I'm not sure how to feel about this cover. Probably my fear of snakes -I really hate those creeping creatures- prevents me from loving it. However, I'm still so excited for Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, the debut novel of Julie C. Dao. I've never read retellings focused on the story of the Evil Queen of the tale Snow White, so I really can't wait to get my hands on this novel -does anyone know where a girl can get an ARC? Not that I'd be chosen because my follower bases isn't huge, but trying doesn't hurt. 

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is expected to be released in October 10th 2017.

"The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman in this dark and mystical 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.

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with both breathtaking pain and beauty, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns possesses all the hallmarks of masterful fantasy: dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and a world that hangs in the balance. Fans of Heartless, Stealing Snow, and Red Queen will devour this stunning debut."

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

Yearly Recap. A Bookish 2016 & 2017 Goals

 

I know, I know: it's February. I started writing this article in January, but a chaotic schedule made me push it back until now. I've already participated on End of the Year Book Survey - 2016 Edition, but I decided to something a little more personal.

What did I read in 2016?

• In 2016 I read 56 books, the equivalent to 19027 pages. I really wish I had read a few more books, because, you know, as they say: so many books and so little time. 
• The genre I read the most was Fantasy, as always. There really needs to be some change here... I need to try different genres a little more. 
• I wrote 24 reviews, a huge improvement for someone who spend years without sharing a review. I know, it's embarrassing.
• You can see which books I loved the most in 2016 here.

Series Started & Series Finished

I hope I'm not the only one who starts more series than finishes. 🙈 I started nineteen new series yet I only finished three. I guess it's something I'll try to change in 2017. However, I confess that I'm not sure if I'll keep following some of the series I started this year, such as Court of Fives, Glamourist Histories, The Witchlands and Defy, because I was not really fond of what I read.

• To finally read 70 books. I understand what matters is quality, not quantity. However, I need to tackle down my TBR pile and I've been trying to read 70 books for years now. Hopefully, I'll be able too say that I read everything that is on my bookshelf - it's a small bookshelf, so I really hope I can do it.
• Some of the books I hope to read this year are: the Lord of the Rings trilogy (I'm still trying to figure out which edition to buy; any suggestions?), The Name of the Wind (I keep reading so many great reviews but I haven't had the time to read it yet), Den of Wolves and catch up with Mercy Thompson's adventures. An author I'd like to read this year is Stephen King (he's the horror master and I have never read anything he had written).
• To read 50 pages per day. If I want to finally fulfil my 70 books Goodreads goal, I need to read a bit every day. And, fifty pages don't seem to little or too much.
• To read at least 25 retellings. Last year I participated on (Fairytale) Retelling Challenge 2016. My goal was to read 26 retellings, but, unfortunately, I didn't reach it. However, even though there is no challenge this year, I decided to try again to read as many retellings as possible.
• To read more contemporaries and classics. My readings needs to be more diverse. As I mentioned above, every year I read more and more fantasy and put aside all the other genres.
• To improve my time management. This is not only a bookish goal, but also a life goal. Not only I need to improve my time management to read more, but also I need to do it because of uni. There is always so much to do that I end up struggling to have everything done on time.
• To write more reviews than I did last year. Last year was a really improvement for me as I wrote a lot more reviews that I usually do. Nonetheless, I didn't review every book I read. I do not expect to do such things this year, but I'm hoping to write more reviews.   
• To become more involved in the bookish community.

What are your 2017 goals?

Monthly Recap. January 2017

How did the first month of the year treat you? This beginning of the year was very chaotic for me. I spent all January writing essays and in oral presentations and English evaluations.... I really need a break! But sadly my second semester starts next Monday, which means: "no rest for the wicked". 😸 However, I was able to read three books thanks to one of the goals I set to 2017 (which I shall share with you hopefully tomorrow) - even though, I didn't respect the 50 pages per day in the last two weeks because I had soooooo much work. But I'm back on track now...

This month I didn't read much, but I'm proud of what I read because with such a hectic schedule, I can't believe I was able to get through three books. And, they were also all acquired in 2016. which means I'm tackling down the pile. 

• Three Dark Crowns, Kendare Black
• This Savage Song, Victoria Schwab
• Vassa in the Night, Sarah Porter

I loved This Savage Song. I loved everything about. I loved it so much that as soon as I finished it, I had to ordered something else from Victoria Schawb. Can you guess from which series? [answer will be shared in next month's monthly recap] Also, I may or may not have a crush on August. 😻 I had a few issues with the pacing of Three Dark Crowns. A few things just happened out of the blue and left me questioning what the hell was going on. However, I really want to read its sequel - I know most people aren't rooting for Mirabella, but I'm; there was so much hate on her sisters and she would do anything to protect them. Vassa in the Night had some jaw dropping moments (I could not believe that had happened], but sometimes the descriptions were very confusing. Overall, it was a good reading month - I didn't hate anything I read and the books were able to make me have a nice time under so much stress.

I have a confession to make: I ordered more books than those I received this month. However, most books are for university and because of such I got myself the less expensive editions. Anyway, these are the books that arrived at my door.

