Odd & True – Cat Winters – Arc Review

Synopsis

Trudchen grew up hearing Odette’s stories of their monster-slaying mother and a magician’s curse. But now that Tru’s older, she’s starting to wonder if her older sister’s tales were just comforting lies, especially because there’s nothing fantastic about her own life—permanently disabled and in constant pain from childhood polio.

In 1909, after a two-year absence, Od reappears with a suitcase supposedly full of weapons and a promise to rescue Tru from the monsters on their way to attack her. But it’s Od who seems haunted by something. And when the sisters’ search for their mother leads them to a face-off with the Leeds Devil, a nightmarish beast that’s wreaking havoc in the Mid-Atlantic states, Tru discovers the peculiar possibility that she and her sister—despite their dark pasts and ordinary appearances—might, indeed, have magic after all.

My Rating
★★★★★

A heartwarming tale of two sisters, full of love, darkness and fairytales. You don’t want to miss this tale!

My Thoughts

I am an avid lover of all things supernatural, add YA into the mix and you have my heart! This book wasn’t what I expected it to be – it’s not all action packed monster killing like you might think – but what I got is so much more with so much feeling.

Od and Tru have an extraordinary sisterly bond – one that I am in awe of. Even though they’ve been separate for some time, they deeply care for each other and their love has a huge impact in the story. Sisterhood plays a massive part in this story, one that Cat portrayed wonderfully.

Both characters have such individuality. Od is this vibrant, ballsy young woman, a storyteller and protector of the ones she loves, especially Tru – but she has her own demons and I felt such a connection with her and really sympathized for her story. Tru is quite different, she’s young and sweet and has been sheltered from the world due to her disability – but she doesn’t let it stop her when it comes to joining with her sister again and searching for answers.

I love how Cat constructed the chapters – they switch from Tru’s point of view in the present day, to Od’s point of view in the past. I really got a feel for both characters this way and learnt some much-needed information for the plot.

Cat explored some really harrowing situations – ones that can be found in real life – which is not often seen in a YA book. But I think younger readers need to know some of these things and how these situations can unfold and exploring them in a book that you feel a connection to is a good way of doing so. Darker themes are rooted in this book and they certainly brought plenty a tear to my eye!

I had so many emotions swimming around once I’d finished the book – I truly adore the ending and applaud Cat for how she concluded it! I definitely cried – happy tears.

Sarah xo

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*I want to thank Amulet Books for sending the book my way in return for an honest review* Odd & True by Cat Winters (Abrams, £12.99).

Cat Winters

 

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Hogwarts Tag

You guys should know by now that I LOVE a good tag! I was tagged in the Hogwarts Tag by my lovely bookish friend Vrinda over at A Bookish Human. Vrinda is a great gal and her blog is as cute as a button, go give her some love!

So if you’ve read my previous posts, you will know that I adore J.K Rowling and the Harry Potter universe! The book series will forever have a place in my heart – so I HAD to do this tag – it was a real NEED guys!

I hope you enjoy!

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Q1: Are you a pure-blood, half-blood or muggle born?
It was my mum who got me into reading like herself and we started reading the HP books together. My dad isn’t in my life much, so I would say half-blood. It was good enough for Snape!

Q2: Which wand chose me?
Wood: Cheery wood – This very rare wand wood creates a wand of strange power, most highly prized by the wizarding students of the school of Mahoutokoro in Japan, where those who own cherry wands have special prestige. The Western wand-purchaser should dispel from their minds any notion that the pink blossom of the living tree makes for a frivolous or merely ornamental wand, for cherry wood often makes a wand that possesses truly lethal power, whatever the core, but if teamed with dragon heartstring, the wand ought never to be teamed with a wizard without exceptional self-control and strength of mind.

Core: Dragon Heartstring – As a rule, dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental.

Length: 12 1/2 inches – long enough for me!

Flexibility: Slightly yielding.

