Waiting On Wednesday: A Song to Take the World Apart by Zan Romanoff

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

A Song to Take the World Apart by Zan Romanoff
Expected publication: September 13th 2016 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

What if you could make someone love you back, just by singing to them? Fans of Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun and Leslye Walton’s The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender will be captivated by this contemporary love story with hints of magical realism.

Hanging out with Chris was supposed to make Lorelei’s life normal. He’s cooler, he’s older, and he’s in a band, which means he can teach her about the music that was forbidden in her house growing up. Her grandmother told her when she was little that she was never allowed to sing, but listening to someone else do it is probably harmless— right?

The more she listens, though, the more keenly she can feel her own voice locked up in her throat, and how she longs to use it. And as she starts exploring the power her grandmother never wanted her to discover, influencing Chris and everyone around her, the foundations of Lorelei’s life start to crumble. There’s a reason the women in her family never want to talk about what their voices can do.

And a reason Lorelei can’t seem to stop herself from singing anyway.

I came across this book last week in the blogosphere and thought it sounded pretty good. Also, I really love magical realism. So I think this might be a really great read.

What book are you waiting for?

Leave me the link to your post so I can stop by!

Monday Madness: The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Monday Madness is a bookish meme hosted by Bookfever & Booklover's Teaparty

You know that feeling when you feel like you are gonna go mad if you do not get a certain book right away, when you are obsessed and all you want is that one book and you will be happy? That is what Monday Madness is about. All those books you that drive you mad.

Pick a book. Talk about it- why do you want it? What has drawn you to it? Why is it making you mad with want for it.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Collector's Library edition

First published in French as a serial in 1909, "The Phantom of the Opera" is a riveting story that revolves around the young, Swedish Christine Daaé. Her father, a famous musician, dies, and she is raised in the Paris Opera House with his dying promise of a protective angel of music to guide her. After a time at the opera house, she begins hearing a voice, who eventually teaches her how to sing beautifully. All goes well until Christine's childhood friend Raoul comes to visit his parents, who are patrons of the opera, and he sees Christine when she begins successfully singing on the stage. The voice, who is the deformed, murderous 'ghost' of the opera house named Erik, however, grows violent in his terrible jealousy, until Christine suddenly disappears. The phantom is in love, but it can only spell disaster. Leroux's work, with characters ranging from the spoiled prima donna Carlotta to the mysterious Persian from Erik's past, has been immortalized by memorable adaptations. Despite this, it remains a remarkable piece of Gothic horror literature in and of itself, deeper and darker than any version that follows.

I already read The Phantom of the Opera but I've always wanted a special edition of it because it's one of my favorite classical books. And as I have other books (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen & Tales of Mytery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe) in the same edition, I'd love to get this one by Collector's Library too. 

And don't forget to check out Christina's post! ♥

Fantasy Favourites Read-a-Thon 2016 — Introduction

This read-a-thon is hosted by Olivia @ Olivia’s Catastrophe and Inge and Aly @ Of Wonderland.

Introduction post:

1. Who are you?
Who am I...? *she sings a la Les Miserables* I'm a 24 y/o bookaholic from Belgium. Aside from reading I'm super fascinated by history. I'm a big Doctor Who fan. I also love Studio Ghibli — Spirited Away is my favorite film.

2. Why are you joining the read-a-thon?
It seemed like a really fun read-a-thon, which I had been looking for. So I'm very excited! 

3. Which books do you intend to read?

• Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan
• Ivory and Bone by Julie Eshbaugh
• Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

I probably won't get to read and finish all these books but we'll see. ;)

4. How many pages do you think you’ll manage?
I really can't put a number on it at this point. Also because it turns out I'm not actually going to be home when the read-a-thon is happening. I'll be visiting my mom but don't worry, I still will get to read a lot there. I hope... 

5. What’s your favourite thing about the fantasy genre?
I love the different worlds the fantasy genre can take you away too, where anything can happen.

6. Which fantasy books do you always recommend?
If you like fairies, I always recommend Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Oh and the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning!

7. Which fantasy books are you dying to read?
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. I own the book but I just haven't gotten to it yet.

8. If you could travel to one fantasy world, which one would it be? (I know it’s hard, but try not to say Hogwarts.)
Tough question. So many fantasy worlds to choose from. Lately I've been getting more into Sarah J. Maas books so I think I would pick the world of ACOTAR & ACOMAF. Especially if I can spend time with Rhysand. :D

And that's all, folks! ;)

Waiting On Wednesday: Pennies by Pepper Winters

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

Pennies by Pepper Winters
Dollar Series #1
Expected publication: July 20th 2016

“At 18 I had pennies, but money didn’t make me bold. At 19 I had dollars, but it didn’t dull the pain of being sold. At 20 I had hundreds, but then I met him and was found. At 21 I had thousands, but all I wanted was to be bound.”

