Mini Book Haul: Firsts!

I buy normal books. I rarely pre-order special edition ones, or do any of those neat personalized things. Physical arcs are non-existent, given the competition here for arcs.

Which is why this book haul is one that is dear to me. It is one of many (well, just two) firsts.

My new beauties:

Yes, it's just three, but I've wanted to share it with you guys anyways. The only question: where is The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows??? I need that book! There are only a few copies here, which made for a very sad trip to the bookstore, so I'm going to order a fresh one online. Soon. Soon!!!

Anyways. Did anyone catch the sticker on my copy of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah Maas? No? Let's take a closer look:

A Court of Mist and Fury Review: Feyre

Book: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Genre: YA fantasy (it really should be marked NA)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 640
Release: May 3rd 2016

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo / iBooks / Audible

Bitterblue Review

Book: Bitterblue
Author: Kristin Cashore
Series: Graceling Realm #3 (final)
Genre: YA fantasy
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 563
Release: May 1st, 2012

Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue, and her country, were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace.

But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers, who have run the country on her behalf since Leck's death, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all of those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign; and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Monsea's past has become shrouded in mystery, and it's only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle - curious, disguised and alone - to walk the streets of her own city, that she begins to realise the truth. Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past.

Whatever that past holds.

Two thieves, who have sworn only to steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart . . .

Goodreads / Amazon / iBooks / Kobo

Crossing the Barrier Review

Book: Crossing the Barrier

Author: Martine Lewis

Series: The Gray Eyes Series #1

Genre: YA romance, paranormal

Source: ebook, author (thank you, Martine!)

Pages: 380

Release: March 22nd, 2016

High school student Malakai Thomas, star wide receiver of the varsity team, collides with band member Lily Morgan on his way to football practice. As days go by, Malakai cannot get the petite clarinetist out of his head.

Lily Morgan can feel everyone's emotions. She loses her ability to shield herself against them the day Malakai runs into her. Now she must try to maintain her sanity in the emotional jungle that is high school, as well as deal with her growing feelings for Malakai.

Can Malakai get over the social stigma and his own internal struggle to be with Lily? Is Lily's secret too big to accept, even for him?

Goodreads / Amazon

The Great Hunt Review: Aerity

Book: The Great Hunt
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: Eurona Duology #1
Genre: YA fantasy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
Release: March 8th, 2016

When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo / iBooks / Audible

Graceling Read Along: Bitterblue Begins!

Hi everyone! It's here: the final book of Caroline (Just Another Bookish Blog) and my Graceling series read along! We're now officially done Fire, and will be moving onto the final book, Bitterblue!

Graceling Read Along: Character Profile

Hi everyone! Welcome back to the second character profile in Caroline (from Just Another Bookish Blog) and my Graceling series read along!

Today, I'll be doing Brigan, and Caroline will be doing Fire.

***Disclaimer: there will be spoilers for Fire***

Author Interview: Michelle Johnson, Oleah Chronicles

I am beyond honoured to have author Michelle Johnson here on my blog today! Michelle is the author of the fantastic ongoing series Oleah Chronicles. The second instalment, Justice, is being released on Sunday, and not only was I lucky enough to score an ARC copy of it, but also an interview with the brilliant mastermind herself!

Michelle Johnson

Throughout my childhood I was always told I had a very creative imagination. I was drawn to stories of mythical creatures and all things that would usually give my peers the heebie geebies. Shows like Tales from the Crypt Keeper and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were among some of my favourites.

I developed a strong passion for design and illustration, drawing the ideas that arose in my head and finding great excitement in bringing them to life. This led me to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing so that I could always use my creativity to the fullest.

I have always loved reading and the way a compelling story would allow my mind to absorb its detailed imagery. I began to use writing as a tool to bring my creative thoughts to fruition one day, which has brought me to this moment.

I'm a romantic at heart and a sucker for stories about true love which is reflected in my writing and helped bring the Oleah Chronicles to life. I hope you enjoy my first book and through it you experience the eccentric vision that began in my mind so long ago.

Without further ado, I'd like to formally present and welcome Michelle to my blog!

Graceling Read Along: Monsters Backstory

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another fun post in honour of Caroline (Just Another Bookish Blog) and my Gracaeling series read along!

Today, I'll be talking a bit about the "monsters" present in Fire. A monster in the Graceling world is not the same as our definition, and I'll be going through what being a "monster" in their world means.

Fire Review

Book: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
Series: Graceling Realm #2
Genre: YA fantasy
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 461
Release: October 5th, 2009

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo / iBooks

Graceling Read Along: Personal Character Origins!

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another fun post in honour of Caroline from Just Another Bookish Blog and my Graceling series read along! We're reading Fire, the second book, this week. And don't forget that we're holding a fan art competition! Details can be found in this post.

As you may recall, during the first week of reading Graceling, Caroline and I created profiles of own Graceling selves (you can find mine here and Caroline's here). Today, we're taking it one step further and exploring our backstories and how we discovered our Graces!

Oleah Chronicles: Justice ARC Review

Book: Oleah Chronicles: Justice
Author: Michelle Johnson
Series: Oleah Chronicles #2
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: ARC ebook (thank you so much, Michelle!)
Pages: 182
Release: May 15th, 2016

After discovering the truth about her Oleah origins, Angel thought she could still have a normal life, consisting of normal things – like her seventeenth birthday party. But there is no such thing as normal for Angel anymore. She learned that the hard way after Sindrell – the most powerful sorceress in the universe - crashed her party, destroyed the city, and took her best friend, Julie, captive. Determined to defeat Sindrell for good, Angel must risk her life, along with the fate of the entire universe to get Julie back…alive. The only way she can do this successfully, is to embrace her Oleah instincts and learn what it takes to become a true warrior. Problem is, Sindrell has an insurance policy of her own that will put millions of lives in danger - including Zander’s - to ensure her quest for power is brought to fruition. One way or another. In order to protect Zander, and save Julie, Angel has to make a choice... but will it be the right one?

Goodreads / Amazon / Amazon CA

Graceling Read Along: Fire Begins!

Hi everyone! I hope you've all been reading the Graceling series with Caroline of Just Another Bookish Blog and I! If you're new, don't worry about it. We just finished up Graceling, and today we're moving onto the second book, Fire!

A Gathering of Shadows Review: Lila

Book: A Gathering of Shadows
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #2
Genre: fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 512
Release: February 23rd, 2016

It has been four months since a mysterious obsidian stone fell into Kell's possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Prince Rhy was wounded, and since the nefarious Dane twins of White London fell, and four months since the stone was cast with Holland's dying body through the rift – back into Black London.

Now, restless after having given up his smuggling habit, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks as she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games – an extravagant international competition of magic meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries – a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

And while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning. But the balance of magic is ever perilous, and for one city to flourish, another London must fall.

Goodreads / Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / Audible