Sunday, December 29, 2024

It's Monday! What Are You Reading #708, December 30th

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week...and anything in between! This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well...you never know where that next "must read" book will come from!
What happened in the past week:

Weekly Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading #707
Teaser Tuesday #715
WWW Wednesday #715
WOW #711
Will the Time Come #708
Third Sentence Thursday #698
Random Reads #684
First Lines Friday #711
Book Blogger Hop #377
Monthly Series January Round Up
Monthly ARC's Update 102
The Reward Challenge Update #693
Wheel of TBR #240
How Well I Stuck to It #545
Wrote that Review Update #542

Week 52 Reviews:
Juniper & Thorn

Clear Your S**t Readathon: 

Merry Bookmas Readathon: 

Random:

OK, so I got 36 posts in 7 days, and it was a pretty good week, I had decent holidays, and I'm glad that we're getting Wednesday off this week, too, because I've already starting working on my end of year/start of year posts that haven't been ones that I've been working on as the year goes by. Because they're always a time consuming project. What about you guys? Happy reading!

So this week I want to read whatever I want! 

Merry Bookmas Update 12 and Wrap Up

So I read completed my final prompt for Merry Bookmas, I took a picture of my favourite holiday treat, which was for the prompt Elf, and yeah, I had a great time participating, read amazing books, and I can't wait for the next round! 

My Reading Journey:

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Prompt Fulfilled: Jingle All the Way
Started On: December 1st 
Finished On: December 1st, 2:44 PM
Pages Read: 530

Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
Prompt Fulfilled: It's a Wonderful Life
Started On: December 3rd 
Finished On: December 3rd, 6:39 PM
Pages Read: 176

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
Prompt Fulfilled: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 11:19 PM
Pages Read: 304

Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 3:36 PM
Pages Read: 231

Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Prompt Fulfilled: Nightmare Before Christmas
Started On: December 6th
Finished On: December 6th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 454

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: The Santa Claus
Started On: December 7th
Finished On: December 7th, 7:39 PM
Pages Read: 448

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
Prompt Fulfilled: A Christmas Carol
Started On: December 13th
Finished On: December 13th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 320

The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Prompt Fulfilled: Polar Express
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 432

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
Prompt Fulfilled: Die Hard
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 9:24 PM
Pages Read: 420

Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin
Prompt Fulfilled: The Dog Days of Christmas
Started On: December 29th
Finished On: December 29th, 9:25 PM
Pages Read: 384

Prompts Left: None Left! 
Read: 10
Pages Read: 3699

Merry Bookmas Update 11

So I read completed my next prompt for Merry Bookmas, I went to a holiday concert, which was for the prompt Charlie Brown Christmas, and I'll be completing the non-reading prompts next! 

My Reading Journey:

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Prompt Fulfilled: Jingle All the Way
Started On: December 1st 
Finished On: December 1st, 2:44 PM
Pages Read: 530

Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
Prompt Fulfilled: It's a Wonderful Life
Started On: December 3rd 
Finished On: December 3rd, 6:39 PM
Pages Read: 176

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
Prompt Fulfilled: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 11:19 PM
Pages Read: 304

Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 3:36 PM
Pages Read: 231

Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Prompt Fulfilled: Nightmare Before Christmas
Started On: December 6th
Finished On: December 6th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 454

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: The Santa Claus
Started On: December 7th
Finished On: December 7th, 7:39 PM
Pages Read: 448

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
Prompt Fulfilled: A Christmas Carol
Started On: December 13th
Finished On: December 13th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 320

The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Prompt Fulfilled: Polar Express
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 432

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
Prompt Fulfilled: Die Hard
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 9:24 PM
Pages Read: 420

Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin
Prompt Fulfilled: The Dog Days of Christmas
Started On: December 29th
Finished On: December 29th, 9:25 PM
Pages Read: 384

Prompts Left: Elf
Read: 10
Pages Read: 3699

Merry Bookmas Update 10

So I read my final book for Merry Bookmas, and it was Pupcakes which was for the prompt The Dog Days of Christmas, and I'll be completing the non-reading prompts next! 

