Thursday, September 27, 2018
The Wounded Kingdom Trilogy by RJ Barker
To catch an assassin, use an assassin...
Girton Club-foot, apprentice to the land's best assassin, still has much to learn about the art of taking lives. But his latest mission tasks him and his master with a far more difficult challenge: to save a life. Someone, or many someones, is trying to kill the heir to the throne, and it is up to Girton and his master to uncover the traitor and prevent the prince's murder.
In a kingdom on the brink of civil war and a castle thick with lies Girton finds friends he never expected, responsibilities he never wanted, and a conspiracy that could destroy an entire kingdom.
THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING . . .
The assassin Girton Club-foot and his master have returned to Maniyadoc in hope of finding sanctuary, but death, as always, dogs Girton’s heels. The place he knew no longer exists.
War rages across Maniyadoc, with three kings claiming the same crown – and one of them is Girton’s old friend Rufra. Girton finds himself hurrying to uncover a plot to murder Rufra on what should be the day of the king’s greatest victory. But while Girton deals with threats inside and outside Rufra’s war encampment, he can’t help wondering if his greatest enemy hides beneath his own skin.
THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING . . .
Many years of peace have passed in Maniyadoc, years of relative calm for the assassin Girton Club-Foot. Even the Forgetting Plague, which ravaged the rest of the kingdoms, seemed to pass them by. But now Rufra ap Vthyr eyes the vacant High-King's throne and will take his court to the capital, a rat's nest of intrigue and murder, where every enemy he has ever made will gather and the endgame of twenty years of politics and murder will be played out in his bid to become the King of all Kings.
Friends become enemies, enemies become friends and the god of death, Xus the Unseen, stands closer than ever - casting his shadow over everything most dear to Girton.
All 3 of these books got 5 stars in my world! I loved the characters so much and yes, I did cry! Girton Club-Foot is totally awesome and so is his master (she rocks), Xus - their horse and many other characters in the books.
If you love epic fantasy, I think you should try this trilogy!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
The breathtaking story
of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own
rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the
adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s
disappearance. At the center of the Dunbar, family is Clay, a boy who
will build a bridge—for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his
sins, for a miracle. The question is, how far is Clay willing to go?
And how much can he overcome?
I won an arc copy of this book in a pub giveaway!
I was really confused in this book, more so in the beginning until I got used to how this was being written. The Bridge Of Clay is a book I will have to revisit time and again to get all of the tidbits that we miss at times. Especially in a book like this; family, sorrow, hope, change, love, death. It's life. It's death. It's a family both past and present. It's something I can't put into words, I just feel it.
Happy Reading!
Mel π€πΊπΎ
I won an arc copy of this book in a pub giveaway!
I was really confused in this book, more so in the beginning until I got used to how this was being written. The Bridge Of Clay is a book I will have to revisit time and again to get all of the tidbits that we miss at times. Especially in a book like this; family, sorrow, hope, change, love, death. It's life. It's death. It's a family both past and present. It's something I can't put into words, I just feel it.
Happy Reading!
Mel π€πΊπΎ
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Second Sons Trilogy by Jennifer Fallon
On the world Ranadon
there is no night as both suns shine brightly. The intervention of
Belagren, High Priestess of the Shadowdancers, and the sacrifice of a
child of royal blood, has banished the Age of Shadows from the skies.
Belagren's position is unquestioned . . . until circumstances begin to
tip political rivalries into a deadlier game altogether.
A volcanic eruption rocks the seas separating the Kingdom of Dhevyn and the mainland Kingdom of Senet, and a mysterious sailor is shipwrecked on the island of Elcast. Badly wounded, his arrival stirs up old hatreds and unravels old secrets. His presence is enough to even bring Antonov, the powerful Lion of Senet, to the island and fear to the Keep of the Duke of Elcast.
A strong friendship develops between Dirk, second son of the Duke, and Kirshov Latanya, second son of the Lion of Senet. But will they, and their friendship, survive the chain of events set in motion by the ambitions of the ruthless High Priestess of the Shadowdancers and the domineering Lion of Senet?
This first book of the Second Sons Trilogy establishes Jennifer Fallon as one of the most unique voices in fantasy fiction, as she creates full characters, and takes intelligent plotting to a whole new level in order to establish unparalleled complexity and tension.
Since the Age of Shadows ended, the people of Ranadon have lived under the merciless heat of two suns and the tyranny of Antonov, the Lion of Senet. Consumed by his lust for power and his unshakable belief in the capricious, almighty Goddess, Antonov's rule is absolute. Only one man has the intelligence and will to break that hold... a man who could be King.
