REVIEW: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. 

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Published: September 20th 2011

Publisher: Greenwillow 

Hearts: three

I was VERY excited to read this book after hearing so many good things about it, but unfortunately, it just wasn't QUITE up to scratch.

The story revolves around a chubby princess called Elisa who, in her navel, bears the Godstone. What a Godstone is, I don't think anyone really knows just yet. I certainly don't. I kept seeing it as one of the tacky navel-piercings the girls from my old college used to have. They creep me out so much it's UNREAL.

*SHUDDERS*

If you dislike whiny princesses, steer clear of this book. 

When Elisa isn't complaining about/thinking about how she's fat, she's whining about something else. But her character did improve as the book went on. I actually grew to like her a little when I was nearing the final few pages. But 90% of the book I spent wanting to punch her in the face. You're fat. So am I. GET OVER IT.

My problem with this book isn't Elisa, but the plot. More specifically, the pair of deaths. Far from simply shocking me, they made me mad. There just didn't seem to be ANY reason why the pair needed to die! I've no intention of reading the next two books now they're BOTH dead. They were the only ones I was slogging through the book for. There were holes in parts of the book and bits that most certainly didn't need to happen, which put me off a little more. I'm so gutted because half of this book I DID enjoy, which is why the rating isn't 2 hearts.

I did enjoy the world-building and the characters. Each one was crafted very nicely, the world intricate and vast. It's a shame that I won't be reading any further, but I don't think I can force myself through another book like that.  I am so very conflicted about this book, because bits I loved, bits I hated. Gah.

So sadly, three hearts.

Okay. One more funny picture.

Elisa is that you at the beginning of the book????

Things To Do If You're Not Going To BEA15

It's that time of year again where a vast majority of the bookish community begin to despair and wallow before their computers. Why? Book Expo America.

BEA is THE place to be if you are a book blogger. Why? One word: ARCs. So we have compiled a list of things you can do instead of sobbing into your laptop's keyboard.

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5.

Make a book fort. Why? Because it will take so long that you won't have time to think about not being at BEA! Plus you can curl up inside of your igloo of literature and enjoy a nap. Because who doesn't love naps or sleep in general? Just make sure not to bring hot chocolate inside your fort. We don't want any accidents!     

4.

Look up hot guys on the internet. Nuff' said here. The world is your oyster, ladies, so get searching on Pinterest or even Google. Embrace the screens filled with abs you could bounce a penny on.

3.

Try a new hobby for a few days. Ever wanted to start up drawing, or watercolor? Or even knitting? This is your chance! Shun the internet in favor of a paintbrush instead for a few days. You never know; you might find a new favorite hobby while drowning out your BEA pain!

2.

Go on an adventure. Take a leaf out of Bilbo's book and get out there! Whether it's just down to the local library, or a walk around your town or city! Go and discover a new cafe and try their specials. Explore places nearby that you have never been to. Go wild!

1.

 READ. Just because you're not going to BEA doesn't mean you have to throw your books aside and ignore them for a few days or so. Start a new book, a book you would never usually try. If you're a fantasy lover, try a contemporary! Always wanted to try a graphic novel? Go ahead and give it a shot!

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So there is our short list of things to do instead of wallowing over BEA. But of course, wallowing IS allowed. We're doing it right now while looking up pictures of Chris Hemsworth. Grab a hot chocolate, find a comfortable booknook and read, guys. We've survived these past years of not going to BEA and we'll survive all the coming ones too.

One day, friends. One day we shall be at BEA.

REVIEW: Starborn by Lucy Hounson

Death and destruction will bar her way...

Kyndra's fate holds betrayal and salvation, but the journey starts in her small village. On the day she comes of age, she accidentally disrupts an ancient ceremony, ending centuries of tradition. So when an unnatural storm targets her superstitious community, Kyndra is blamed. She fears for her life until two strangers save her, by wielding powers not seen for an age - powers fuelled by the sun and the moon.

Together, they flee to the hidden citadel of Naris. And here, Kyndra experiences disturbing visions of the past, showing war and one man's terrifying response. She'll learn more in the city's subterranean chambers, amongst fanatics and rebels. But first Kyndra will be brutally tested in a bid to unlock her own magic.

If she survives the ordeal, she'll discover a force greater than she could ever have imagined. But could it create as well as destroy? And can she control it, to right an ancient wrong?

Publishing date: April 23rd 2015

Publisher: Tor UK

Pages: 400

Rating: half a heart

I saw this book on the shelf and was instantly drawn to it. The description, the intriguing first chapter, I bought it on the spot. I hurried home itching to delve into this beautiful sounding world and no-doubt exquisite storyline.

