Welcome All Book Lovers

Welcome All Book Lovers

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Ashlords by Scott Reintgen

Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their empire.

Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.

Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.

In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?




They had me at Phoenix horses! What! Omg! 

I quite enjoyed Scott's book Nyxia, still need to read the other two, but this one was so much better! I mean I did mention phoenix horses.....

Anyhoo, this is told in three POV's, although there are other characters. 

I can see where some of the Red Rising would come into play and for sure The Scorpio Races. I want my own freaking Phoenix Horse! Just in case anyone is giving them away! 

Ashlords is a fantastic edition to the fantasy world and has plenty of magic, schemes, etc involved. 

I'm super stoked for the next books and I would recommend to anyone that likes ya fantasy with mythological elements! 

**Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book for review!**

Happy Reading! 

Mel ♥    

Toil & Trouble by Augusten Burroughs

From the number one New York Times bestselling author comes another stunning memoir that is tender, touching...and just a little spooky.

"Here's a partial list of things I don't believe in: God. The Devil. Heaven. Hell. Bigfoot. Ancient Aliens. Past lives. Life after death. Vampires. Zombies. Reiki. Homeopathy. Rolfing. Reflexology. Note that 'witches' and 'witchcraft' are absent from this list. The thing is, I wouldn't believe in them, and I would privately ridicule any idiot who did, except for one thing: I am a witch."

For as long as Augusten Burroughs could remember, he knew things he shouldn't have known. He manifested things that shouldn't have come to pass. And he told exactly no one about this, save one person: his mother. His mother reassured him that it was all perfectly normal, that he was descended from a long line of witches, going back to the days of the early American colonies. And that this family tree was filled with witches. It was a bond that he and his mother shared--until the day she left him in the care of her psychiatrist to be raised in his family (but that's a whole other story). After that, Augusten was on his own. On his own to navigate the world of this tricky power; on his own to either use or misuse this gift.

From the hilarious to the terrifying, Toil & Trouble is a chronicle of one man's journey to understand himself, to reconcile the powers he can wield with things with which he is helpless. There are very few things that are coincidences, as you will learn in Toil & Trouble. Ghosts are real, trees can want to kill you, beavers are the spawn of Satan, houses are alive, and in the end, love is the most powerful magic of all.







God, I can remember reading books by Augusten way back in the day and the just tripped me out. I love his whit and just the way he can write a memoir is uncanny! 

The whole family just blows me away with the way they are; a bunch of nutters you love or hate. I love them in their own little ways! 

Now we have Augusten finding out he's from a lonnnngg line of witches. Yep, witches!  I mean, his stories are comical, sad, snarky and down right around the bend and this book is no different. 

All I can say is if you loved any of his other books, you will love this one too! It's just that simple! 

**I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book!**

Happy Reading! 

Mel ♥  

The Harp Of Kings by Juliet Marillier

A young woman is both a bard--and a warrior--in this thrilling historical fantasy from the author of the Sevenwaters novels.

Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart, and a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan's burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. She and her brother train there to compete for places, and find themselves joining a mission while still candidates. Their unusual blend of skills makes them ideal for this particular job, which requires going undercover as traveling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.

Their mission: to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship, which has gone mysteriously missing. If the instrument is not played at the upcoming coronation, the candidate will not be accepted and the people could revolt. Faced with plotting courtiers and tight-lipped druids, an insightful storyteller, and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realizes an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the kingdom. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision and is faced with a heartbreaking choice. . . .







I love Juliet Marillier so much! I was so stoked when I saw she had another book coming out and in the same world as some of her other books. You don't have to have read them first though. 

This book is told through three POV's. Liobhan, Brocc and Dau. Liobhan and Brocc are brother and sister and they are fighters and singers. Dau just wants to be the best warrior. But, Liobhan is the best warrior! Girl power!

Well, some things happen and the group has to go out and try to find the Harp of Kings which is used for the new king. The new king isn't a nice guy anyway so I think it serves him right. 

There are different creatures in the book and it's just awesome in my opinion! I truly look forward to these new books from Juliet! She's the best!