Suddenly widowed, Morna Provin, Duchess of Elcast, has lost her only protector. With her son banished for an unspeakable crime, she faces a horrifying fate at the hands of the Lion of Senet as retribution for her relationship with the heretic Johan Thorn. But it is only part of a cunning scheme to lure her son, Dirk Provin, back into the fold so Antonov can consolidate his power once and for all.
With his mother's life at stake, Dirk Provin must emerge from hiding in the Baenlands and return to Elcast-- setting in motion a rebellion that will expose long-buried secrets and ignite festering hatreds. For a ruler's fears and a madman's prophecy will start Dirk on a quest for truth that will spark a fierce battle between two very different men: one who believes only what his five senses tell him, the other obsessed by his faith in the divine. It is a clash that will bring to light a revelation that may shatter them all.
Darkness threatens Ranadon again in the form of an eclipse. The Goddess wants to give the people of Ranadon a sign - and only Dirk Provin can interpret it. To do so, Dirk has systematically betrayed his one-time allies to join his most hated enemies. Now, with neither side trusting him, Dirk sets his own devious plot in motion. Senet’s Crippled Prince, Misha, has found unexpected and tenuous sanctuary among the Baenlanders of Mil. To secure their trust, he offers them the one thing they cannot refuse.
Meanwhile, Alenor, Queen of Dhevyn, betrayed by her husband, Kirsh, and Tia Veran, deceived by Dirk, set out for revenge and to finally free their people at any cost. As the second sons and the rest of their generation pursue different paths to survival and freedom, they discover that the will of the Goddess - and of men - works in mysterious ways. And as Dirk’s old enemies join with new ones, his attempt to save Ranadon may cost him his friends, his love...and his life.
I loved this trilogy so much! I had the first book for some time and finally decided to read it and then fell right into the next two. These books were put on my favorites list on Amazon!
I love the characters and the world sooooo much! Oh, and when people were avenged or something along those lines (no spoilers) it was so freaking awesome!
I recommend this trilogy to anyone that loves epic fantasy!
Also, if you know of any other books she has written that are awesome as well, let me know!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
A volcanic eruption rocks the seas separating the Kingdom of Dhevyn and the mainland Kingdom of Senet, and a mysterious sailor is shipwrecked on the island of Elcast. Badly wounded, his arrival stirs up old hatreds and unravels old secrets. His presence is enough to even bring Antonov, the powerful Lion of Senet, to the island and fear to the Keep of the Duke of Elcast.
A strong friendship develops between Dirk, second son of the Duke, and Kirshov Latanya, second son of the Lion of Senet. But will they, and their friendship, survive the chain of events set in motion by the ambitions of the ruthless High Priestess of the Shadowdancers and the domineering Lion of Senet?
This first book of the Second Sons Trilogy establishes Jennifer Fallon as one of the most unique voices in fantasy fiction, as she creates full characters, and takes intelligent plotting to a whole new level in order to establish unparalleled complexity and tension.
Since the Age of Shadows ended, the people of Ranadon have lived under the merciless heat of two suns and the tyranny of Antonov, the Lion of Senet. Consumed by his lust for power and his unshakable belief in the capricious, almighty Goddess, Antonov's rule is absolute. Only one man has the intelligence and will to break that hold... a man who could be King.
Suddenly widowed, Morna Provin, Duchess of Elcast, has lost her only protector. With her son banished for an unspeakable crime, she faces a horrifying fate at the hands of the Lion of Senet as retribution for her relationship with the heretic Johan Thorn. But it is only part of a cunning scheme to lure her son, Dirk Provin, back into the fold so Antonov can consolidate his power once and for all.
With his mother's life at stake, Dirk Provin must emerge from hiding in the Baenlands and return to Elcast-- setting in motion a rebellion that will expose long-buried secrets and ignite festering hatreds. For a ruler's fears and a madman's prophecy will start Dirk on a quest for truth that will spark a fierce battle between two very different men: one who believes only what his five senses tell him, the other obsessed by his faith in the divine. It is a clash that will bring to light a revelation that may shatter them all.
Darkness threatens Ranadon again in the form of an eclipse. The Goddess wants to give the people of Ranadon a sign - and only Dirk Provin can interpret it. To do so, Dirk has systematically betrayed his one-time allies to join his most hated enemies. Now, with neither side trusting him, Dirk sets his own devious plot in motion. Senet’s Crippled Prince, Misha, has found unexpected and tenuous sanctuary among the Baenlanders of Mil. To secure their trust, he offers them the one thing they cannot refuse.