OH, HOW I REGRET IT.

Starborn was, sadly, one of the most disappointing books I have ever read. I am bitterly regretting not looking at reviews before making my purchase. I barely got to page 100 before deciding that this book was going onto the DNF pile. 

The world-building was beyond lax, the characters so flat I could iron my clothes on them and the storyline... there was so much wrong with it. So much wrong with the characters too. Kynder was easily one of the most dullest heroines I have ever read about. There was so much that didn't make sense that in the end, I basically just gave up. I am saddened that TOR would publish this and actually promote the book as one of the most anticipated books of the year! Very saddened. 

I feel like a total b*tch with this review, but I honestly cannot find anything to like about it except the cover. (I'm sorry!) 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY.

Game of Thrones meets Ocean's Eleven in this brand-new book in the world of the Grisha by New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. 

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Expected publication: 29th September 2015

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

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Today I am waiting on SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo.

Basically, I am obsessed with everything and anything Grisha. The lush and vibrant world, the exquisite characters, just... gah, everything!

I bought the first book of the Grisha trilogy so long ago that I can't remember when exactly. But the book I bought was THE GATHERING DARK, the name of Shadow and Bone before it was changed. The cover of the original is so beautiful and really captures the feel of the book. I could gush forever about the Grisha trilogy to be honest.

The Grisha Trilogy shattered me apart and then glued me back together again, and SIX OF CROWS is no doubt going to have the same or similar effect. Books are like onions - there are so many layers.

New characters set in the Grisha world? Count me in! I do hope we see the ones who survived the utter devastation that was Ruin and Rising. Of course... we won't be seeing HIM, which is all kinds of agonizing and heartbreaking.

This duology is going to be amazing as its predecessors, I am sure of it. To those lucky, lucky people who will be getting a review copy of SIX OF CROWS at Book Expo America today, consider me jealous in the extreme. And very likely to assassin-swoop down on you and snag your book.

Great. Now I'm thinking about this fellow, onions and ogres.

Meeting Sarah J. Maas - 21/5/14

Meeting Sarah J. Maas, author of the Throne of Glass series and A Court of Thorns and Roses is easily one of the highlights of my life so far. Prepare yourself for GUSHING. And a few tears on my behalf.

I live a good few hours away from Derby (where the signing was,) so my day started pretty early at 7am. It was the first time I'd ever traveled alone on a train, so nerves were sky-high.

I really shouldn't have worried though. Everything went without a hitch. Heck, I even grew to LOVE traveling around on my lonesome on trains! Already cannot wait for another signing so I can hop back onto one.

So at 11am, I finally made it into Derby. It was HOT. Like, really hot for England. How lucky was that!

I was not the first person at the shop despite being more than 2 hours early. A girl name Grace sat before me, and she was wearing THE most epic ACOTAR shirt you can imagine.

ISN'T THAT FABULOUS?! Apparently it's from Redbubble if you guys want your own!

So we started chatting, and it was epic. Turned out we live only 30 minutes from each other! How freaking cool is that!?

And then, slowly but surely, more people started to join us. But still not many. In fact, I don't think the signing was much more than 20 people! VERY small.

In the end we all turned into one gigantic friendship group. We've named ourselves the Maas Squad. And ACOTAR Crew. We have many names, much like Celaena/Aelin. 

And so we waited, chatting about books, blogging and how much we loved Sarah. 

Sarah's throne ;)

The staff at the Derby Waterstones were beyond lovely. They even came around every ten minutes or so with gummy bears and wine gums for us! 

I had the biggest pile of books, hands down. People would walk in and GAPE at my pile. Do I have any regrets? Hell no. Never, ever.

Months back on my Twitter that is dedicated to Sarah's books (@HeirOfFire) I created a little project that I called Throne of Postcards. Basically, people would write what Throne of Glass meant to them onto a postcard, which I finally gave to Sarah. 

To all those that sent cards, thank you so much! Sarah was BEYOND overwhelmed. She wanted to read them all at the table, but there were sooo many! Safe to say, you guys almost made her cry and ruin that lovely make-up.

And then Sarah arrived 45 minutes before the signing. At the mere sight of her we all melted into the floor and silently freaked out so that we didn't come off as utterly INSANE fangirls. Which we are, duh. She vanished into the back and we all prepared ourselves. With more gummy bears and wine gums, of course.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd then it was time. Sarah took her throne like the queen she is and we all lined up, her loyal subjects. The horror in the eyes of the staff member who saw my colossal pile of books was real. I would say I'm sorry, but I'm totally not!

