the Hayholt and force their way into the forbidden, ogre-guarded valley of Tanakirú—the Narrowdark—where a secret waits that might bring Simon’s people and their Sithi allies salvation—or doom.

Genre: Fantasy

Sequel to: The Witchwood Crown

                 Empire of Grass

Publisher: DAW

A Prayer For the Crown-Shy (Monk and Robot #2) by Becky Chambers

After touring the rural areas of Panga, Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk of some renown) and Mosscap (a robot sent on a quest to determine what humanity really needs) turn their attention to the villages and cities of the little moon they call home.

They hope to find the answers they seek, while making new friends, learning new concepts, and experiencing the entropic nature of the universe.

Becky Chambers's new series continues to ask: in a world where people have what they want, does having more even matter?

Genre: Science Fiction

Sequel to: A Psalm for the Wild_built

Publisher: Tordotcom

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

Read More

Queer Retellings of 2022

 Hello everyone!!

Who doesn't love a good retelling? I certainly do love them and especially if they are also queer. In 2022 we are seeing many queer retellings that are been published, so today we are going to highlight some of them. Some are already out and others are releasing later in the year.

Let's start...

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

Retelling: Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping Beauty meets Indiana Jones in this thrilling fairytale retelling for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and All the Stars and Teeth.

Published in January 2022 by Razorbill

Read the synopsis here

One for All  by Lillie Lainoff

Retelling: The Three Musketeers

An OwnVoices, gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, in which a girl with a chronic illness trains as a Musketeer and uncovers secrets, sisterhood, and self-love.

Published in March 2022 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Read the synopsis here

Kaikeyi by Vainshnavi  Patel

Retelling: Ramayana

A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi is a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak—of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

Published in April 2022 by Redhook

Read the synopsis here

Spear by Nicola Griffith

Retelling: King Arthur

The girl knows she has a destiny before she even knows her name. She grows up in the wild, in a cave with her mother, but visions of a faraway lake come to her on the spring breeze, and when she hears a traveler speak of Artos, king of Caer Leon, she knows that her future lies at his court.

And so, brimming with magic and eager to test her strength, she breaks her covenant with her mother and, with a broken hunting spear and mended armour, rides on a bony gelding to Caer Leon. On her adventures she will meet great knights and steal the hearts of beautiful women. She will fight warriors and sorcerers. And she will find her love, and the lake, and her fate.

Published in April 2022 by Tordotcom

Not Good For Maidens by Tori Bovalino

Retelling: The Goblin Market

Salem’s Lot meets The Darkest Part of the Forest in this horror-fantasy retelling of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market.”

Published in June 2022 by Page Street Kids

Read the synopsis here

Wrath Goddess Sing by Maya Deane

Retelling: The Illiad

Drawing on ancient texts and modern archeology to reveal the trans woman's story hidden underneath the well-known myths of The Iliad, Maya Deane's Wrath Goddess Sing weaves a compelling, pitilessly beautiful vision of Achilles' vanished world, perfect for fans of Song of Achilles and the Inheritance trilogy.

Published in June 2022 by William Morrow and Company

Read the synopsis here

Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore

Retelling: The Great Gatsby

Stonewall Honor recipient and two-time National Book Award Longlist selectee Anna-Marie McLemore weaves an intoxicating tale of glamor and heartbreak in Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix, part of the Remixed Classics series.

Expected Publication on September 6th, 2022 by Feiwel Friends

Read the synopsis here

And one that releases in 2023...

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

Retelling: The Adventures of Pinocchio

New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Expected Publication in March 28th , 2023 by Tor Books

Read the synopsis here

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

Athina

Read More