Favourite Books of 2023 (Blogmas 2023 - Day 31)

 Hello everyone!!

Today is the last day of the year and I thought it would be appropriate to end my attempt at Blogmas with my favourite books of 2023. 

Here are my 12 favourite books of the year. One book for every month of 2023.

January 2023

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

The 1st book in The Shepherd King duology

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

February 2023

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

The 1st book in The Luminaries series

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

March 2023

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The 1st book in the Niebla trilogy.

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

April 2023

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The 1st book in the Before The Tales from the Café series

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

May 2023

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The 1st book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

June 2023

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

The 2nd book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check my review here

July 2023

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

The 1st book in The Empyrean trilogy.

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

August 2023

The Martyr by Anthony Ryan

The 2nd book in The Covenant of Steel trilogy.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check my review here

September 2023

Witch Hat Atelier, vol 1 by Kamome Shirahama

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

October 2023

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

The 2nd book in the Belladonna trilogy.

Rating: 4 Stars

Check my review here

November 2023

The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab

The 1st book in the Threads of Power series

Rating: 5 Stars

Check my review here

December 2023

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 5 Stars

Review to come soon

Among all these books my favourite of the year is The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab. I do not think that this was a surprise. Victoria is my favourite author and I love anything she writes. This book was my most anticipated release of the whole year.

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

Athina

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My Priority TBR of 2024 (Blogmas 2023 - Day 29)

 Hello everyone!!

Only three days are left until the end of the year and I thought that it would be nice to share with you my priority TBR for the next year.

In no particular order here are the books that I want to read in 2024.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

I think that it is time to finally read a Brandon Sanderson book. I cannot call myself a fantasy reader without having read a Brandon Sanderson book.

Malice by John Gwynne

I have read The Bloodsworn Saga (book1 & 2) from him and I loved them and i think I should read The Faithful and the Fallen series in 2024.

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

The first book in his First Law series. I have heard great things and now that I have physical & beautiful  copies of the books I have no excuse.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

I want to continue reading The Wheel of Time series and I have only read the first two books. 

I also want in 2024 to finish some series that I am in the middle of or there is only one book left. Here are some of them..

                     

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

Athina

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Anticipated Releases for 2024 (Blogmas 2023 - Day 28)

 Hello everyone!!

Well, after a couple of days away I am back with some of my most anticipated releases of 2024.

Let's see them together...

In January I am looking forward to

The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake

"Only the extraordinary are chosen. Only the cunning survive."

This is book 3 in The Atlas series and it will be released on January 9th.

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

"Divided by blood.

Imprisoned by fate.

Bound by desire.

Welcome to the intoxicating world of the fae."

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Final Strife, comes an enchanting new trilogy. It will be published on January 18th.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

The book will be released on January 23rd

In February...

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

Releases on February 6th

Gogmagog: The First Chronicle of Ludwich by Jeff Noon & 

Steve Beard

Gogmagog tells the story of an epic journey through the sixty-mile long ghost of a dragon. 

Releases on February 13th

Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan

From one of fantasy’s most exciting new voices Eliza Chan comes a modern, myth-inflected story of revolution and magic set against the glittering, semi-submerged city of Tiankawi, perfect for fans of Jade City and The Bone Shard Daughter . Welcome to Tiankawi – shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that’s how it first appears.

Releases on  February 27th

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

The sequel to Empire of the Vampire releases on February 29th

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson-Bennett

Featuring an unforgettable Holmes-and-Watson style pairing, a gloriously labyrinthine plot, and a haunting and wholly original fantasy world, The Tainted Cup brilliantly reinvents the classic mystery tale.

The 1st book in The Shadow of Leviathan releases on February 6th

Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan’s highly acclaimed, bestselling Celestial Kingdom duology is expanded with this new compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events in Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior, all from the perspectives of beloved characters and illustrated by Kelly Chong.

Releases on February 6th

In March...

Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner

Return to the world of Godkiller in this thrilling sequel to the #1 internationally bestselling fantasy debut, where Kissen and her companions must navigate lands of gods and demons to unravel a dark truth at the heart of their world.

Releases on March 12th

In April...

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ninth House, Hell Bent, and creator of the Grishaverse series comes a highly anticipated historical fantasy set during the Spanish Golden Age

Releases on April 9th

In May...

The Silverblood Promise by James Logan

Set in a city of traders and thieves, monsters and murderers, this fast-paced epic fantasy debut is a must-read for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Nicholas Eames, and Scott Lynch.

Releases on May 7th

In September...

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade

Releases on September 10th

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

Athina

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Favourite book of November 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 24)

 Hello everyone!!