• Roseblood, A.G. Howard [Owlcrate]
• The Case of Beasts [not featured - but there is funko Niffler that is the most adorable creature in the world... and both Niffler and my Iago love stealing shiny stuff 😻😻😻]

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. Ps.: Because my mind has been a mess, I'm not sure if all these news were releases in January.

• "Broken Ones" Cover Reveal - I was proudly part of Danielle L. Jensen's tour to reveal the beautiful cover of "Stolen Songbird" prequel. If you have not seen it, just do it because the cover is gorgeous. 
• Gravity Rush 2 Release - I confess, the main reason I first played Gravity Rush was because it had a cat on the cover. However, I loved the game and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I really need money...
• Lord of the Rings Funkos - I may have bought myself a third edition of the films "Lord of the Rings". Now, I just need to find the perfect book edition... Any edition you would like to recommend? I really like the leather bound one, but it's a bit expensive.

Cover Reveal. The Broken Ones

I'm so proud to announce that I'm part of Danielle L. Jensen's cover reveal of The Broken Ones.This beautiful cover was created by Steve Stone [here is the link for his website & artist Partners Profile]. As you all know, I loved Stolen Songbird - it was one of my favourite readings of 2016 - and I can't wait to fall into this world again. I'm currently waiting for the rest of the trilogy to arrive at my doorstep.

If you'd like to win a copy of The Malediction Trilogy, The Broken Ones and some swag, go visit the author's website.

The Broken Ones is expected to be released in June 6th 2017.

"A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy). Below Forsaken Mountain, a revolution stirs with the aim to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right hand of its leader. It’s a secret more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it from everyone, even the girl he loves. Since a tragic accident revealed her affliction and ruined her sister’s chance at the throne, Pénélope is an anathema to her father, the Duke d’Angoulême. Deeming her life worthless, he gives her one chance to survive: find proof that the boy she loves is a leader in the sympathizer revolution. Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together. Except being together might be the greatest risk of all."

Bout of Books 18. Sign Up, Goals, Progress & Wrap Up

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team"

Until today, I haven't thought about joining Bout of Books 18. I've a really busy schedule (a few orals presentations and some essays to write). However, I decided to give it an opportunity even though I won't be reading as much as I did during the previous read-a-thons.

My goals for Bout of Books 18 Read-a-Thon are:

1. To read every day 50 pages;
2. To participate in two challenges;
3. To update my progress every day.

PROGRESS

January 2nd

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns & 45 pages of Delta Wedding
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns & Delta Wedding
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read: 95 pages
Challenge: Introduce Yourself #insixwords

January 3rd

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns & 40 pages of Delta Wedding
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns & Delta Wedding
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read: 185 pages

Challenge: 2017 in a Picture. Share your goals/plans/etc. for 2017 with your fellow #boutofbooks-ers.

New year means new goals. This year here are a few things I've set myself to accomplish:

• I'm hoping to finally read 70 books. It has been one of my goals for a while but I never fulfilled it -and to read more I decided that this year I'll improve my time management. Or maybe I will just stop sleeping... Some of the books I'd like to read this year are: the Lord of the Rings trilogy (no book ban for me; still trying to figure out which edition to buy. Any suggestions?), The Name of the Wind (people keep telling me how good it's but I haven't had the time to read it yet) and some Stephen King (I will be ordering Misery soon). 
• I hope too to reach the 2k followers mark on Instagram. I'm so grateful to everyone who welcomed me in the #bookstagram community. 
• Another goal is to take my blog to higher places. Not sure how I'll do it, but I'll try to write more reviews and try to be a lot more part of the book blog community (which can be difficult because it can be a close circle 🙁). 

I guess these are all of my bookish resolutions. Which are yours? 😊

January 4th

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns & 20 pages of Delta Wedding
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns & Delta Wedding
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read: 255 pages
Challenge: Book to Movie. Have a book you think would make an excellent movie?

I think The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater would be an outstanding film. Can you imagine the beautiful island landscapes? The capaill usice?! *.* Oh, and the soundtrack? And the race?! If the story were to be followed correctly, this movie would be amazing.

January 5th

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read: 305 pages

Challenge: Book Spine Poetry (I really can't stand this challenge. 🙈 So, of course, I won't be participating).

January 6th

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns & 30 pages of Delta Wedding
Books read today: Three Darks Crowns & Delta Wedding
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read:  385 pages
Challenge: If You Like This, Try This

If you like (or love like me) Fairytale Retellings you should try these books:  

Of course, I had to mention Juliet Marillier twice. All hail the queen. *.*

January 7th

Pages read today: 50 pages of Three Dark Crowns
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns
Books finished: ---
Total of pages read: 435 pages

January 8th

Pages read today: 57 pages of Three Dark Crowns & 20 pages of Delta Wedding
Books read today: Three Dark Crowns & Delta Wedding
Books finished: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Total of pages read: 532 pages

WRAP-UP

I'm proud to say that I was able to fulfil all of my goals -even with the busy schedule I had. By reading 50 pages per day, I was able to read Three Dark Crowns from the beginning to end. First book of the year! Hopefully, I'll publish the review very soon. 

I hope everyone had fun during Bout of Books 18. See you on Bout of Books 19. :)