My Reading Journey:

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Prompt Fulfilled: Jingle All the Way
Started On: December 1st 
Finished On: December 1st, 2:44 PM
Pages Read: 530

Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
Prompt Fulfilled: It's a Wonderful Life
Started On: December 3rd 
Finished On: December 3rd, 6:39 PM
Pages Read: 176

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
Prompt Fulfilled: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 11:19 PM
Pages Read: 304

Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Started On: December 4th
Finished On: December 4th, 3:36 PM
Pages Read: 231

Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Prompt Fulfilled: Nightmare Before Christmas
Started On: December 6th
Finished On: December 6th, 10:46 AM
Pages Read: 454

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
Prompt Fulfilled: The Santa Claus
Started On: December 7th
Finished On: December 7th, 7:39 PM
Pages Read: 448

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
Prompt Fulfilled: A Christmas Carol
Started On: December 13th
Finished On: December 13th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 320

The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett
Prompt Fulfilled: Polar Express
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 432

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
Prompt Fulfilled: Die Hard
Started On: December 15th
Finished On: December 15th, 9:24 PM
Pages Read: 420

Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin
Prompt Fulfilled: The Dog Days of Christmas
Started On: December 29th
Finished On: December 29th, 9:25 PM
Pages Read: 384

Prompts Left: Elf, Charlie Brown Christmas
Read: 10
Pages Read: 3699

Wrote that Review Update #542, December 29th

Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!
If you want to participate, set a certain amount of reviews to write, and once you make that goal, you can get a reward!

My reviews to reward is writing all of the reviews of the week, and I motivated myself to write my review for Juniper & Thorn, Seasick, Breath of the Dragon, Class Act, A Rift in the Soul, The Dollmakers, Titan of the Stars, The Bitter End, The Dark Becomes Her, Paladin's Grace, Paladin's Strength, Paladin's Hope, Paladin's Faith, Heavenly Tyrant, First Encounter: The Shinigami Detective and the Royal Mage, This Ends in Embers, So I Lied, so I have 14 of 14 reviews written!

And as always, I want to review this week's reviews!

What about you guys? Happy reading!

How Well I Stuck to It #545, December 29th

So I decided that I should have accountability on sticking to what should be in a week, so I'm doing How Well I Stuck to It every Sunday, because my schedule should be fixed in by now!

Week 1:
Nothing Planned!

I'm going to start off the new year with a free TBR, just to read what I want from my various other TBR's! 

Week 52:
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

vs.

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid, Seasick by Kristin Cast & Pintip Dunn, Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee, Class Act by Kelsey Rodkey, A Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter, The Dollmakers by Lynn Buchanan, Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston, The Bitter End by Alexa Donne, The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin, Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher, Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao, First Encounter: The Shinigami Detective and the Royal Mage by Honor Raconteur, This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole, So I Lied by Chelsea Ichaso

So I read what I wanted, and more, so I'm happy with this week, and I can't wait for the next week, and new year! What about you guys? Happy reading!

Wheel of TBR #240, December 29th

I saw Codie's Book Corner doing the Wheel of TBR, and I thought that sounded like a great way to pick what to read from your TBR. So thanks to her! I'll only do 3 spins, because I'm doing this every week, and so it won't make up my total TBR of the week, but it'll be a start!

Rules:
1. For each week of the month, I'll do 3 spins each week to read each week though I do have the rest of the month to read them. Once a prompt is used, I'll randomly choose one from the list, keeping track of how often a colour comes up. If colour comes up 3 or more times in month, I'll do another spin once it comes up 3 times.
2. If I don't read a book that week or at least start it before the end of the month, then for my next week of spins, I have to add a punishment for each book unread. I'll roll for each unread book, and have to apply each and every punishment chosen to the week.
3. Each month I'll get a prompt from my Binge Read Wheel (either specifically picking the prompt, or spinning the wheel) and I have to read at least 9 books, though I can read more!

Of the books from the last week, I read The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin, Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao, First Encounter: The Shinigami and the Royal Mage by Honor Raconteur.

Binge Read Wheel:
For this month, I chose Yearly Goals. I read Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston, The Bitter End by Alexa Donne, Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Hope by T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher, This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole, So I Lied by Chelsea Ichaso, Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle, so I've read 43/9+.

For this coming month, the wheel chose Dying to Read.

Prompts Used This Week:
Book to Read in 2023, Literature Map, A-Z End Title.

Book to Read in 2023-Spring Green-The Fever by Megan Abbott-Ths is one of the physical books on my 2023 list! 

Literature Map-Spring Green-The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter-I chose Jennifer Lynn Barnes as the random author, and Ally Carter was on that litarture map. 

A-Z End Title-Green-N-A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett-Corruption ends with an N, so I'll read that! 

Colour Totals:
Red: 0
Orange: 0
Yellow: 0
Chartreuse: 0
Green: 1
Spring Green: 2
Cyan: 0
Azure: 0
Blue: 0
Violet: 0
Magenta: 0 
Rose: 0

Prompts for Next Week:
ARC Book to Read in 2024-Red
YA Oldie-Orange
Booktuber Read-Yellow
Travel-Chartreuse
Physical Book to Read in 2023-Green
Representation-Spring Green
ARC Book to Read in 2023-Cyan
Genre As Last Read-Azure
NetGalley Book to Read in 2021-Blue
Month-Violet
Series Name-Magenta
2024 Purchase-Rose

So those are some of the books I'm going to try to read this week. What about you guys? Happy reading!

The Reward Challenge Update #693, December 29th

The Reward Challenge is almost the complete opposite to a book buying ban as you'll end up buying lots of new books throughout the challenge but only after you've completed a certain amount of reading. It was hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly, so thanks to her for starting it!

OK, so I read Juniper & Thorn which counts 4 times as a 2024 Retelling Reading Challenge Book, SAC 2024 Book and a Sophomore Challenge Book, Seasick which counts 3 times as a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book, Breath of the Dragon which counts 4 times as a NetGalley Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book, Class Act which counts 3 times as a Edelweiss Book and SAC 2024 Book, A Rift in the Soul which counts 3 times as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book, The Dollmakers which counts 3 times as a DAC Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024, Titan of the Stars which counts 4 times as a NetGalley Book, SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book, The Bitter End which counts 3 times as a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book, The Dark Becomes Her which counts 3 times as a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book, Paladin's Grace which counts twice as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Paladin's Strength which counts twice as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Paladin's Hope which counts twice as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Paladin's Faith which counts 3 times as a End of Series 2024 Book and a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Heavenly Tyrant which counts 3 times as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book, First Encounter: The Shinigami Detective and the Royal Mage which counts twice as a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, This Ends in Embers which counts 6 times as a End of Series 2024 Book, NetGalley Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book, So I Lied which counts 4 times as a NetGalley Book, SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book.

So I have 54 counts which translates to $27 this week! I'll use it to buy books!

Saturday, December 28, 2024

The Bookworm Revolution January 2025 TBR

Well it's time to choose my January TBR for The Bookworm Revolution. So here are the books that I've picked this month: 
5pts - A Swift Read (A book you read quickly) 
5pts - Debut-Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
5pts - It’s ME! (A viral book)-The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
5pts - Folklore (A book with a single word title)
5pts - 1989 (A book published after 1989)
5pts - Pick & Choose 1-ARC-
5pts - Pick & Choose 2-Physical Book-
10pts - Revolution Read 1-The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
10pts - Revolution Read 2-The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
10pts - I Forgot That You Existed (A book that’s been on your TBR for more than a year) 
10pts - Our Song (A book that reminds you of your favourite song) 
15pts - Long Live (A book featuring a musician)-Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
15pts - The Manuscript (A book that blends genres)-The Afterdark by E. Latimer
20pts - Champagne Problems (A rich Main Character) 
30pts - Dear John (A book with a name in the title)-Lover or Fearless-I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang 

So this month, the theme is Books featuring Music, the genre bonus is Books featuring Verse and the inclusivity bonus is Jewish Rep. So a bit harder to make a list, I don't like verse books, and music and jewish rep are harder to find.