“At 23 I had dollars, but life changed and made me rich. At 25 I had hundreds, but it wasn’t enough to stop my killing itch. At 27 I had thousands, but my reputation didn’t set me free. At 29 I had millions, but I met her and could finally see.”

Tasmin was killed on her 18th birthday. She had everything planned out. A psychology degree, a mother who pushed her to greatness, and a future anyone would die for. But then her murderer saved her life, only to sell her into a totally different existence.

Elder went from penniless to stinking rich with one twist of fate. His lifetime of crime and shadows of thievery are behind him but no matter the power he now wields, it’s not enough. He has an agenda to fulfil and he won’t stop until it’s complete.

But then they meet.

A beaten slave and a richly dressed thief. Money is what guided their separate fates. Money is what brought them together. And money is ultimately what destroys them.

She was poor.
He was rich.
Together…they were bankrupt.

A new series by the queen of dark romance! I'm so very excited about this book and the ones that will follow after. I know it's going to be a full lenght book (yessss!), that it's going to have a cliffhanger and that book #2 will come in about 8 weeks after this one releases. So luckily the wait won't be terribly long. I'm also so happy that it's going to be dark romance because we all know Pepper is best at it. I've also been told that Elder will rival Q and Jethro so... I just can't wait!

What book are you waiting for?

Leave me the link to your post so I can stop by!

Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Publication: August 15th 2013 by Bloomsbury Childrens
Genre: Fantasy ~ Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 3/5

Crowned by Evil.
Bound by Duty.
Divided by Love.

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, put those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors - a captain and a prince - and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom...

It's not a secret that I haven't been a fan of Throne of Glass (at least not until I read book #3). The second book, Crown of Midnight, was a little bit better. It was mostly the end that saved this book for me, but at least that's something, right?

Did I like Celaena more in Crown of Midnight? Yes, but I can't say she's my favorite character ever. And for the most part of the book I wasn't a big fan of Chaol and Dorian either. Though I gotta say towards the end that Chaol has warmed up to me a little. 

There was also a lot of unpredictableness that went with this book which is always a good thing for me because I really hate it when books are predictable. Some twists were rather shocking, like the death of a certain character and of course the ending was pretty good.

Overall, I really did like Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. I had a hard time putting the book down so I finished it fairly fast. It still wasn't totally amazing or anything but at least it was better than Throne of Glass. The writing was a bit better too and the unexpected twists around every corner made it all the more exciting.

       About the Author:

                 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Sarah J. Maas is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling Throne of Glass series–Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, and the series’ prequel, The Assassin’s Blade–as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses and its sequel A Court of Mist and Fury. She wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in twenty-three languages. Empire of Storms, the fifth Throne of Glass novel, will release on September 6th, 2016

A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies.

Monday Madness: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Monday Madness is a bookish meme hosted by Bookfever & Booklover's Teaparty

You know that feeling when you feel like you are gonna go mad if you do not get a certain book right away, when you are obsessed and all you want is that one book and you will be happy? That is what Monday Madness is about. All those books you that drive you mad.

Pick a book. Talk about it- why do you want it? What has drawn you to it? Why is it making you mad with want for it.

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass #0.1-05

Celaena Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.

Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever...

Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine and find out how the legend begins in the five page-turning prequel novellas to the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.

Honestly... Could I be any more obsessed with this series? I'm not as crazy about the Throne of Glass series I am with the Thorns and Roses series but still! Last week my Monday Madness pick was Queen of Shadows, which I got in that same week. I just have this need to just have all the books. And I so need this one! And I love novellas so I'm pretty sure I'll love them. 

And don't forget to check out Christina's post! ♥

Review: The Rules of the Game by Liz Duffy Adams & Delia Sherman

Title: The Rules of the Game
Author: Liz Duffy Adams & Delia Sherman
Series: Whitehall ~ Season one, Episode V
Publication: June 15th 2016 by Serial Box Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Review copy received in exchange for an honest review.

New arrivals cause a stir in the fifth installment of Whitehall, an episodic royal tale full of true history and sensual intrigue, new from Serial Box Publishing.

Changes at court reflect the nation’s own transformation as new faces and sleeping arrangements upset the status quo. But not everyone is happy, and plots against the queen grow amongst the discontented.

This episode is brought to you by Liz Duffy Adams and Delia Sherman, who advise you to be wary of newcomers.

"The Rules of the Game" continues the 13-part serial, Whitehall, presented by Serial Box. Intrigue, romance, and scandal fill the palace halls in this historical tale, collaboratively written by Liz Duffy Adams, Delia Sherman, Barbara Samuel, Madeleine Robins, Sarah Smith, and Mary Robinette Kowal.

It's funny how with each story I read in this serial, I find a new favorite. But I just can't help it. It was yet another great addition. And the end... talk about a cliffhanger! 