We are ending this countdown with my favourite book of November , which was no other than The Fragile Threads of Power.

“She sighed in relief. "You came."

Kell stepped into the room, the black ring's cord swinging from his fingers. "You called.”

― V.E. Schwab, The Fragile Threads of Power

It is so good to be back in this world!! I have missed it!!

The Fragile Threads of Power is the 1st book in the new Threads of Power trilogy by my favourite  V.E. Schwab. It is set in the same world as her Shades of Magic series but it takes place 7 years after the end of the last book.

Well, I don't have many words to say only three: I LOVED IT!!

The world building is excellent and the same is true for Victoria's writing. I just love her writing style. The magic system was always my favourite.

It was really good to see again old and loved characters but I also really liked the new ones, especially Tes, and I cannot wait to learn more about them in the next books.

The plot in this book was excellent and it was full of adventure and action.

I cannot wit for the next book!

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Seven years have passed since the doors between the worlds were sealed. Seven years since Kell, Lila and Holland stood against Osaron, a desperate battle that saved the worlds of Red, Grey and White London. Seven years since Kell’s magic was shattered, and Holland lost his life.

Now Rhy Maresh rules Red London with his new family – his queen, Nadiya, their daughter Ren, and his consort, Alucard. But his city boils with conspiracy and rebellion, fuelled by rumours he is causing magic to fade from the word.

Now Kosika, a child Antari, sits on the throne of White London. The new queen leads her people in new rituals of sacrifice and blood in devotion to the altar of Holland Vosijk, summoning vast power she may not be able to control.

Now Lila and Kell, living free on the waves, are charged by the captain of the Floating Market to retrieve an immensely powerful artefact, stolen by secretive forces.

Now Tes, a young woman with a knack for fixing broken things, is thrust into the affairs of Antari and kings, traitors and thieves. And only her unique powers can weave the threads of power together.

A triumphant return to the worlds of The Shades of Magic, The Fragile Threads of Power continues the stories of fan-favourite characters Kell, Lila, Rhy and Alucard, and introduces a new generation of magic, shadows and embers in the dark.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of October 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 23)

 Hello everyone!!

We are almost at the end. My favourite book in October was Foxglove.

“She didn’t care to be a sunflower, unfurling her petals in the daylight for all to see. She would rather be an adorable little mushroom, thriving in the dark crevices where few ventured to look.”

― Adalyn Grace, Foxglove

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace is the captivating sequel to the Gothic-infused Belladonna, in which Signa and Death face a supernatural foe determined to tear them apart.

I really liked Foxglove but to be honest Belladonna is still my favourite. I loved being back in this world and reading about Signa and Death. I really enjoyed the chapters with Blythe's POV as it made the book more interesting and I also liked the interactions between Blythe and Fate. Signa and Death are still my favourites but I am really curious about Wisteria (the 3rd book) where I believe that Blythe will be the focus of the story.

The events and revelations of the last part of the book were incredible and they made me want to read the sequel as soon as possible.

Foxglove was mysterious and dark, with a strong character development.

I am looking forward to the third and final book, Wisteria, to come out next year.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games-all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to the story of Signa and Death is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of September 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 22)

 Hello everyone!!

My favourite book of September was actually a manga. Witch Hat Atelier is the first manga that I read and I loved it.

“Is an athlete always an athlete, even from mere birth? What about astronauts? Or pop stars? You can’t know what you’re going to be until you grow up, right? What about witches? Is it the same for them?”

― Kamome Shirahama, Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 1

Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama is the first manga that I read and I must say that I am impressed. I have already bought the next two volumes.

It is a fantasy manga full of magic. We follow Coco, who dreams to become a witch. However, everyone tells her that witches are born an not made. She believes that until she comes across a traveling magician and everything changes.

I loved it from the beginning. The plot and teh characters are really good with a lot of potential. The art style is beautiful and really cute and I also really liked the magic system.

Now, let's move to the next volume...

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch…until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem…

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

Athina

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Favourite book of August 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 21)

 Hello everyone!!

We have reached the heart of summer and my favourite book of August was The Martyr.

The Martyr by Anthony Ryan is the second book in the Covenant of Steel trilogy and as the first one The Pariah, it is full of action, intrigue and magic.

The book picks up where book one ended and Alwyn Scribe is still at Lady Evadine's side as her advisor and protector.

I found the first half of the book to be a little slow for me but then it picked up and it was really good.

Anthony Ryan knows how to write good characters and good battle scenes. The Martyr is medium -paced , adventurous, dark and tense.