How did I do last month?
5pts - Seasonal Read-The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter-Read!
5pts - A Book That Makes You Feel Warm and Fuzzy-A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft-Read!
5pts - Book That Gives You Chills-Lights Out by Navessa Allen-Read!
5pts - Pick & Choose 1-ARC-It's a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson-Read!
5pts - Pick & Choose 2-Audiobook-Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis-Read!
10pts - Revolution Read 1-How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Megan Quinn-Read!
10pts - Revolution Read 2-A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher-Read!
10pts - Naughty or Nice Book-Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll-Read!
15pts - Wintery Setting-Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong-Read!
20pts - Cozy Book-Shop-Swordheart by T. Kingfisher-Read!

Clear Your S**t Readathon Update 27 and Wrap Up

I read my final book for the Clear Your S**t Readathon, and it was Stranger Skies which is for the prompt Boss Battle, Weapons surprise prompts, and yeah, I had another great time, I read some excellent books, and I can't wait for the next round!  

My Reading Journey:

King of None by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that has a monarchy of some kind
Started On: November 1st
Finished On: November 1st, 5:36 PM
Pages Read: 296

Queen of All by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Prompt Fulfilled: Book that finishes or starts a series
Started On: November 1st
Finished On: November 1st, 10:01 PM
Pages Read: 332

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert 
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book with a red or brown cover
Started On: November 2nd
Finished On: November 2nd, 5:03 PM
Pages Read: 330

The Tinker's Daughter by Josephine Angelini
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book where one goes on a quest or to a different world
Started On: November 2nd
Finished On: November 2nd, 10:25 PM
Pages Read: 288

Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that is set in the future or an obscure time
Started On: November 3rd
Finished On: November 3rd, 9:36 PM
Pages Read: 368

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book where there is a bad guy/villain of some kind
Started On: November 4th
Finished On: November 4th, 9:30 PM
Pages Read: 464

Installment Immortality by Seanan McGuire
Prompt Fulfilled: **Side quest**
Started On: November 5th
Finished On: November 5th, 7:39 PM
Pages Read: 432

The Stepping Off Place by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that was gifted, purchased second hand, or borrowed
Started On: November 6th
Finished On: November 6th, 6:27 PM
Pages Read: 480

Born Into the Night by Emily Bisbach
Prompt Fulfilled: Free Space
Started On: November 7th
Finished On: November 7th, 8:10 PM
Pages Read: 432

A Drop of Fortune by Danielle Garrett
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that was purchased locally, or, mentions shopping
Started On: November 8th
Finished On: November 8th, 11:38 AM
Pages Read: 420

The Great and Terrible by Gena Showalter
Prompt Fulfilled: Book that has a character you think or know you'll love/be obsessed with
Started On: November 9th
Finished On: November 9th, 5:04 PM
Pages Read: 278

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book with a long book title
Started On: November 11th
Finished On: November 11th, 3:38 PM
Pages Read: 336

The Death King by Penelope Barsetti
Prompt Fulfilled: Book with a character you want to fight personally
Started On: November 12th
Finished On: November 12th, 11:07 AM
Pages Read: 418

Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book you purchased urgently, or have been anticipating highly
Started On: November 12th
Finished On: November 12th, 6:46 PM
Pages Read: 448

The Possessed by Marjorie M. Liu, Illustrated by Sana Takeda
Prompt Fulfilled: Read your smallest book
Started On: November 14th
Finished On: November 14th, 2:05 PM
Pages Read: 176

Spy×Family, Volume 13 by Tatsuya Endo
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book outside of your normal intended audience picks
Started On: November 14th
Finished On: November 14th, 10:05 PM
Pages Read: 200

Family Portrait by Aya Yajima and Tatsuya Endo
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book outside of your normal genre picks
Started On: November 17th
Finished On: November 17th, 1:06 PM
Pages Read: 208

Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book where the font on the cover is aesthetically pleasing to you
Started On: November 17th
Finished On: November 17th, 5:20 PM
Pages Read: 512

A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene
Prompt Fulfilled: Free space
Started On: November 22nd
Finished On: November 22nd, 7:37 PM
Pages Read: 496

Lore Olympus, Volume 7 by Rachel Smythe
Prompt Fulfilled: Book with a mother-like character
Started On: November 23rd
Finished On: November 23rd, 1:37 PM
Pages Read: 416