Q3: Did you take an owl, cat, toad or rat with you?
I love Hedwig and owls, but I would take my cat Pebbles – she’d curl up with me whilst I’m studying.

Q4: Where did the sorting hat put you?
I am a Hufflepuff through and through! Loyal, patient, fair, hard-working, true –  I honestly think that was the correct choice for me 🙂

Q5: What house did you want to be placed in? 
I honestly didn’t have a preference. I mean everyone always says Gryffindor because it’s Harry’s house – A true Potterhead would let the hat decide.

Q6: What lessons are your favourite and least favourite?
Favourites:
Potions – because who doesn’t want to make potions? Please tell me who?!
Flying – you don’t want to fly a broomstick? We can’t be friends.
Care Of Magical Creatures – I love animals and Buckbeak!

Least Favourite:
Ancient Runes – Boring, I don’t enjoy languages and I was never good at spanish!

Q7: What is your patronus?
My patronus form is a Chestnut Stallion – horses are beautiful.

Q8: What does your boggart look like?
Clowns, clowns everywhere! I will NOT be watching the new IT film.

Q9: Do you partake in any magical hobbies or school sports?
I wouldn’t mind creating some ‘special’ sweets with Fred & George 😉

Q10: Where would you spend your spare time? 
Most likely in the library reading or taking a trip into Hogsmeade for that sweet butter beer.

Q11: What would you most likely get detention for? 
Selling illegal sweets to kids? Or sneaking into the Forbidden Forest – I really want to meet Grawp!

Q12: What career do you want after graduating Hogwarts?
Oooh – it would be cool to be a Dragonologist and work in Romania!

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So that’s my Hogwarts – let me know what some of your answers would be!

I tag my girls:

Lori
Danielle
Dorka
Fernanda

These guys are amazing – go give them some love!

Sarah xo

Daughter Of The Burning City – Amanda Foody – Book Review

Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how life like they may seem, her illusions are still just that – illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed – until one of them is murdered.

Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn’t actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca, and their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina’s illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all of her loved ones disappear.

My Rating
★★★★★

Wickedly dark and heart wrenching. I loved every word of it. Be prepared, you will weep, you will burn, you will fall and fall hard!

My Thoughts

The first thing I want to note is the utterly stunning cover of the book! It is beyond beautiful – it’s a practically perfect book cover for me! I am a sucker for all things purple! Be it violet, plum, amethyst, fuchsia – I adore them all! The cover is several shades of purple and the smoked lettering is the cherry on top – Perfection.

If the cover isn’t enough then the description certainly will be. I only had to read ‘Darkly Irresistible Fantasy’ and ‘Carnival Of Debauchery’ to know that I wanted this book – I needed this book in my life.

I enjoy a good carnival/circus themed book and this has to be one of my favourite’s to date. The world that Amanda had created is so colorful and vivid – I could almost feel myself falling into the pages and joining the Gomorrah festival. Every element was captured – in no mere snapshot – but an intricate portrait to grasp in your mind. From the candy coloured stripes of each tent, to the glittering gems on a mask, nothing was left out.

The story had me hooked from the word go. That’s always a sign of a good book – you have to be grabbed and thirsty for more and DOTBC definitely does that to a person! I didn’t want to put it down (although I had to because – kids). What had me was Sorina’s character, she’s very interesting – eyeless orphan girl adopted by the circus as a young child and thrown into such a wild world. But she is no normal girl – Sorina is a jynx-worker – ‘The Girl Who See’s Without Eyes’ – and she creates illusions for all to see.

Even her ‘Family’ were crafted inside her mind. The Family felt like my own, I felt their pain, I felt their loss each time and grieved with them! I even shed a few tears – or a lot – damn you Amanda for provoking my over-active emotions!

The family members are all very individual and each have their own unique talent – which they use in their ‘Freak Show’ at the festival. I think my favourite has to be Tree – he’s huge like a bodyguard, but he tantrums like a child which is so cute and he has a gentle side that I adore! Amanda included sketches of each of the family members, so you can get a real idea of what they are like and can picture it.