Meanwhile, Alenor, Queen of Dhevyn, betrayed by her husband, Kirsh, and Tia Veran, deceived by Dirk, set out for revenge and to finally free their people at any cost. As the second sons and the rest of their generation pursue different paths to survival and freedom, they discover that the will of the Goddess - and of men - works in mysterious ways. And as Dirk’s old enemies join with new ones, his attempt to save Ranadon may cost him his friends, his love...and his life.
I loved this trilogy so much! I had the first book for some time and finally decided to read it and then fell right into the next two. These books were put on my favorites list on Amazon!
I love the characters and the world sooooo much! Oh, and when people were avenged or something along those lines (no spoilers) it was so freaking awesome!
I recommend this trilogy to anyone that loves epic fantasy!
Also, if you know of any other books she has written that are awesome as well, let me know!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
Another Book Haul!
Yeah, those that saw my first book haul the other day are probably wondering why another one so soon.... Well, I'm a little or a lot cray and I'm still trying to fight my spending habit after cancer treatment and constantly worrying about the next check up. But, next month I'm going to be good and cut down on millions of books ~ work on reading the books that are piled around ~ make more character funko pops ~ spend more money on buying organic cancer fighting foods ~ maybe attend some groups for the different medical conditions I have ~ write some short reviews on here ~ and other things involving the zoo & the cancer community. I will show y'all some of the funko pops and maybe do a new bookshelf tour and such as I'm trying to slowly make things nice in my room. OKAY, on with the books =)
•The first two are books I won. One was from Goodreads and the other was from the Publisher giveaway.
The next one is of all the Robin Hobb books in the Farseerer <--- did I spell that right? world and yes I have my Poldark shelf under it =)
All of the books accept the first two are from Amazon, Book Depository and Book Outlet.
That's all for now! Well, I still have some coming in the mail. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I'm going to try some other things on my blog later on. I'm trying to take things one step at a time. Thank you for your support.
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
•The first two are books I won. One was from Goodreads and the other was from the Publisher giveaway.
The next one is of all the Robin Hobb books in the Farseerer <--- did I spell that right? world and yes I have my Poldark shelf under it =)
All of the books accept the first two are from Amazon, Book Depository and Book Outlet.
That's all for now! Well, I still have some coming in the mail. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I'm going to try some other things on my blog later on. I'm trying to take things one step at a time. Thank you for your support.
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
Monday, September 24, 2018
Fairyloot September Unboxing ♥
Here we are with another Fairyloot unboxing =) And once again I got the same book I got in my Owlcrate Box! That's twice in the past few months! Either way, I loved this box the most. I'm going to post from the card first and then the pictures like before. I will comment on a couple of things that weren't mentioned on the card. Enjoy! =)
STARCROSSED SWOONS
September 2018•Spoiler Card
•Twilight by Stephanie Meyer is a big part of Young Adult fiction history, and Bella and Edward are such star-crossed lovers that we knew we had to include an item in this box inspired by them! We hope you love the exclusive Bella and Edward Candle by Nerd Poured Candles.
•Another item we have never included before: shoelaces! The exclusive Prythian Shoelaces feature all of the courts of Prythian from A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and were designed by Fictiontea Designs. We knew we had to include the courts on these shoelaces because the ACOTAR series has quite a few star-crossed lovers!
•Notebooks are always awesome! The exclusive Constellation Notebook features a quote from The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi and we designed by Read At Midnight.
•Another super unique item that we have never included before in any of our previous boxes is an apron! We hope you love the exclusive Dreamer Apron designed by Literary Life Co. It features a quote from Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. We know we'll be wearing ours next time we bake cookies!
•Show off your love for exlusive Love Rune Enamel Pin brought to you by Fictiontea Designs. Shadowhunters draw this rune onto the people they love, and you can proudly display this symbol on your bag or jacket! We also included the exclusive Angelic Fire Candle Matches designed by Fictiontea Designs, so you can light your candles. We thought the angelic fire symbol couldn't be more fitting for matches, and you will definitely need to light a candle whilst you read and swoon over our book of the month!
•We couldn't put together a start-crossed swoons box without swoon-worthy art, so we partnered up with Taratjah to create the exclusive Swoon-worthy postcard set. The set includes artwork from Julian and Emma (The Dark Artifices), Rhysand and Feyre (ACOTAR), Cassian and Nesta (ACOTAR), Amar and Maya (The Star-Touched Queen), and Lazlo and Sarai (Strange The Dreamer)
•Our book of the month is Mirage by Somaiya Daud. This gorgeous boo is a Moroccan inspired fantasy novel, where a girl's survival depends on being the perfect body double to a cruel princess - expect allure, danger, disguises, and swoon-worthy romance. This edition has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges and is actually signed by the author! We hope you enjoy the letter from Somaiya and the exclusive character are of Amani and Idris by Gabriella Bujdoso.
•Bonus items: Queen of Air and Darkness sampler, Tempests and Slaughter bookmark, Muse of Nightmares postcard.
•NOTE: There was a tea towel included that was a replacement from a previous box that was messed up. And there is also a little tin with a cute little heart shaped soap on it. There is nothing about it on the card but it's cute and sweet smelling =)
Enjoy! This box is AMAZEBALLS!
I think I might get the next art framed and put on my wall. I will have to show you guys my new bookish framed art wall. Well it has some other stuff too but still =) I am also so in love with the purple sprayed edges! I'm going to try to stain some books myself later on and if it works out, I will do a blog with the books and links etc. I love everything in this box!!!!!!!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
STARCROSSED SWOONS
September 2018•Spoiler Card
•Twilight by Stephanie Meyer is a big part of Young Adult fiction history, and Bella and Edward are such star-crossed lovers that we knew we had to include an item in this box inspired by them! We hope you love the exclusive Bella and Edward Candle by Nerd Poured Candles.
•Another item we have never included before: shoelaces! The exclusive Prythian Shoelaces feature all of the courts of Prythian from A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and were designed by Fictiontea Designs. We knew we had to include the courts on these shoelaces because the ACOTAR series has quite a few star-crossed lovers!
•Notebooks are always awesome! The exclusive Constellation Notebook features a quote from The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi and we designed by Read At Midnight.
•Another super unique item that we have never included before in any of our previous boxes is an apron! We hope you love the exclusive Dreamer Apron designed by Literary Life Co. It features a quote from Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. We know we'll be wearing ours next time we bake cookies!
•Show off your love for exlusive Love Rune Enamel Pin brought to you by Fictiontea Designs. Shadowhunters draw this rune onto the people they love, and you can proudly display this symbol on your bag or jacket! We also included the exclusive Angelic Fire Candle Matches designed by Fictiontea Designs, so you can light your candles. We thought the angelic fire symbol couldn't be more fitting for matches, and you will definitely need to light a candle whilst you read and swoon over our book of the month!
•We couldn't put together a start-crossed swoons box without swoon-worthy art, so we partnered up with Taratjah to create the exclusive Swoon-worthy postcard set. The set includes artwork from Julian and Emma (The Dark Artifices), Rhysand and Feyre (ACOTAR), Cassian and Nesta (ACOTAR), Amar and Maya (The Star-Touched Queen), and Lazlo and Sarai (Strange The Dreamer)
•Our book of the month is Mirage by Somaiya Daud. This gorgeous boo is a Moroccan inspired fantasy novel, where a girl's survival depends on being the perfect body double to a cruel princess - expect allure, danger, disguises, and swoon-worthy romance. This edition has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges and is actually signed by the author! We hope you enjoy the letter from Somaiya and the exclusive character are of Amani and Idris by Gabriella Bujdoso.
•Bonus items: Queen of Air and Darkness sampler, Tempests and Slaughter bookmark, Muse of Nightmares postcard.
•NOTE: There was a tea towel included that was a replacement from a previous box that was messed up. And there is also a little tin with a cute little heart shaped soap on it. There is nothing about it on the card but it's cute and sweet smelling =)
Enjoy! This box is AMAZEBALLS!
I think I might get the next art framed and put on my wall. I will have to show you guys my new bookish framed art wall. Well it has some other stuff too but still =) I am also so in love with the purple sprayed edges! I'm going to try to stain some books myself later on and if it works out, I will do a blog with the books and links etc. I love everything in this box!!!!!!!
Happy Reading!
Mel ♥
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
A Book Haul ~ A Big Book Haul
Well, I don't really do book hauls as I always have books coming in and also when I was in cancer treatment for 2 months I didn't care one way or the other. I don't really feel like it now because I have a ton more books on the way. Yes, I have went crazy on books in the past month ish for reasons. I'm just going to add the few pictures I have taken. Be aware that there are a bunch of Kindle and Audible books I have bought as well, but uh... I forgot what they all were. Lol! I hope to do another one of these soon as I have a bunch of books coming in up through December. And unless I get a bad cancer checkup in November, I will be adding short reviews. I don't really want to do them any more but I thought I might do short reviews on a whole trilogy, etc.
Thank you all and enjoy! Oh, and half of these were taken all over the house and our house is dark in most places so they aren't the best pictures. And no, I didn't feel like lugging books outside =)
Happy Reading Y'all! =)
Mel ♥
Thank you all and enjoy! Oh, and half of these were taken all over the house and our house is dark in most places so they aren't the best pictures. And no, I didn't feel like lugging books outside =)
Happy Reading Y'all! =)
Mel ♥