Evolution by Stephanie Diaz
Prompt Fulfilled: Have someone pick a book for you to read
Started On: November 24th
Finished On: November 24th, 4:21 PM 
Pages Read: 320

The Study of Fire by Maria V. Snyder
Prompt Fulfilled: Free Space
Started On: November 28th
Finished On: November 28th, 2:38 PM
Pages Read: 350

The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley 
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that either is old, or feels old, or is set in an older time
Started On: November 29th
Finished On: November 29th, 8:31 PM
Pages Read: 424

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
Prompt Fulfilled: Mini Boss, Weaknesses surprise prompts
Started On: November 30th
Finished On: November 30th, 7:39 PM
Pages Read: 512

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Prompt Fulfilled: Read a book that you almost didn't get, but decided to get anyway
Started On: December 1st 
Finished On: December 1st, 2:44 PM
Pages Read: 530

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez
Prompt Fulfilled: Mini boss, Strengths surprise prompts
Started On: December 13th
Finished On: December 13th, 11:27 AM
Pages Read: 400

Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle
Prompt Fulfilled: Boss Battle, Weapons surprise prompts
Started On: December 28th
Finished On: December 28th, 8:50 PM
Pages Read: 608

Prompts Left: None Left!
Books Read: 27
Pages Read: 11104

Week 52 Review: So I Lied

From Goodreads:
In this foreboding journey into the depths of friendship, three women spend a trip together covering up the secrets between them—but when one lie unravels, there’s no going back.

Jocelyn is ready to get married—and more ready to have fun. She plans a bachelorette trip to North Wales, where she can forget about her strained relationship and focus on the tension among friends instead. It’s a welcome distraction.

Her friend Rowan used to be the wild child. But after having a kid of her own and losing the father in a tragic accident, she’s now the ever-responsible single mother, cautious in every way. Except one.

Cadence doesn’t want to be there. For as long as she’s known her friends, she’s always felt disparate. Maybe it’s because those two share a special Jocelyn’s brother was Rowan’s boyfriend, and they still feel his loss. Or maybe it’s because Cadence has secrets they can never know.

As the trip goes on, their friendship begins to crack under the pressure of all the things they leave unsaid…but those might be the only things that can save them.

My Review:


Author: Chelsea Ichaso
Read: December 27th, 2024 
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded really good, and it's a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Expected Publication: January 28th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: This Ends in Fire

From Goodreads:
Perfect for fans of Raybearer and Fourth Wing, this astonishing sequel to the bestselling novel So Let Them Burn doesn't hold back. After all, there are no easy endings in war—especially when sisters are forced to fight on opposite sides.

Faron Vincent was once the saint of San Irie. Now, she's done the unthinkable: betrayed her country. Alone, disgraced, and kidnapped, Faron is forced to help Iya grow his bloody empire. With her soul bonded to a ruthless killer, Faron has become an enemy to her people… and she fears they might be right.

Elara Vincent—the new Empyrean—must undo the damage her sister has caused. San Irie has been brought back to the brink of war as Iya proclaims no nation will be safe from his brutal invasion. But how can Elara save her sister, her best friend, her country, and her world when she's already cracking under the pressure?

This heart-pounding conclusion to the Divine Traitors duology pushes these unforgettable heroines to their breaking point and beyond. Because when the lines between hero and villain are blurred, deadly sacrifices must be made.

My Review:


Author: Kamilah Cole 
Series: Divine Traitors #2
Read: December 26th, 2024 
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and the first book, and it's a End of Series 2024 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Expected Publication: February 4th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: First Encounter: The Shinigami Detective and the Royal Mage

From Goodreads:
How Jamie met Sherard aka The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship that Started With Ouchies and Dead Bodies.

Set between Prologue and Report 1 of Case Files 1.