Luca – ah Luca, I love him is all – he’s my new fictional crush! He’s cocky and sure of himself and incredibly self-absorbed – and although he and Sorina do not prosper at the start, their relationship flourishes and they genuinely care for each other. Luca isn’t all as he seems – that’s all I’m saying – mouth zipped!

Gomorrah has a dark side – the down hill – which caters to the more ‘wild’ activities that their customers crave. The downhill makes quite a promiscuous reputation for the festival – one which many of the religious cities they visit strongly disapprove of – but the up-mountain residents are always enticed by the festival of burning desires!

I love how she came to a conclusion – I mean I’m broken inside, shattered in fact – but it wasn’t rushed and everything tied together nicely. I didn’t get my ‘aha’ moment because I guessed who the murderer was quite early on – I didn’t like the character one bit – but it still shocked me that I was right!

Every twist and every turn, I was sucked deeper and deeper into the festivals wicked delights. I almost didn’t want to come up for air.

Sarah xo

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‘Wicked wicked to the core, the city will burn forevermore’ – Amanda Foody.

Amazon 
Book Depository
Amanda Foody

Get To Know Me – Tag

Hello fellow bookworms 🙂

I hope you’re having a good weekend!

Since I have quite a few followers now, I thought it would be a good idea to hop on the ‘Get To Know Me’ tag. For all of you who’d like to dip your toe into my personal life, this one is for you.

Why don’t you tell me a few things about you in the comments? I’d love to get to know you all a bit better!

Thank you to my bookish friend Ash at ForTheLoveOfBooks for tagging me! You should go check her out, she’s lovely!

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Books: 

Can you stop reading at any time, or does is have to be a certain page or chapter?
I definitely HAVE to stop at the end of a chapter. I can’t leave the book until I’ve finished a section (stop here now Sarah – starts the next chapter).

Do you eat or drink anything whilst reading?
I don’t always, but I am partial to a hot chocolate and cookie.

Can you read listening to music or watching TV? 
Hmm – not really. I read a lot when my husband is playing on his console, but I’m not watching it.

One book at a time or several at once?
One at a time mostly, sometimes I start a book and then a NEW shiny one releases and I HAVE to buy it and read it (sorry not sorry).

Reading at home or everywhere? 
Generally at home, but if I’m on holiday I read by the pool or on the beach etc.

Reading out loud or in your head?
Absolutely in my head, I couldn’t concentrate reading out loud.

Do you read ahead or skip pages?
Nope nope nope! But my husband always looks at the end of a book and grins to tease me!

Breaking the spine or keeping it new? 
I’m a spine breaker, I love a worn well loved book. I don’t know how people read properly without breaking it in a bit.

Do you write books or just read them?
I have always been an avid reader,  but I do write. I’ve been working on a YA book for the last few years.

Five favourite books:
Harry Potter series – J.k Rowling (I can’t choose just one!)
A Court Of Thorns And Roses – Sarah J.Maas
Darkside – Tom Becker
The Wrath And The Dawn – Renee Ahdieh
Wintersong – S.Jae Jones

The last book that you read?
One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M.McManus. I posted a small review of this if you want to check that out!

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About Me:

Name: Sarah Elizabeth Campbell (my friends call me Saz)
Name Meaning: Princess
Hair Colour: Naturally blonde, in between brown and blonde at the moment.
Eye Colour: Hazel
My Birthday: 2nd January
Height: A perfectly acceptable 5ft 4in
Place Of Birth: England, UK
Star Sign: Capricorn (yes I’m a goat)
Best Feature: Probably lips
Piercings: Ears and I had my nose done twice but it kept popping out
Tattoos: My son’s initial, I plan to get my daughters too.
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Pets: I have had plenty throughout my childhood, we have a cat named pebbles, she’s 5.
Siblings: Brother and two half sisters.
Kids: Two, almost 7 year old boy named Kai and a 10 month baby girl named Arya (she was named after Christopher Paolini’s character in the Inheritance Cycle books).
Are You Married: Yes, we were married on May 5th 2016, been together for 8 years!
Dream Job: I’ve always wrote stories, so I would LOVE to publish my own book and become an author.
Hobbies: Reading (obviously) writing, watching films, playing games, meals out.

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Favourites:

Films: The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter Series, Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Songs: Scream It Out – Ellie Goulding. Black Parade – My Chemical Romance. Skyscraper – Demi Lovato.
Tv Shows: Friends, Rosemary & Thyme, Gilmore Girls, Charmed.
Youtubers: Makiplier, Ohmwrecker, MissBudgetBeauty, GraveyardGirl.
Food: Chinese, Big Mac, Chocolate Fudge Cake, Roast Dinner.
Drinks: Pepsi (from a machine), Rose Wine, Hot Chocolate.
Restaurants: Chinese Buffet, Barburrito, Mcdonald’s, Flaming Grill.
Shops: Primark, New Look, H&M, Superdrug, Waterstones.
Animals: Dogs, Cats, Dolphins.
Perfume: Britney Spears Curious.
Colours: Purple, Turquoise.
Music Genre: I like a bit of everything.

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Do You:

Believe in love at first sight?
I think I do, when I met my now husband when I was 14 , I definitely felt something I’d never felt before and he’s told me that he loved me from the start.

Believe in ghosts?
Yes I do, spirits/ghosts.

Believe in aliens?
I think there definitely has to be something else out there! The universe is too big and the majority of it is unexplored.

Believe in soulmates?
I believe my husband is my soulmate, he definitely wouldn’t have put up with me all this time!

Believe in heaven and hell?
No but I do think there is an afterlife.

Believe in yourself?
I haven’t for many years, but I am beginning to!

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What: 

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?
A good sized house for my family with a huge garden. A cottage for my mum to grow old in. A bunch of villa’s in different countries.

Your favourite/worst subject at high school?
Fav – English Literature & History.
Worst – P.E & Drama.

Something you wish you were talented at?
Singing and playing the piano.

First thing you notice about people? 
Probably their eyes as it’s the first thing I look at and their personality.

On top of your bucket list? 
To publish a book.

Your biggest accomplishment? 
Moving into my own house at 17 and raising my family.

Something you look for in a partner?
Trust, loyalty, can make me laugh, kindness. (I’ve already found it)

Something you dislike? 
Two faced people and bullies.

Favourite fairytale? 
Beauty & the beast for sure.

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Random Final Questions:

Season?
Autumn and winter. I love the cold and wrapping up warm.

Furthest you’ve ever been from home? 
The Isle Of Man, seeing my dad.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where? 
I’ve been obsessed with Alaska for so long! I’d love to live surrounded by mountains in a small town.

Sweet or savoury? 
Savoury for the most part, but I do love a good chocolate cake!

Last time you cried? 
A few days ago? I’m an emotional wreck 24/7.

If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?
I’d hope so! I think I’m a pretty decent friend.

Scary movie or happy ending?
Hmm, both? I do like a happy ending but I LOVE horror!

How you would you describe your fashion sense?
Um – I’m a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal. I wear what I like, don’t follow fashion.

Are you competitive?
Not overly.

Describe yourself in a single sentence:
Caring, emotional, loyal, protective.

Who is your role model? 
J.K Rowling for sure. She had a tough time and look at her now!

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? 
Stop caring what people think of you! You are unique and don’t need to justify yourself to anyone or fit it to their cliche. Don’t let the bullies win. Shine like the star you are!

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So there’s my snippet into my personal life. I hope you enjoyed!

I tag by book buddies:

Megs
Fernanda
Lori
Cassie
Jackie
Erin 
Danielle 

Take a look at their blogs, they rock!

Sarah xo

 

 

Mid-Year Book Freak Out – Tag

Hey guys!

So I think I have a slight – teeny weeny – obsession with these Tags! I’ve seen the ‘Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag’ everywhere recently and I wanted to give it a go. So let’s free my mind of this half of the year’s book hits and book misses so far!

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Q1: Best book that you’ve read so far in 2017? 
This is a toss up between two – but it HAS to be Wintersong by S.Jae-Jones. I simply adored this book, the cover is stunning and it’s just written so beautifully, I was so sad when I finished it and I desperately need Shadowsong!

Q2: Best sequel that you’ve read so far in 2017? 
Got to be – The Rose & The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh. I love love loved The Wrath & The Dawn to death! I finished it so quick and went and picked up the sequel the same weekend. The story is unlike anything I’ve read before, it really pulled on my heart strings, I was very sad to see the series end!

Q3: New release that you haven’t read yet but want to?
Guys – don’t be mad! I cannot express how much I love the ACOTAR series. I bought the last installment ACOWAR when it came out and I haven’t read it yet! – I know – I’M SO SORRY!! It’s just so intimidating and I’m not ready for it to end!

Q4: Most anticipated release for the next half of 2017?
Ok – I can’t choose just one! That would be insanity – INSANITY I TELL YOU!!

Q5: Biggest disappointment in 2017? 
This book wasn’t released this year – but I read it back in February. I saw Fledgling by Natasha Brown on the Kindle store and thought ‘this looks like my cup of tea’ – it wasn’t – it was a luke warm cup of tea. I gave it three stars because I was very mixed about my feelings. The story was sweet but it was too slow paced, too much pointless detail that didn’t progress the story – just a bit ‘meh’.

Q6: Biggest surprise in 2017? 
Everyone was going on about When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon and I was just like ‘ok I’ll try it’ – boy was I glad I did! I really really enjoyed it, it was so sweet and light hearted and I adore Rishi. I did ask Sandhya if I could keep him, but she said I’d have to fight Dimple – I’ll pass thanks!

Q7: Favorite new author (debut or new to you)? 
Without a doubt it’s Stephanie Garber, author of Caraval! I received Caraval in the January fairyloot box for my birthday. It was the UK edition which is so beautiful! There are five in total and I got the clock. It’s safe to say that I love Stephanie – I met her at a book signing and she is the loveliest person! I hope she comes back for Caraval 2!

Q8: Newest fictional crush?
Oh there’s so many! I do love Rishi, also Khalid from The Wrath & The Dawn. Both please?!

Q9: Newest favorite character?
Bronwyn from One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus. I see so much of myself in Bronwyn and that made me like her all the more.

Q10: A book that made you cry? 
ACOMAF – I only read this in January after reading ACOTAR last year. So many times I was crying and definitely at the end! Why do this Tamlin? Why?!

Q11: A book that made you happy?
I know this is a sad book – but by the end of Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon, I was so happy for Maddy (I won’t say why because – spoilers) I couldn’t stop smiling.

Q12: The most beautiful book you’ve bought or received in 2017? 
This one is easy – my currently reading book – The Daughter Of A Burning City by Amanda Foody. This book cover is PERFECTION! I am an avid lover of purple so for me this is the epitome of perfection. I mean – JUST LOOK AT IT!!

Q13: What books do you need to read by the end of 2017? 
Too many!! Haalp! Some of these are sitting in my bedroom just waiting and some I need to pick up – like City Of Bones, I really need to read it already!

So that’s all of my dirty book laundry aired! What haven’t you read or have really loved so far this year? – Let me know in the comments!

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Of course I tag my wonderful blogging friends to join me:

Beth
Shawn 
Bri
Lindsay
Lori
Erin
Olivia
Cassie

Sarah xo

 

 

Anything But Books – Tag

Hey guys!

I’m back with another Tag! I just love doing these posts and I’m fortunate to have the greatest blogging friends to tag me in them – my lovely Megs at BetweenThePages tagged me for this, thank you!

So the clue is in the name, this tag is for anything BUT books, let’s get started!

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Q1: Name a cartoon(s) that you love?
Oh there’s so many! I absolutely loved Ed Edd & Eddy when I was younger (I would probably still watch it now – shhh) but for now I still enjoy the Simpsons.

Q2: What is your favorite song right now?
I can’t get enough of Despacito by Luis Fonsi (as the rest of the world can’t) and I’m also enjoying Attention by Charlie Puth.

Q3: What could you do for hours, that isn’t reading?
Definitely writing, I do write for hours! I’ve been writing a YA book for a few years now. Also watching Youtube, the likes of Makiplier and Ohmwrecker keep me entertained for hours.

Q4: What is something that you love to do, that your followers would be surprised by? 
You might not be surprised by this – but I love gaming! I play a lot of games with my husband in the evening and I’ve had a love for The Sims since I was 8!

Q5: What is you favorite, unnecessarily specific thing to learn about? 
Henry VIII – I love the Tudor history! I’ve always watched TV shows about it and studied it.

Q6: What is something unusual that you know how to do?
Um – I can curl my tongue? Seriously I’m not very unusually talented.

Q7: Name something you’ve made in the last year?
Well technically it’s not a year until the 20th of August, but I made my son’s birthday cake last year! 

Q8: What is your most recent personal project?
My very personal project (if you can call it that) is weight loss. I had my second child last September and I’m happy to say that I’ve lost quite a lot of weight since!

Q9: Tell us something that you think of often? 
I think about my kids and husband often, they’re what my world revolves around, I’m lucky to have them!

Q10: Tell us something that’s your favorite, but make it oddly specific?
Chocolate cake – but not just any chocolate cake – a chocolate fudge cake with chocolate icing in the middle and chocolate on top, decorated with chocolate curls and accompanied with vanilla ice cream – was that too specific? ( or too much chocolate) 😉

I hope you enjoyed!

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I tag my girls:

Lori
Cassie
Olivia

Make sure you check them out!

Sarah xo

 

The To Be Read Tag

I wanted to do another tag, as I enjoyed the Book Blog Newbie Tag so much! If you didn’t see that post then go check it out.  I was tagged by my bookish friend and fellow blogger Danielle – TheIntrovertedBookNerd she’s lovely, go take a look at her blog!

Enjoy guys!

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Q1: How do you keep track of your To Be Read pile? 
I generally use Goodreads to keep track. I have a ‘Want To Read’ list and ‘New Releases’ list to organize it a little bit.

Q2: Is your To Be Read mostly print or E-books?
It’s definitely 90% printed books. I love holding a book and collecting them (and sniffing them..) . I do read E-books every now and again, I read them a lot if I’m on the train etc.

Q3: How do you determine which book from your To Be Read to read next?
Oh god this is a hard question. If the book that I’ve just finished has a sequel, then I tend to read that. Otherwise it’s just a toss up of what I’m feeling in the mood for on that day (not very methodical).

Q4: A book that has been on your To Be Read the longest?
I had to look up the dates for this! Red Queen – By Victoria Aveyard was my first TBR book that I added. I really don’t know why I haven’t read it yet, I’ve heard amazing things about it! I think new books get released and it just gets pushed to the back – I will conquer it one day!

Q5: A book that you recently added to you To Be Read? 
The Beasts Heart – By Leife Shallcross. I love love the cover of this book – like it’s so stunning! I adore Beauty & The Beast re-tellings and I can’t wait for this to be released!

Q6: A book on your To Be Read strictly because it has a beautiful cover?
I don’t think I have one. There are MANY beautiful covers but I add books because I WANT to read them, not because of the cover, that’s just a bonus!

Q7: A book on your To Be Read that you never plan on actually reading? 
I plan to read them all eventually. But there is a book that I might not get round to reading for a good while. Remembrance – By Meg Cabot, I loved the Mediator series when I was younger and when I saw Meg had written ANOTHER I was so excited, but I haven’t bought it yet and it’s really at the back of my list.

Q8: An unpublished book on your To Be Read that you’re excited for? 
Probably Caraval 2 – By Stephanie Garber. It hasn’t got a title yet but I loved Caraval and I can’t wait for the next book!

Q9: A book on your To Be Read that everyone else has read but you?
Please don’t hate me – I’ve never fully read Throne Of Glass – By Sarah J.Maas. I started it, read a chapter and put it back down, it didn’t grab me like ACOTAR did.

Q10: A book on your To Be Read that everyone recommends to you?
Hunted – By Meagan Spooner. I’ve had this book recommended so many times, I hope to get round to it eventually, it does sound intriguing.

Q11: A book on your To Be Read that you are DYING to read? 
It’s absolutely killing me that Shadowsong – By S Jae-Jones isn’t out until next year! I loved Wintersong and I NEED the next one – Like NOW!!

Q12: The number of books on you To Be Read?
Both of my lists added together is 70 – not too many, but I constantly update it and clear out the ones I’ve read (I like organized – OCD).

My goodreads is on my blog if you want to discover books with me! 🙂

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I tag my fellow book bloggers:

Cassie 
Maggie
Ash 
Meghan
Jackie 
Kris
Lori 

I love these guys, go check them out!

Sarah xo

Fairyloot – Tricksters July Unboxing

It’s that time of the month again, the time when we all wait anxiously for our monthly Fairyloot boxes to arrive! It’s such an exciting time for me and I love seeing everyone’s pictures and posts. I got my July Tricksters box over the weekend and was ecstatic at it’s contents! Let’s take a peek shall we?!

First up is the book ..ooh the book! I had a guess at what the book would be (as I always do) and I was correct. The stunning ..and I mean STUNNING.. book is Daughter Of The Burning City by Amanda Foody. A dark fantasy set in a travelling carnival of debauchery. I’ve been waiting for this book to be released for SO long, I’m so happy that I have it in my hands! The cover is absolutely gorgeous, with the mixture of purples and pinks and the smoke effect on the lettering ..I could just cry. I’ve already started reading it and I am so excited to review it soon, so keep a look out for that!

Also in the box was this beautiful bookmark designed by Lexy Olivia. I’ve seen Lexy’s work before and this is exquisite. It features a quote from the Six Of Crows series by Leigh Bardugo. It reads ‘Better Terrible Truths Than Kind Lies’ also loving the feather on the back.

Hands up if you’re a Harry Potter fan? ..me too. I was so so happy to see these Hogwarts Playing Cards in the box, which are officially licensed merchandise, so you can get your hands on them too!! Each set has the different house animals instead of diamond, spade etc, so freaking cool!

I’ve seen a lot of Geeky Clean in the recent boxes and this is another great item. They have created the Loki Lotion which is made with dragons blood ..no I’m kidding but that is in fact the name of the scent that they used. You should definitely go check them out, their products are handmade, vegan and cruelty free. Also in the box was a Fortune Telling Kitchen Glove, made my Fairyloot themselves. The design is inspired by the book of the month because it has fortune and palm reading. I think this is such a unique item and I look forward to using it when i’m baking!

Now I’m not a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, but I do think this Sherlock Enamel Tin Mug is pretty cool. It was designed by Fictiontea Designs and reads ‘I Have To Go To My Mind Palace’. I will be gifting this item to my mum as she LOVES Sherlock.

The last item is the magnificent Harley Quinn Print, created by Miss Phi whom has worked with Fairyloot before. I love her designs and this one is based on Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad. It reads ‘It Doesn’t Matter Who Broke You Down What Matters Is Who Made You Smile Again’ I love this quote! Go check her out.

Bonus item: Behind The Pages discount coupon.

Fairyloot always include a signed bookplate and letter from the author. They have also been creating exclusive bookmarks with the design of the month printed on it.

I hoped you enjoyed my unboxing and you should definitely go check out Fairyloot’s website for more information on their subscription boxes!

Sarah xo

Book Blog Newbie Tag

Since I’m new to the blogging world, I thought it would be fitting to involve myself in the Newbie Tag. I was tagged by my lovely fellow book blogger Berries and Books.

Q1. Why did you start this blog?

I’ve always had a massive love for books and also writing. So I decided that I wanted to write about them and share my passion with my bookish friends.

Q2. What are some fun and unique things you can bring to book blogging?

This is an interesting question. I enjoy taking fun and lively pictures of books and bookish things to make them captivating to the eye.

Q3. What are you most excited about this new blog?

I’m really excited to just share my love of books with people who are just as in love with them as me and hopefully make some friends along the way.

Q4. Why do you love reading?

Reading transports me to another world, where I can explore magical kingdoms and fall in love with a prince (or vampire – but I’m not too picky). Sometimes we need a little time away from our ordinary lives and reading for me is the perfect way to escape.

Q5. What book or series got you into reading?

I definitely left my adolescent heart with J.K Rowling. The Harry Potter series is my first love and will forever hold a place in my heart. I also loved the Darkside series by Tom Becker and Goosebumps.

Q6. What questions would you ask your favourite authors?

How do you think up such amazing ideas?
What goes into the writing process?
What inspired you to start writing?

Q7. What challenges do you think starting a blog will be the hardest to overcome?

I think overcoming the fear that no one will like your blog is a huge one! Finding the time to keep up with new posts. Initially growing your blog by making new connections.

Q8. When did you start reading?

My mum always read to me as a small child and I began reading properly myself when I was about 8 or 9. Me and my mum would go to the library every week and check out two books each, those were the days.

Q9. Where do you read?

Anywhere and everywhere! Usually on the sofa with a blanket and hot chocolate – yum!

Q10. What kind of books do you like to read?

YA, Fantasy, Romance, Horror, I can be tempted by a good thriller too.

I tag my wonderful book friends:
TheIntrovertedBookNerd
EngrossedInAGoodBook
ReadingWithLori
TheLifeOfARaven
NotQuiteAlice
LindasLittleLibrary

One Of Us Is Lying – By Karen M. McManus

A unique murder mystery revolved around five entirely different students, this is no Sherlock Holmes novel folks!

Summary: One Of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect and everyone has something to hide!

When I heard about this book launch a few months back, I was so intrigued to read it and see what it was all about. I was really curious about the concept and couldn’t wait to see how it played out. Although it is a YA book – my favourite kind – the theme is not one that I generally read. I love a good old romance set in a fantasy world and this is far from that. That being said I was totally hooked from the very start and DID NOT put this down until I knew ‘whodunnit’.

What initially pulled me in was that the characters had a real ‘Breakfast Club’ feel for me (which if you haven’t seen – seriously you need to!) and I wonder if the author took some inspiration from the film. Simon the outcast is said victim and the creator of the schools gossip app. He was about to air the dirty laundry of each of his detention buddies, making them the perfect suspects. Bronwyn the brain, Nate the criminal, Addy the beauty, and Cooper the athlete. I love that although the characters are labelled with brain beauty etc, they are definitely not stereotypical high school students. For instance Addy is in the popular group along with Cooper, but neither are stuck up unlike the usual conceited cliche that we are accustomed to. They all have their own issues and secrets, which slowly unravel and come to surface as time goes on. There is a ton of personal development through the book and you start to genuinely sympathies for each character. I think there is a character for everyone in this book, someone you can relate to from personal experience which I really love.

There is a small romance in the book (Yay for me!) and I liked how it slowly built into something and was genuine, no instant ‘I’m in love’. Despite the fact that this was a murder book, it had some funny moments and light hearted-ness too, not all doom and gloom. I really wanted to crack the case! There were LOADS of twists and red herrings to keep you on your toes and really absorbed in the story. I had an inkling of who it was throughout the book, but I kept second guessing myself. I applaud the author for her cleverness in fooling me so many times – but the clues are there if you’re smart enough to figure it out!

Everyone has secret’s, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

Sarah xo