TTT. Memorable (Deadly and Nightmarish) Villains

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

Love or hate them, villains are always memorable (unless they are one-dimensional with no reason whatsoever to make the main character's life a living hell). Since I didn't have much to write this post, my list is a bit short (and rushed). But I swear to you that any of these villains will make your crawl your of your skin and give you sleepless nights. *evil laugh*

TTT. Books That Awake the Travel Bug in Me

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.

This week Top Ten Tuesday is simply perfect. Why? This Friday, I'm leaving to Marseille and then to Montpelier, in France, for two weeks of sightseeing (I hope there will be time since I'm going with my uni and will be attending classes about William Shakespeare) and trying to speak a language I've long forgotten.

Language barrier aside, let me share with you some of the books that made me think about dropping everything behind (minus my cats) and jump into an adventure around the world.

Waiting on Wednesday. Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao. Talking once again about ARCs: I'm jealous of everyone who received one. I tried so hard to get my hands on one, but living outside US means it is impossible (it really annoys me that International readers don't have a chance - although publishers will say "no" to our money. I'm sorry, I didn't want to seem so bitter). Returning to the novel... I've never read a retelling focused on the story of the Evil Queen of the tale Snow White. And, this one has a East Asian twist. I just can't wait for it. The book will be released on October 10th.

"An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute."

From Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday. The Language of Thorns

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo. As I mentioned before, Bardugo became one of my favourite authors after reading Six of Crows last year. Also, I love fairy and folk tales. So, without a doubt, I cannot wait to get my hands on this novel. I'm so jealous of everyone who were able to get themselves an ARC - in case you've already read it, what did you think of it? No spoilers, please. The book will be released on September 26h. 

"Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns.

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them lavishly illustrated with art that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves."

From Goodreads

Monthly Recap. March 2017

Has March really ended? Who can believe three months of 2017 have already passed? Time loves flying... Well, March was another busy month. But at least I got some good news (check it in Random & Randomness), Hunted was released (my most anticipated 2017 book release) as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them DVD. Oh, and I finally have Funko Newt and Tina - they are simply adorable.

Some months are great, but others not so much. I was super happy for having read seven books in February and I was hoping I could get closer this month, bu sadly things didn't work out as I hoped for. I read three books. Nonetheless, I'm currently reading Roseblood, Everyman and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

• Angefall, Susan Ee
• Digging in the Stars, Katherine Blakeney
• Cosmopolis, Don DeLillo [for my master degree]

I think Susan Ee is now part of my favourite authors list. I loved Angefall so much - I loved it so much that as soon as I finished it, I immediately ordered its sequel. This week was Digging in the Stars release and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC. Read my review to know how I felt about this sci-fi novel.

This was a really bad month. I got myself too many books (however, I did use a 10% discount code from Book Depository). But the worse part is that I that I think I'm not keeping track with all the orders I received. 🙈

• Caraval, Stephanie Garber
• Hunted, Meagan Spooner
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowling
• Newt Scamander - A Movie Scrapbook (this book is so gorgeous 😻)
• World After, Susan Ee
• Empress of a Thousand Skies, Rhoda Belleza
• The Bear and the Nightingale, Katherine Arden
• Magic Under Glass, Jaclyn Dolamore

My Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them collection continues growing... Which book shall I buy next?
 

Random & Randomness, as the name indicates, is about random bookish stuff. Inspired by a few blogs, I decided to create this little space where I share some bookish love. Probably a lot more happened this month, but I can't remember. 🙈

• Beauty and the Beast Film Release - Why haven't I watched it yet? 😿 I want -no, I need!- free time. I'm dying to watch this film.
• Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them DVD Release - I'm completely jealous of Newt's bag special edition (I can't get it in Portugal), but I got myself the Blu-ray edition with Niffler on the cover. 😻 And, I got some extras too. See? My collection does keep growing. A LOT! 😸  
• Game of Thrones Season Seven Promo - I'm part of a small group that is happy about the new season of Game of Thrones only coming out in July. Why? Well, uni takes away all of my time and in July I'll be on holiday which means that I'll be able to watch the new season without interruptions. 
• Blaze Publishing Rep - For those who don't know it, this month I was chosen to be a Blaze Publishing rep. I was so happy when I was told I was now part of the family. So, for all your Blaze Publishing news visit my blog. 

Waiting on Wednesday. Digging in the Stars

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is Digging in the Stars by Katherine Blakeney. Did I ever tell you there was a moment in my life that I wanted to become an archaeologist? Then I realized that all the sites I wanted to work on had already been dug and my dreams were shattered. But it's okay because at least I can read books that talk about space archaeology. Since the Starbound trilogy that I fell in love with sci-fi and Digging in the Stars seems a perfect choice to make my love for this genre grow even more. The book will be released on March 28th. 

"A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.

Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.

Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves."

From Goodreads

Teaser Tuesday. The Unseen & Digging in the Stars

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB @  Should Be Reading.

Welcome to my first ever Teaser Tuesday. Last Sunday I was chosen to be a Rep for Blaze Publishing (isn't the badge adorable?) and I couldn't be more excited. So, I've decided that in my first ever Teaser Tuesday I'd would bring to you some excerpts of soon-to-be-released books from my new bookish family.

The Unseen by Jacob Devlin 

"Crescenzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy.

With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead.

As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria's orders: Break them. "

Teaser - "Pino curled up next to Carla, pulled her close, and hugged her. Wherever they were going, they were going together. That was almost all that mattered, except for one thought that would continue to gnaw at his mind; Crescenzo, he thought. My son, please be safe, wherever you are."

The Unseen in the sequel of The Carver published last year. I confess I haven't read the first book yet, but after this teaser I just added it to my wishlist. Also, isn't this cover gorgeous? *.* You know I can't resist to a pretty cover.

Digging the Stars by Katherine Blakeney

"A lost ancient civilization and the tomb of a legendary king lie buried beneath centuries of ash on the volcanic planet Thror, but that’s not the only reason sixteen-year-old Carter has tricked her Archaeology of Outer Space class into coming here. Her best friend Conrad has just disappeared on a trip to Thror, leaving behind little more than a broken vintage camera. The strange and disturbing photographs she manages to extract make her suspect Conrad’s disappearance is somehow connected to the hidden tomb of the last king of Thror.

Unfortunately, the ludicrously over-friendly ‘Furry Giants’ who have taken over the planet’s barren surface would rather offer her cheap souvenirs than answers, and the local officials insist they have no record of Conrad’s existence. Inspired by fear for Conrad’s life and the chance to make the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, Carter and her friends follow Conrad’s footsteps deep into the mountains of Thror’s forbidden Black Zone and launch an illicit excavation.

Coded messages, stunning ancient ruins, and clues left by Conrad himself begin to surface as the young archaeologists fall victim to an alarming series of accidents staged by the increasingly hostile Furry Giants. Piecing together a history of dictatorship, terrorism and disguise, Carter glimpses the horrors beyond Thror’s flamboyant façade and startling revelations about the friend she thought she knew. The masks of Thror hide devastating secrets, and the golden tomb buried deep in the frozen core may claim the lives of everyone she loves."

Teaser - "At that moment, he was no longer a sick teenage boy; he was a huge, ferocious bird of prey, a creature of the night. He was as powerful and mesmerizing as the magnificent, winged figure of Mephisto on the screen, enveloping a miniature town with his black wings as he exhaled contagion and death."

Another beautiful cover for me to love. Between, am I the only one who can't wait to dig into Digging in the Stars? Its summary is so compelling that I simply can't wait to fall into this world.

Waiting on Wednesday. Silence Fallen

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs. It's pretty obvious by now how much I love Mercy Thompson. I love everything about this world created by Patricia Briggs, so it's obvious I'm impatiently waiting for this book (even though, I still have to read the previous one). Something tells me I'll love Prague more than I already do - when will I be able to visit it? The book will be released on March 7th. 

"In the #1 New York Times bestselling Mercy Thompson novels, the coyote shapeshifter has found her voice in the werewolf pack. But when Mercy's bond with the pack and her mate is broken, she'll learn what it truly means to be alone...

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise..."

From Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday. Gilded Cage

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is Gilded Cage by Vic James. As you all know, I'm a very shallow person when it comes to book covers - I'll first look at the cover and only then at the plot. But so far, it has helped me finding novels I may fall in love with after reading. So, yes, it was the cover of this book that caught my attention and after reading its summary - I love magic and revolutions too much - I had to add it to my wishlist. The book will be released on February 14th.

"Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world.

A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.

Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price?

A boy dreams of revolution.

Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution.

And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.

He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?"

From Goodreads

TTT. My Favourite Books Of 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week on Top Ten Tuesday is top ten best books of 2016. I'd love to say that my list "is in no particular order", but it kinda is. A Torch Against the Night stole my heart as no book as done in many years. And the Six of Crows duology made me love Leigh Bardugo (and Kaz... and Kaz and Inej *.*). So, from top to bottom, here are my favourite readings of 2016.

A Torch Against the Night, Sabaa Tahir. All the feelings. *.* This novel was an emotional roller-coaster. I loved everything about it -I confess, there was a part I felt like throwing my copy against something, but I got over it. Sabaa Tahir created such an amazing world and I can't wait for its sequel (why is 2018 is so far away?). Also, Elias and Laia... I'll go down with this ship.*.*

Six of Crows Duology, Leigh Bardugo. This year was the first time I plunged into the Grisha World and I loved everything about Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Ketterdam was such a beautifully-dark world.This duology will always be one of my favourite readings because of all its twists, Kaz's devious schemes and my beautiful and strong Inej.

Starbound Trilogy, Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner. I don't read much sci-fi and I was pleasantly surprised with how awesome this series was. My favourite book from the series was without a doubt This Shattered World. I loved Jubilee and Flynn, two star-crossed lovers who would never imagine that their soulmate was on the other side of swamp (another ship I'll go down with).

The Scorpio Races, Maggie Stiefvater. If you read my review, you know there was nothing I hated about this novel. The writing was beautifully-raw. I loved Sean and Puck and Corr -his crush on Dove was pure cuteness. *.* The worldbuilding was simply flawless (a harsh and cruel world where death hovers, but at the same time entrancing). Thank you Carla from @CuidadocomoDálmata for recommending it.

A Thousand Nights, E.K. Johnston. This retelling of One Thousand Nights is simply beautiful. There is something magical in E. K. Johnston writing that brought such a realness to the novel that I couldn't put it down. A fairytale retelling lover as me, could not help but fall in love with this story.

Stolen Songbird, Danielle L. Jensen. So sad I didn't win the giveaway hosted by the author. I really want to read the sequels. 😭 This book was such a pleasant surprise. I found the wordbuilding very original, as the trolls were not what I expected them to be. And, the romance between Cécile and Tristan was so perfect.*.*

The Star-Touched Queen, Roshani Chokshi. I confess that I first fell in love with The Star-Touched Queen because of its cover. Then, because of its summary (I can't resist mythology even though my Indian mythology knowledge was -still is- little to none). And finally, I fell in love with the story and the characters and the world... Gosh, the world created by the author was mythical and enchanting and I can't wait to reconnect with it in Crown of Wishes.     

The Forbidden Wish, Jessica Khoury. This novel was another pleasant surprise. I sensed I was going to love it because I'm a retelling lover (I promise I'll try not to repeat thisas much in 2017 because you must be tired of me always saying the same old same) and the idea of the jinni being a girl was very intriguing. I loved everything about this novel and when I finished it, I wanted to read more. Can there be a sequel?

Waiting on Wednesday. Dawn Study

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week on WoW is Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder. I don't think I've to explain the reason why I'm impatiently waiting for this book. By now, I already explained in a thousand different ways how much I love Yelena and Valek and their adventures and the world of Ixia and Sitia. Seeing the series concluding will be very bittersweet, but I can always go back to this fantasy world. The book will be released on January 31st 2017. Ps: *GIVEAWAY ALERT* I'm currently hosting a Twelve Days of Reviews. Clink in the link to participate.

"New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.

Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.

Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.

With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything."

From Goodreads

TTT. 2017 Books I Can't Wait For

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week on Top Ten Tuesday is top ten books you're looking forward to for the first half of 2017. Because I'm currently short on time and I've not yet created my book releases calender for 2017 (which means I don't know which books will be released on the first half of the year), I've decided that it's easier to show you the ten books I can't wait for to be released in 2017. Here are they:

Hunted, Meagan Spooner. I love retellings (as you all are tired to know by now), but Beauty and the Beast retellings hold a special place in my heart. Because of such, I can't wait to put my hands on this novel which has been written by the co-writer of one of my favourite series, Starbound.  

Always and Forever, Lara Jean, Jenny Han. I started reading contemporaries because of To All The Boys I've Loved Before. So, I couldn't be more excited when Always and Forever, Lara Jean was announced. However, I'm terrified of the future of Lara Jean and Peter (please, don't break them up, Jenny). Because, let's face it, high school relationships don't last forever and the tittle kinda suggests a break up... Am I the only one who fears this?

A Crown of Wishes, Roshani Chokshi. The Star-Touched Queen was one of a my favourite readings of this year. The world created by Roshani Chokshi was mythical and enchanting and I can't wait to reconnect with it. You can read the first chapter here.    

 

Empress of a Thousand Skies, Rhoda Belleza. The genre sci-fi/fantasy has been growing on me eand the Starbound trilogy just made me love the genre a lot more. So, when I read the summary of this one, I just added it right way to my wishlist. And, the cover is beautiful. *.*

 

Sillence Fallen, Patricia Briggs. I've not yet read Fire Touched, but it's Patricia Briggs. I'm going to love it (Patricia Briggs never disappoints) and I'll keep following the series.

Caraval, Stephanie Garber. Apart from the Hunted ARCs that have been sent to some bloggers, this is the other ARC that is making me jealous. Why can't I read it now too?! Games of love, heartbreak, and magic? I want to read it too!

Leigh Bardugo's new Duology. I don't know it the first book of this new duology will be released in 2017, but my fingers are crossed. I'll still have books from her to read, but I currently addicted to Leigh Bardugo and I need my fix. =P

The Wish Granter, C.J. Redwine. I read The Shadow Queen this summer and it was a nice Snow White retelling. C.J. Redwine created an alluring and harsh world and I must say that I can't wait to read this one that is inspired by Rumplestiltskin. It may not be a sequel, but is set in the same world. 

 

Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge, Lisa Jensen. This is another Beauty and the Beast retelling. Of course, it had to make my list. Now, can the cover be released? 

Dawn Study, Maria V. Snyder. Last, but not least. Did you really think Dawn Study wouldn't make this list? I love Yelena and Valek and their adventures too much to forget about them. I need to know how everything ends - but does it really need to end?

Which books can't you wait for to be released in 2017?