I will definitely be reading book three The Traitor to find out how Alwyn's story continues.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful.

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends.

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of July 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 20)

 Hello everyone!!

In July I cave in to the hype and read the Fourth Wing and it became my favourite book of the month.

“Hope is a fickle, dangerous thing. It steals your focus and aims it toward the possibilities instead of keeping it where it belongs—on the probabilities.”

― Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing

The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first book in The Empyrean trilogy and it is a fantasy romance. 

This book has gathered a lot of hype around it, so it was obvious that I would check it out.

After reading the first pages, I couldn't put it down and I understood the hype completely. This book is very addictive. It's fast-paced and full of tension.

I really loved the world-building with the dragons and the magic system. Rebecca Yarros does the enemies-to-lovers trope perfectly and the main characters Xaden & Violet were exactly what I needed.

This book left me with a book hangover , that took me awhile to get over it.

I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read book 2, Iron Flame.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Welcome to the brutal and elite world of Basgiath War College, where everyone has an agenda, and every night could be your last . . .

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general-also known as her tough-as-talons mother-has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you're smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away . . . because dragons don't bond to "fragile" humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother's daughter-like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She'll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Alliances will be forged. Lives will be lost. Traitors will become allies . . . or even lovers. But sleep with one eye open because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

 

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

Athina

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Favourite book of June 2023 - Review (Blogmad 2023 - Day 19)

 Hello everyone!!

Another post with another favourite book of the year. In June I continued reading the Crowns of Nyaxia books and of course The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King became my favourite of the month.

“Your soul is my soul. Your blood is my blood. Your heart is my heart.”

― Carissa Broadbent, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King is the second book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent and it was as exciting as the first one. I read it after the Six Scorched Roses novella and I really liked it.

It focuses on what happens after the Kejari and it is still full of action and political intrigues. I really liked how Oraya and Raihn evolved as characters in this book and how we got to see and learn more about the world.

It had many surprising twists and turns but in the end everything wrapped up really good.

I cannot wait for the next installment.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book:

Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power – and the devastating love that could be her downfall.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of May 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 18)

 Hello everyone!!

Today we are talking about my May favourite book.  In the month of May my favourite book was The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

“I would beg,” he murmured. “For you, I would. You have fucking destroyed me, Oraya. Do you know that?”

― Carissa Broadbent, The Serpent and the Wings of Night

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbemt is a Romantasy (Fantasy Romance) book and it is the 1st in the Crowns of Nyaxia duology. 

The Serpent and The Wings of Night  is a book that I had heard many great things about and I was very intrigued. When I got the chance to read it, I didn't hesitate and thankfully because I loved it.

First of all this book is really addicting and you can easily binge it. I loved the world-building, the setting and of course the characters and the great dynamics between them. The book is action packed with a lot of banter, tension and spice. It has a slow burn rivals-to-friends-to-lovers romance that I loved and very complicated family dynamics.

The ending was unexpected and you will definitely need to have book 2 ready to continue. Thankfully I had.

If you didn't guess, I loved this book and It became a new favourite.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of April 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 17)

 Hello everyone!!

Let's continue with April's favourite book. In April my favourite book was Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (translated by Geoffrey Trousselot).

“At the end of the day, whether one returns to the past or travels to the future, the present doesn't change.”

― Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a contemporary book with magical realism elements and it is the first book in the series.

It's been awhile since I read something like this and I just loved it.

It is a beautiful, moving story that explores the age-old question of what would you change if you could travel back in time.

The writing is simple but beautiful and all of the stories were really good and left me with a hopeful thought despite their tough subjects.

This book is really inspiring and after finishing it I couldn't stop thinking it for some time.

Rating: 5 Stars

At the moment there are four books in the series that are translated in English:

• Before the coffee gets cold
• Tales from the cafe
• Before your memory fades
• Before we say goodbye

I believe that there is one more book that is not translated yet.

About the book:

What would you change if you could go back in time?

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the café’s time-travelling offer, in order to: confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has been taken by early onset Alzheimer's, to see their sister one last time, and to meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.

But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold . . .

Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?

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

Athina

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Favourite book of March 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 16)

 Hello everyone!!

Today we are talking about my March favourite book, which was no other than The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

“He lost himself in the words and images conjured in his mind and for a while forgot ... He found himself flying among stars and planets ...”

― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Prince of Mist

The Prince of Mist, from the bestselling author of The Shadow of The Wind, is a  haunting story of a ghostly ship and an age-old curse. It's the first book in the Niebla trilogy (The Fog Trilogy) which is not exactly a series but a collection of the first books Zafon wrote for a younger audience.