My Review:


Author: Honor Raconteur 
Series: Case Files of Henri Davenforth #1.1
Read: December 25th, 2024
Source: Bought  
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book! 
Publisher: Raconteur House LLC
Published: December 20th 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: Heavenly Tyrant

From Goodreads:
After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself at the seat of power in Huaxia. But she has also learned that her world is not as it seems, and revelations about an enemy more daunting than Zetian imagined forces her to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite having vastly different ideas about how they must deconstruct the corrupt and misogynist system that plagues their country, Zetian must join this man in a dance of truth and lies and perform their roles to perfection in order to take down their common enemy, who seeks to control them as puppets while dangling one of Zetian's loved ones as a hostage.

With political unrest and perilous forces aiming to undermine Zetian at every turn, can she enact positive changes as a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance?

My Review:


Author: Xiran Jay Zhao
Series: Iron Widow #2
Read: December 25th, 2024
Source: Bought 
Reason Why: Love their writing and this series, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Tundra Books 
Published: December 24th 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Reviews: Paladin's Grace, Paladin's Strength, Paladin's Hope, Paladin's Faith




From Goodreads:
Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year…

Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…

From the Hugo and Nebula Award winning author of Swordheart and The Twisted Ones comes a saga of murder, magic, and love on the far side of despair.

He's a paladin of a dead god, tracking a supernatural killer across a continent. She's a nun from a secretive order, on the trail of the raiders who burned her convent and kidnapped her sisters.

When their paths cross at the point of a sword, Istvhan and Clara will be pitched headlong into each other's quests, facing off against enemies both living and dead. But Clara has a secret that could jeopardize the growing trust between them, a secret that will lead them to the gladiatorial pits of a corrupt city, and beyond...

Piper is a lich-doctor, a physician who works among the dead, determining causes of death for the city guard's investigations. It's a peaceful, if solitary profession…until the day when he's called to the river to examine the latest in a series of mysterious bodies, mangled by some unknown force.

Galen is a paladin of a dead god, lost to holiness and no longer entirely sane. He has long since given up on any hope of love. But when the two men and a brave gnole constable are drawn into the web of the mysterious killer, it's Galen's job to protect Piper from the traps that await them.

He's just not sure if he can protect Piper from the most dangerous threat of all…

Marguerite Florian is a spy with two problems. A former employer wants her dead, and one of her new bodyguards is a far too good-looking paladin with a martyr complex.

Shane is a paladin with three problems. His god is dead, his client is much too attractive for his peace of mind, and a powerful organization is trying to have them both killed.

Add in a brilliant artificer with a device that may change the world, a glittering and dangerous court, and a demon-led cult, and Shane and Marguerite will be lucky to escape with their souls intact, never mind their hearts. . .

My Review:


Author: T. Kingfisher 
Series: The Saint of Steel #1, 2, 3, 4, The World of the White Rat
Read: December 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 24th, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing and this world, and they're Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Books, and Paladin's Faith is a End of Series 2024 Book! 
Publisher: Red Wombat Studio
Published: February 11th 2020, February 28th 2021, October 9th 2021, December 5th 2023

Paladin's Grace:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Paladin's Strength:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Paladin's Hope: 
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars








Paladin's Faith:
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: The Dark Becomes Her

From Goodreads:
Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, ventures into horror with Rick Riordan Presents in this a sinister tale of the supernatural, sisterhood, and the shadows that rule our darkest desires. Perfect for fans of Ryan La Sala and Trang Thanh Tran.

Ruby Chen has always played the part of the dutiful eldest excelling in school; excelling in piano lessons; excelling at keeping her younger sister, Tina, focused on extracurriculars meant to impress college admissions officers.

But when a ghost from the spirit world attacks Ruby in the middle of Vancouver's Chinatown neighborhood, her life is plunged into a darkness that no amount of duty can free her from. Overnight, Ruby's sister seems to change. There are strange noises coming from her bedroom at all hours; and the once sweet, funny Tina has been replaced by something dark and unnatural.

As Ruby races to save her sister from demonic possession, she is thrown into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld. On one side, a sinister traveling temple known for making dark wishes come true has returned to Chinatown after many years—intent on breaking down the gateway and unleashing the wickedness within. On the other side, the guardians determined to stop this encroaching evil

And in order to survive, Ruby must not only face the horror taking over her community, but must also confront the horror within herself.

Chinese and Taiwanese mythology get the Junji Ito treatment in this bone-chilling, propulsive story that takes the horrors of the Asian diaspora experience to a whole new level.

My Review:


Author: Judy I. LIn
Read: December 22nd, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded really great, and it's a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents 
Published: October 1st 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: The Bitter End

From Goodreads:
When a winter storm traps eight teens in a remote ski cabin, they find themselves stranded with a killer—who may be one of their own. From the acclaimed author of The Ivies and Pretty Dead Queens comes a YA thriller that will make your blood run cold.

The trip of a lifetime might be the death of them all.

The students of LA's elite Warner Prep can't wait for their Senior Excursion—five days of Instagrammable adventure in one of the world's most exclusive locations. This is not your average field trip.

Which is why eight students can't believe their bad luck when they end up on a digital detox in an isolated Colorado ski chalet. Their epic trip is panning out to be an epic bore . . . until their classmates start dropping in a series of disturbing deaths. The message is clear: this trip is no accident.

And when a blizzard strikes, secrets are revealed, betrayals are exposed, and survival is at stake in a race to the bitter end.

My Review:


Author: Alexa Donne 
Read: December 22nd, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded really fantastic, and it's a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Published: October 15th 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: Titan of the Stars

From Goodreads:
Titanic meets Aliens in this tense YA science fiction horror series by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston.

Celeste knows every inch of this ship. She's proud of her work as apprentice engineer. And as the maiden voyage of the Titan launches, she's optimistic for the promises of this new journey from Earth to Mars — this new life.

Dominic arrives at his suite where his valet is busy unpacking his things. His chest is tight, already feeling anxious inside his dad's precious new ship. Once it launches, he's trapped, inside the ship and inside the life his father has chosen for him — a life that will leave his dreams of art school behind. 

Discovered under melted ice caps, ancient aliens have been brought onto the Titan as well, and stored in display cases for the entertainment of the passengers . . . until an act of sabotage releases them into the ship, with zero discrimination for class, decks or human life . . .

My Review:


Author: E.K. Johnston
Read: December 22nd, 2024 
Source: NetGalley 
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounded really good, and it's a SAC 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Tundra Books
Expected Publication: May 27th 2025
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars

Week 52 Review: The Dollmakers

From Goodreads:
In this dark and enchanting stand-alone fantasy from debut author Lynn Buchanan, discover a world centered around destructive, all-consuming monsters; the magical dolls designed to fight this force; and the artisans tasked with creating demon-slaying dolls. A touch cozy fantasy and a touch horror, The Dollmakers is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films, the works of TJ Klune and Travis Baldree, and readers of Juniper & Thorn and The Goblin Emperor.

In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community. An artisan's doll is the height of society's accomplishments, while a guard's doll is the only thing standing between the people of One and the vicious, cobbled monstrosities that will tear apart any structure—living or dead, inanimate or otherwise—to add to their horde.

Apprentice Shean of Pearl is a brilliant dollmaker. With her clever dolls, she intends to outsmart and destroy the Shod, once and for all—a destiny she's worked her whole life toward accomplishing. But when the time comes for her dolls to be licensed, she's told her work is too beautiful and delicate to fight. A statement that wounds and infuriates her; the Shod killed everyone she loved. How could her fate be anything but fighting them?

In an attempt to help her see a new path for herself, Shean's mentor sends her on a journey to the remote village called Web, urging her to glean some wisdom from Ikiisa, a reclusive and well-respected guard dollmaker. But Shean has another if she can convince the village of Web of her talents, the Licensor Guild will have to reconsider and grant her a guard's license. And what better way to convince them than challenging Ikiisa and instating herself as the official dollmaker of Web? Once she's done that, proving her dolls' worth in the fight against the Shod will be simple.

As simple, that is, as calling the Shod to Web...

My Review:


Author: Lynn Buchanan
Series: The Fallen Peaks #1
Read: December 22nd, 2024 
Source: Ebook.bike  
Reason Why: Sounded really good and was recommended by Brandon Sanderson, and it's a DAC Book and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024! 
Publisher: Harper Voyager 
Published: August 13th 2024
5/5 Hearts
5/5 Books
5/5 Stars