I wish I could write down our entire conversation, but it was just THAT long and THAT exuberant and gushy and almost tearful on both our parts for me to remember any specific lines. Sarah practically hugged me to death the moment she saw me. And there was me worrying all morning that she wouldn't be allowed to hug me! She's a great hugged btw. Queen of Hugs. 

And so I met one of my idols. And it was bloody amazing. 

You can find me kneeling next to Sarah looking high on happiness

All those books on the table are mine. WHOOPS!

Also, a month back or so, I won a 

competition from Sarah and Susan Dennard (Sarusan forever!!) The prize was a bound manuscript of TRUTHWITCH, Susan Dennard's (freaking AMAZING) new book, and Sarah's last ACOTAR ARC. The ever awesome and amazing Sooz also sent along a copy of her other book Something Strange and Deadly for me too! Promoting her and Truthwitch on my Twitter account (@Truthwitch) is an honor, seriously. You all NEED to go and read her books and talk to her, because she's freaking amazing. (Read my review of TRUTHWITCH HERE!)

 

After the signing, me and the crew went to a cafe named Bookcafe. We exchanged information, gushed even more, read our dedications in our books and drank milkshakes. Or, in Ray's case, necked back tea.

We did head back to the shop to say goodbye to Sarah, but she was long gone since the signing was so tiny. 

And then it was over. The heartbreaking journey home began. But until next year when we meet again, Sarah! 

Ray and her true love

I will cherish these forever.

I'm pretty sure there's more to write about, but I'm still emotional! And yep, the signing was 2 days ago now.

Giveaway coming very soon!!

N O T E

We are having a makeover! Please excuse the mess for now xoxo

ARC REVIEW: TRUTHWITCH by Susan Dennard

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

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I’ll get straight to the point, shall I? That’s why you’re here.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

TRUTHWITCH is a thing of beauty. Easily one of the most compelling high-fantasy books I have ever read. If this book does not become a well-known addition to bookcases and blogs, it will be nothing short of a crime of the most heinous sort.

Set against a rich and vibrant backdrop of myths, legends and stunning locations, this book is a fantasy lover’s wildest dream.

The story revolves around two girls: Safiya fon Hasstrel, a Truthwitch (who has the ability to discern between truth and lie), and Iseult det Midenzi who is a Threadwitch (the ability to see other people’s Threads. Such as ties of love between people.) These girls are the kickass duo you’ve been waiting your whole life for. As different as day and night, yet essentially the same, Safi and Iz will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Witchlands range from colossal mountains to (sometimes) perilous seas. There’s SO many types of Witcheries. There are six elements: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Aether and the ever mysterious Void. If you can think of an ability relating to one of those elements, it’s probably real. How cool is that?! I’m still debating what kind of witchery I’d like to have. Also, if you’re looking for a book that contains mythical beasts, you want this one desperately. You want to meet the sea foxes. Like, ASAP.

Of course, this book has its hot guys! First up you have Merik Nihar. PRINCE MERIK NIHAR. Also known as my brand-new book-boyfriend. Or husband. That works too. He’s a (very hot) Windwitch with one stormy temper. But he’s also fiercely loyal and protective of what he cares about. It’s really quite beautiful to see how strong a character he is even when faced with all these hardships. I cannot WAIT to read more about him. (Did I mention HOT?!)

We also have Aeduan, who is a Bloodwitch. I won’t tell you TOO much about Aeduan, but this picture is needed when describing him. DESPERATELY NEEDED.







Love Aeduan or hate him, either way you’re not gonna forget about him any time soon.

There is also ANOTHER hot guy that I love and adore, but I won’t give you any details about him. I’ll just call him K for now. Precious baby K.




I wish I could tell you all about the other characters that inhabit this book. Every single one of them has a purpose and different agendas. There’s ones that you will love at first, then go ‘OH HELL NO,’ and ones that you hate, then grow to love and cherish. Oh, and there are so many shipping options. Ship it all, people. SHIP. IT. ALL. Book two is going to blow everyone’s socks off (including my own) on the romance front for sure.

A compelling and well-written storyline, twists and turns at every turn, I devoured this book. I finished the book and promptly began to writhe around on the floor of my living room while cursing Susan for the pain she’d inflicted on me. May those thrice-damned seagulls crap on you for that ending! <3


Sizzling romance, killer heroines and heart-in-your-mouth moments, this book is set to become a big hit.

5 FAT AND SHINING HEARTS.

January 5th 2016. Mark this date and tell others. Tattoo it on your forehead and shout it from your windows. Heck, send carrier pigeons to all your friends to spread the news. Either way, do not forget this date, for sheer brilliance hits your shelves on that day.

Pre-order in the UK at:

Book Depository

Amazon UK

Waterstones (not available for pre-order there yet)

Pre-order in the US at:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon US