The Missing of Claiedelune By: Christelle Dabos

Brilliant! I have to thank the owner of my local bookstore for pointing out the first book in the series, A Winter’s Promise. If not for that, who knows how long it would have taken me to discover this series. I did read some mixed reviews, which to be honest, makes me want to read a book even more. Some people love it, some people hate it. That usually means I’m going to be one of the people that loves it. And did I ever! The pure imagination that went into this book is astounding. I loved every minute I was reading this book. The story has so many twists and turns, mysteries, twists, its awesome. The characters are very well written and I adore the heroine, Ophelia. I liked her immediately. Her apparent mousiness and clumsiness, her actual complete strength of character. She did what needed to be done, no matter what. Love her! So happy I got to read this book. The only downside is that I have to wait forever for the third one to be translated and released here. But I guarantee I will be purchasing it on release day.

This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Uneasy Lies the Crown By: Tasha Alexander

Tasha Alexander has done it again. Even after this many Lady Emily mysteries, each book is amazingly written, complicatedly plotted and completely absorbing. I absolutely love that there is still an interesting romance between Emily and Colin and the loving family atmosphere. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. There is also another story line that moves along with the usual mystery, one of a knight and his wife. I also really enjoyed that and it mixed well into the story. Overall, I am very happy with this and hope that Tasha Alexander keeps writing Lady Emily books.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Eyre – Manga Classics

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite stories. I also love manga, so this was exciting for me. I absolutely loved it. Everything was completely true to the story and it was so well done. The artwork was beautiful and expressive and made the story flow perfectly. This was a great new way to enjoy a favorite classic. Every important part of the story was there, perfectly encapsulated in the manga format. It was easy to get used to reading it right to left and I was swept along in the story and drawings. I will definitely be reading more manga classics, this was a fun, fresh take on a classic.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

Kate Morton is an author whose books I will always automatically read. Her writing is magical, her descriptions capable of completely transporting you to another time in place. Her books evoke intense emotions and let you truly feel what the characters are going through. This book was no disappointment. The various points of view kept the story fresh and the mystery intense. The jumps in time weren’t confusing and she kept me guessing the entire time about what would happen and what happened in the past. She is a masterful storyteller with a vivid imagination and I will continue to read any book she writes.

This book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom By: Leigh Bardugo

I can’t honestly remember if I already reviewed Six of Crows or not. But either way, I’ll just do it again. After having absolutely loved Leigh Bardugo’s other series, I was excited to try this one. At first I wasn’t quite sure what to think. The characters in the story were so varied, so different from her other books. Also, none of them are quite decent people.So at first it was strange for me to connect with them, but it didn’t take long before I fell in love with the story anyway. The characters were flawed, realistically so. They were by no means perfect, but it made them endearing and I came to love them all. I read through the first book quickly and then had to wait that dreadfully long year for the next one, which I snatched up.

The second book has a marvelous cover and red around the edges, which at first I though would be distracting but it really wasn’t. This book was better than the first and just so full! The characters developed immensely, the romances were believable and greatly done, and the story progressed in such a way that was unpredictable and kept me reading non-stop. I’m very excited for the next book and any other books from this author! Also there were lots of feels!

Read these books guys, dooo it.

Winter By: Marissa Meyer

To say that I was excited about this book would be an understatement. And then to find out how long it was? So happy! And of course, it didn’t let me down. I jumped headfirst into this book and it didn’t let me go. I absolutely love the characters Marissa Meyer created in this series. They are flawed and they are full of life. The story was so well plotted with all of the fairy tales coming together perfectly. It was all so wonderfully done and I enjoyed every minute of it. So if you haven’t read the series at all. It begins with Cinder, Scarlet, Cress and then Winter. So go read them. If you haven’t, you’re really going to miss out. Who doesn’t love fairy tale recreations? Especially with a sci-fi twist? Hop to it! You won’t regret it!

Queen of Shadows By: Sarah J. Maas

All I can say about this is wow. Definitely the best book in the series thus far. This book drew me in immediately and didn’t let me go. Still hasn’t really. Everything developed so wonderfully, characters, plot, everything. Despite its length, this book felt too short. I really want to know what happens next. I really enjoy the different POVs in this series as well. It makes it much easier to get to know each character and see their development. I love Aelin because she seems like a character that could be real. I feel like I spent half of the time loving her and her decisions and the other half being frustrated with her. Anyway, loveloveloved this book and can’t wait for the next. Plus, awesome cover.

The Paris Winter By: Imogen Robertson

I’m not going to lie, the title and cover of this book drew my initial interest. The story involves a poor young artist in the city of Paris in the 1800’s. There is mystery, tragedy, art, romance and did I mention it takes place in Paris in the 1800’s? ‘Cause it does. And it was good. The writing was elegant, detailed and lovely. The protagonist is a young lady by the name of Maude Heighton and she is wonderful. She is tough, but kindhearted and I love that she is a fighter.  The twist, while expected was still surprising, if that makes any sense. Basically, you know something horrible is coming, but you don’t know when, what, or how. The story was brilliantly constructed and I loved every minute of it. If you are looking for a darker novel full of intrigue, mystery and very great characters, read this. Loved it!

 

Description from Amazon:

There is but one Paris.
Vincent Van Gogh Maud Heighton came to Lafond’s famous Academie to paint, and to flee the constraints of her small English town. It took all her courage to escape, but Paris, she quickly realizes, is no place for a light purse. While her fellow students enjoy the dazzling decadence of the Belle Epoque, Maud slips into poverty. Quietly starving, and dreading another cold Paris winter, she stumbles upon an opportunity when Christian Morel engages her as a live-in companion to his beautiful young sister, Sylvie. Maud is overjoyed by her good fortune. With a clean room, hot meals, and an umbrella to keep her dry, she is able to hold her head high as she strolls the streets of Montmartre. No longer hostage to poverty and hunger, Maud can at last devote herself to her art. But all is not as it seems. Christian and Sylvie, Maud soon discovers, are not quite the darlings they pretend to be. Sylvie has a secret addiction to opium and Christian has an ominous air of intrigue. As this dark and powerful tale progresses, Maud is drawn further into the Morels’ world of elegant deception. Their secrets become hers, and soon she is caught in a scheme of betrayal and revenge that will plunge her into the darkness that waits beneath this glittering city of light.

Bad Me

So I have been a terrible blogger this year. For many reasons (excuses): Surgery, work, art, and I became shamelessly addicted to Final Fantasy XXIV online. I’m a nerd. I love nerdy things. All the things. I have been reading, but not as much as I would like. Over this next year I really need to get my **** together. I hope I still have some readers left! I love you all! Things to come:

Reviews:

Winter By: Marissa Meyer

Queen of Shadows By: Sarah J. Maas

The Paris Winter By: Imogen Robertson

 

Death in theFloating City By: Tasha Alexander

Oh man, I’ve been so neglectful lately. I’m so sorry! I’ve been stuck playing Final Fantasy 14. Super addictive. Anyway, on to the review! This book is number seven in the Lady Emily mystery series. As the title suggests, it takes place in Venice, the floating city. This was a very interesting mystery. This author does not skimp on the details of the historical city and it is magical to experience. Venice has always been one of the places I want to visit. This book of course, is also a mystery and one Lady Emily has to solve for an old friend. This book has plenty of suspense, romance, and just a general cozy mystery feeling. I would definitely recommend this one and I also recommend continuing the series. I’m currently on number eight, Behind the Shattered Glass.