Happy Reading! 

Mel ♥

**Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a digital copy of this book!**

  

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Faecrate DARK AGE HANGOVER KIT UNBOXING

It finally got here! Omg! My Sevro Plushie! I was so stoked to finally get one of these boxes! I didn't know about them when they did the Sarah J Maas and didn't get my Rowan Plushie or that blanket and other stuff!! I'm still crying over that! I also thought I was getting a special edition of the book but it's just the book =( I would have gotten the box only option as it was expensive. Oh well, the book can go in the trade in box as I have two other special editions of it! =) 

Now On with the Unboxing! 




FIRST UP I'M SHOWING Y'ALL THE SEVRO PLUSHIE! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! 


Next is a Unicorn Ares Enamel Keychain =D


Next is a crazy Reaper Cosplay Snuggie! I had to take a pic of it on the deck! 


Next is a Sophocles Enamel Pin 


Next is the Character Cards 


Next is the Collector's Coin


Next is a letter from Pierce and the spoiler card. I just showed the art for y'all 


Next is a Howler's Air Freshener 


Next is a Scythe Iron On Patch


Next is a Son's Of Ares Wall Hanging


Next is a Satin Double-Sided Booksleeve! OMG! Y'all know which side I love the most but it's freaking awesome either way! I will show both sides



Next is a Car Coaster Set 


Next is a Power Bank! I have no idea what this is so someone please tell me! 


And last we have two stick of Darrow! One as a Red and one as a Gold! 


I hope you guys enjoyed! This was so much fun! 

Love, 

Mel ♥

Friday, August 23, 2019

Fairyloot August Unboxing

Here we are with all the goodies from the August Fairyloot Box! It's awesome! I hope y'all enjoy! 



First up we have a pocket mirror inspired by The Lord of the Rings! 


Next we have this freaking awesome Lunar Cutlery Set! It's so pretty! They have their own sack inside of a box type thing. We have chopsticks, a fork, and a spoon in the container =) It also features some quotes from The Lunar Chronicles 


Next we have a double-sided Ember In The Ashes Pillowcase. I will show both sides! 



Then we have a cool Mistborn Metal Bookmark!


Then we have 3 different hair scrunches that are based the Graceling Realm Series


Next we have a freaking wonderful smelling candle inspired by Stalking Jack The Ripper 


We have some beautiful artwork that is the spoiler card, the bookmark is actually in the book picture! 


We have a double-sided Merciful Crow zipper pouch! 



The two Harry Potter inspired Tarot Cards 


And finally the Book ~ The Merciful Crow ~ Signed edition, with author letter! With Artwork on the back of the dust jacket!




Happy Reading! 

Mel ♥

Friday, August 16, 2019

Owlcrate August Unboxing

It's that time AGAIN! Here is my August Owlcrate Unboxing. There were a couple of things I'm giving to a friend that I don't use but overall, I love the the box and I can't wait for the next one as we are getting an extra book =) Enjoy 


First up we have bath salts inspired by The Little Mermaid. I usually give all bath products and teas or coffee away, but I might keep this one just to smell it from time to time. It smells really good! 


Next we have a beautiful wooden tassel bookmark inspired by Daughter of the Pirate King. It also came with a beautiful moon bookmark too! 


Next is a beautiful little tea light candle lantern! I just love it! 


Next is a tin pencil case inspired by The Scorpio Races and designed by Stella Bookish Art whom I love! It has a double layer to it. So I will show the two pictures! 



Next is some Sea Witch looseleaftea from Riddle's Tea Shoppe. 


This month's enamel pin and inspired by the books family crest. 


And the book, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. The book is signed, we have the letter and a bookmark =) 


I hope you guys enjoyed this unboxing and I thank you for looking =) 

Love, 
Mel ♥

Monday, August 12, 2019

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

A searing poetic memoir and call to action from the bestselling and award-winning author of Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson!

Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless. In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she's never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society's failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #metoo and #timesup, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. Shout speaks truth to power in a loud, clear voice-- and once you hear it, it is impossible to ignore.






 I love this author. Speak is one of my favorite movies. I love books written in verse. I'm going to add some random quotes from the book. Hold on to your bootstraps. You know I don't like to write big reviews any more.....SPOILERS AHEAD




this book smells like me
woodsmoke
salt
honey and strawberries
sunscreen, libraries
failures and sweat
green nights in the mountains
cold dawns by the sea

this book reeks
of my fear
of depression's black dogs howling
and the ancient shames riding
my back, their claws
buried deep

this book is yesterday's mud
dried on the dance floor
the step patterns
cautiously submitted
for your curious investigation
of what I feel like
on the inside



creator on pic

And then green August, melting-hot
days running out the bottom of the hour-
glass, school time marching
relentlessly toward the children of
summer so intent on capturing
every free minute, like flowers
to be pressed between the pages
of a book. We walked down
the hill to the creek, far away from the heat,
the trees our shade companions, the babble
of water overrunning my need to speak
we tossed pebbles into the water
everything was calm that's what I
remember the calm cuz I was safe
and happy tossing pebbles in the water
next to this tobacco-smelling boy
friend,
so when he turned to kiss
me
my mouth was wet with delight, I was new
to this kind of kiss and happy to play
by the creek with this boy whose handsthen
wandered fast, too fast, too far
like a flash flood overwhelming the startled
backs of a creek that never once thought
of defense, of damming or the need for a bridge
to escape
his hands, arms shoulders back
muscle sinew bone
an avalanche of force
the course predetermined one hand on my mouth
his body covering mine
I took my eyes off the rage
in his face and looked up to the green peace
of leaves fluttering above, trees witnessing
pain shame I crawled into the farthest corner
of my mind biding my time hiding surviving
by outsiding

and when he was done
using my body
he stood and zipped his jeans
lit a cigarette
and walked away.



Creators on pic

I didn't speak up
when that boy raped me, instead I scalded
myself in the shower and turned
me into the ghost of the girl
I once was, my biggest fear
being that my father,
no stranger to gaming
with the devil,
would kill that boy

and it would be my fault.

But that boy who raped me
on the rocks by the creek
got drunk and lay down
on a dark night to play
chicken with the devil
and he lost




I didn't have real friends because a friend is
someone you trust and trust never came easy after that boy
raped me. But I had people to get high with, to share sandwiches
with. Sometimes I had people to walk with in the halls. Being
mocked doesn't hurt as much when someone walks next
to you. I was grateful for my almost-friends.



creators on pic

my I'm fine! mask fit snugly
I only took it off at home,
but when I shared peanut butter chews
with those friends
sometimes I forgot I was wearing it
I studied hard to keep up with them, we listened
to each other and to the same music
we ate a lot of peanut butter chews
the slant of light in the cafeteria
illuminated possibilities






My home in Denmark taught me how to speak
again, how to reinterpret darkness and light,
strength and softness
it offered me the chance to reorient my compass
redefine my true north
and start over
(she was a foreign exchange student)




tens of thousands speak
words ruffling the surface of the sea
into whitecaps, they whisper
into the shoulder of my sweater
they mail
tweet, cry
direct-message
hand me notes
folded into shards
when no one is watching

sharing memories and befuddlement
broken dreams and sorrow
they struggle in the middle
of the ocean, storms battering
grabbing for sliced life jackets
driftwood
flotsam and jetsam from downed
unfound planes, sunken ships
and other disasters




We're all born to fight
but few are ever trained,
instead they tell us
"Be nice."

Danuta's mother survived
a Nazi concentration camp
alive but scarred,
so when the Nazis marched
through her Swedish town in 1985,
Danuta hauled back
and smacked a Nazi
in the head with her purse.

It was a big purse.

She snapped, they said
couldn't take it any more
reached her breaking point

We should each our girls
that snapping is OK,
instead of waiting
for someone else to break them




the names of the charred survivors
who don't know how fucking tough
they are
nestle
hidden
in the fifth chamber
of my heart.

Their courage warms
me from the inside,
stubborn candles
illuminating
this scorched
pumpkin.


Mel 

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