The Rules of the Game was written by Liz Duffy Adams & Delia Sherman. The first episode was also written by them. This part continues the story. There's more intrigue, someone new arrived at court and the end actually made me gasp out loud because this might change things a lot. And if I'm not mistaken the next episode won't come until July 13 so I'm going to have to wait a for a little while. 

I really love these episodes. It's interesting to read how Catherine who isn't yet used to the English court navigate it and I do love her relationship and chemistry with Charles. Also, the writing is excellent.

As always it was a quick read and I think it's perfect for people who want to read something short but that's also actually a great story. And it, being historical makes it even more perfect in my opinion. So if you haven't checked out this serial I would highly recommend you doing so!

About Liz Duffy Adams

Website | Twitter

Liz Duffy Adams is a playwright whose play neo-Restoration comedy Or, premiered Off Broadway at Women's Project Theater and has been produced 40 times since, including at Magic Theater and Seattle Rep. She's a New Dramatists alumna and has received a Women of Achievement Award, Lillian Hellman Award, New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, Weston Playhouse Music Theater Award, and Will Glickman Award. Her plays include Dog Act; A Discourse on the Wonders of the Invisible World; Buccaneers; Wet or, Isabella the Pirate Queen Enters the Horse Latitude; The Listener, The Reckless RUthless Brutal Charge of It or, The Train Play; and One Big Lie.

About Delia Sherman

Website | Twitter

Delia Sherman is the author of numerous short stories, as well as the novels Through a Brazen Mirror and The Porcelain Dove. She has judged the Crawford Award for Best First Fantasy Novel, The Jame Tiptree, Jr. Award, and the World Fantasy Award. She has taught SF and Fantasy writing at Odyssey: the Fantasy Writing Workshop, the Clarion Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers' Workshop, The Hollins University Graduate Program in Children's Literature, the Alpha Workshop for Young Writers, and workshops at colleges and science fiction conventions all over America.

Stacking The Shelves: June 18, 2016

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted @ Tynga's Reviews.

Bought:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
I bought this because I was loving Heir of Fire so much + this webshop had it for a really cheap price and I had a coupon. :D ♥

For Review:
Dark Mafia Prince by Annika Martin

Received for the blog tour and it's my current read.

For Review:
The Rules of the Game by Liz Duffy Adams and Delia Sherman

I already read this yesterday and the end of it was... wow! 

What books did you add to your shelves?

Leave me links to your hauls so I can stop by! :)

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Genre: New Adult ~ Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

Feyre is immortal.

After rescuing her lover Tamlin from a wicked Faerie Queen, she returns to the Spring Court possessing the powers of the High Fae. But Feyre cannot forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people - nor the bargain she made with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.

As Feyre is drawn ever deeper into Rhysand's dark web of politics and passion, war is looming and an evil far greater than any queen threatens to destroy everything Feyre has fought for. She must confront her past, embrace her gifts and decide her fate.

She must surrender her heart to heal a world torn in two.

I have so many words coming to mind when I think back to A Court of Mist and Fury — Brilliant. Thrilling. Steamy. Heartbreaking. Tragic. Radiant. Seductive. Well, I could go on and on. Because it was all that and so much more!

So this is my third book by Sarah J. Maas tha tI have read. I read Throne of Glass, which didn't sit very well with me. Last year I gave A Court of Thorns and Roses a shot and it ended up being so amazing but with A Court of Mist and Fury it was a thousand times more amazing than that one was. 

During the first part of the book I felt so very bad for Feyre because let's face it, after everything she went through in the last book she was more than a bit depressed and Tamlin (I'm so not a fan of his...) wasn't helping a lot with that either, in my opinion. But I gotta say that the way the author wrote all that was pretty impressive. Because who wouldn't be depressed after going through what Feyre went through.

Enter Rhysand! *cheers* Honestly, I already loved him in ACOTAR but oh my goodness he has turned into one of my top favorite characters ever and definitely my favorite fae character ever. Everything he has done for those he loved and everything he did for Feyre in this book. JESUS CHRIST. 

I also absolutely loved Rhys's friends. Mor, Cassian, Azriel, Amren... what a varied bunch they were. I loved them all! 

And let's not forget the totally amazing writing. Action, creepy, romantic, angst — this author can do it all. Especially the creepy scenes... I swear to god some of those scenes will give me nightmares.

What more can I say? I loved A Court of Mist and Fury so damn much. I can't even express enough how incredible this book was. The feels, man, the feels! 

       About the Author:

              Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Sarah J. Maas is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling Throne of Glass series–Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, and the series’ prequel, The Assassin’s Blade–as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses and its sequel A Court of Mist and Fury. She wrote the first incarnation of the Throne of Glass series when she was just sixteen, and it has now sold in twenty-three languages. Empire of Storms, the fifth Throne of Glass novel, will release on September 6th, 2016

A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamilton College in 2008 with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Religious Studies.