I love everything that I have read from Carlos Ruiz Zafon and The Prince of Mist was no exception. This is his debut and is a middle grade novel that can be enjoyed by anyone.

As always I loved the writing style and the setting, which was really atmospheric.

The book is a quick read and it has also creepy and mystery elements. It is a page turner for sure.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book:

In 1943, Max Carver's father - a watchmaker and inventor - decides to move his family to a small town on the coast, to an abandoned house that holds many secrets and stories of its own. Behind the house Max discovers an overgrown garden surrounded by a metal fence topped with a six-pointed star. In the centre is a large statue of a clown set in another six-pointed star.

As the family settles in they grow increasingly uneasy: Max’s sister Alicia has disturbing dreams while his other sister, Irina, hears voices whispering to her from an old wardrobe. With his new friend Roland, Max also discovers the wreck of a boat that sank many years ago in a terrible storm. Everyone on board perished except for one man - an engineer who built the lighthouse at the end of the beach.

As they learn more about the wreck, the chilling story of a legendary figure called the Prince of Mist begins to emerge...

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

Athina

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Short Books To Read If You Need To Catch Up On Your Reading Goal (Blogmas 2023 - Day 15)

Hello everyone !!

Have you reached your Goodreads goal for the year or your reading goal in general?
I have, but in case you haven't and you still want to, here are some short book recommendations to help you with that.

Let's start...

1. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

This is a YA romance book which is around 350 pages but very quick to read and really really good too.

2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 

These are around 200 pages and they have magical realism elements. Currently there are 4 books in this series translated in English

3. Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama

This is a manga and it's the 1st one that I read and I really liked it. 
You can also read any manga or comic/graphic novel series that you like as they are usually short in length.

4. Middle Grade books are also a good idea since they are usually short and easy reads. Some of my favourites are Neil Gaiman's Coraline & The Graveyard Book as well as the Roald Dahl books. 

5. Christmas or Holiday themed books in general that are usually quick reads and heartwarming as well.

6. Novellas are also a good choice. Some recommendations are The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells or A Monk and Robot series by Becky Chambers

7. Lastly, you can read some classics such as Animal Farm , The Great Gatsby, Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde or A Christmas Carol.

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

Athina

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Favourite book of February 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 14)

 Hello everyone!!

Let's continue our countdown to 2024 with February's favourite book.  The book that I gave 5 Stars in February and that I really loved was The Luminaries by Susan Dennard.

“That’s why we’re called the Luminaries, Winnie: we are lanterns the forest can never snuff out.”

― Susan Dennard, The Luminaries

The Luminaries is a young adult fantasy book and it is the first book in The Luminaries series.

I loved The Luminaries. I wasn't expecting it but I loved it.

I liked the premise, the storyline with the secret society and the monster lore.

The book is fast-paced and its short chapters make it a page turner. There is also a little bit of romance but not much.

I wanted to learn more about the world and its background but I guess we will find out more in book 2, The Hunting Moon, which I am really excited to read since book 1 left me with some questions.

Thankfully book 2 is out now and I can have my answers.

Rating: 5 Stars

About the book

In Hemlock Falls, when nightmares rise, only the Luminaries stand between humanity and these monsters bent on devastation. Winnie Wednesday knows the only way to redeem her disgraced family is to pass the Luminary trials, but when she encounters an unknown monster, she realizes she must also protect Hemlock Falls and her heart from a former friend with secrets of his own.

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

Athina

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Favourite Book of January 2023 - Review (Blogmas 2023 - Day 13)

 Hello everyone!!

Since we are approaching the end of 2023, I thought that it would be nice to look back at each  of my monthly favourite books and share my review. 

Let's begin today with January's favourite book which was One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig!

“I'm just the wind in the trees, the shadow, and the fright. The echo in the leaves...the nightmare in the night.”

― Rachel Gillig, One Dark Window

One Dark Window is a Young Adult Fantasy book with gothic elements and it is the first book in The Shepherd King duology. 

If it wasn't for @trrcbookclub , I wouldn't have picked this book. 

I loved this book and the truth is that I wasn't expecting it. I loved the story, the characters, the setting and the magic system.

This book is atmospheric and dark and it contains the venom trope (a character possessed by a monster).

I really liked all the characters but my favourites are The Nightmare, Ravyn and Elm. The magic system with the providence cards is unique and very interesting.

The ending was really good. It was intense and left us on a cliffhanger.

Rating: 5 Stars

Since then, I have read the sequel Two Twisted Crowns that came out in October and I can say that I loved as well.

About the book:

Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

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

Athina

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