Sunday Post. Monsters, Cats & Magic

Sunday Post is a meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviews.

Welcome to my first ever Sunday Post! Why did I decide to participate on this meme? For me, it can be difficult to keep track of the books I receive and of all the posts I want to share with you when my schedule is chaotic (and as far as I can tell, my schedule will be chaotic for a very long time). So, in the middle of every month, I'll be participating on this meme to make sure I don't forget anything bookish I'd like to share and discuss. Of course, today, this will be a very short post because I'm very forgetful and disorganized.

What happened in my life this week:

🌻 Existential question: What is free time? Does it even exist?
🌻 Almost finished reading Hunted by Meagan Spooner. 
🌻 Monsters are taking over my life (and that isn't a bad thing; I will later explain why).
🌻 FINALLY finished the first season of Blacklist.

🌻The House Cup Reading Challenge has finally began and I haven't finished a single book yet. I'm being an awful Gryffindor.
🌻 After debating a lot with myself and my bank account, I ordered V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic Collector's Edition. 

LAST WEEKS ON THE BLOG...

• A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a discussion post on reviewing ARCs where I talked about how sincere can a reader be when she/he is reviewing an ARC that a publisher or author send.

• I wrote my second The Nerdy Corner post. This time the nerd in me discussed nostalgia and video games. If you are interested, I'd love to read your opinion on which video games you would like to be brought back.

• So far this month, I've shared two Halloween Book Bingo related posts -Pokémon Halloween Book Tag and Book Monsters. Later today,  a new post will be released. Don't forget to take a look at it.

📚 MINI BOOK HAUL 📚

So far, only two books arrived at my doorstep. One of them was The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. The edition I bought was on sale on Book Depository. Last Friday, I received my special edition from Illumicrate of The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo -I'll show you the unboxing but I'm waiting since I don't want to spoil anyone (you can still order The Grisha Edition box if you want to).

The Nerdy Corner. Nostalgia & VideoGames 🎮

Besides books I have another obsession, VIDEO GAMES! 🎮 While I do read every day, even if it's just a few pages per day, I can't play every day since I can't take  PS4 with me everywhere I go as I take an e-Reader. Yes, I'm a proud PlayStation girl. but today I'm not talking about the all those amazing graphics from a new generation of consoles. This post is all about nostalgia -how I wish more PlayStation mascots were brought back as Crash Bandicoot back in June.

The Spyro original Trilogy (let's pretend all those bad sequels/remakes never came out). Who misses this adorable purple dragon full of sass? 

That's right Spyro, I do!

The world of  Spyro is magical -the settings, the colours, the plot, the missions/puzzles, the gems, the characters and Sparx. Everything is PERFECTION! There is nothing wrong with these games. Spyro invokes my childhood -and probably my teenage years too since it was when I was finally able to beat the three games. 🙈 One of my biggest achievements! When Insominiac Games sold Spyro nothing was perfect ever again... I hate Activison for using Spyro to promote Skylanders and then dropping him as he was nothing! 😡

What Spyro should do to Activison...

Currently, my hopes are high for a remaster since next year it's Spyro's 20th anniversary. Well, my hopes for a remaster have been high since Skylanders... I'm impatiently waiting for December 9th since it's when Playstation Experience takes place and I'm hoping a Spyro remaster to be announce announced because I need more adventures of this purple dragon in my life.  Just look at this setting. 💖

Klonoa. Another game that reminds me of my childhood is without a doubt Klonoa. If I'm not mistaken, it was my first PlayStation game (I was four/five and my memories of that time are a bit fragmented, but I'm one hundred per cent sure this was my first game).

[Remastered Version] Where it all begins...

Although Klonoa was remastered a few years ago for Nintendo Wii -the reason why I got one-, sadly the sales were so low that the sequel was not remastered too. 😭 I don't know what is wrong with this generation (I actually do since this generation only cares about shooting and blowing stuff up; it's a generation that doesn't know how to appreciate the beauty of a platform game unless there is lots of gore), but how could you not like Klonoa?! It is such a whimsical world. 

The settings are gorgeous and the puzzles aren't as easy as they firstly seem. And, the soundtrack? The soundtrack is simply splendid. After all these years, I still have the tunes in my head and I'm pretty sure a commercial stole one of the game's songs. Anyway, even today the ending brings tear to my eyes. 

Tombi! (or Tomba). I had so much fun playing this game and fulfilling all the missions -and it has so many missions! 😱 Tombi with his purple hair and his all-you-can-eat stomach, travelling through whimsical worlds was a delight.

I was really happy when I found the digital version could be bought online (however, it's a little bit expensive compared with the other PlayStation games being sold). I also got the sequel, Tombi! 2: The Return of the Evil Swine, since I never had the chance to play it before. But sadly, in my opinion, it is not as good at the first game. I was so disappointed...

Honourable Mentions

Tomb Raider & Oddworld: Abe's Odyssey. I'm giving these two video games an honourable mention. Although they were part of my childhood, not only they were both remastered but also Tomb Raider has received innumerable sequels -and even a new beginning with The Rise of the Tomb Raider.

How far Lara has come since her PlayStation days.

Ps. Was I the only one who would die out of the blue when playing these two games?

Feeling nostalgic? Which video games would you like to me remake/remastered?

Waiting on Wednesday. Shadow Rise

"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 Shadow Rise by Audrey Grey. Once again (it seems like a tradition now) I still haven't read the first book, Shadow Fall, even though I've it. 🙈 Anyway, although I've heard some blurb about a love triangle (which I can't stand since most times the main character's feeble heart annoys me to no end), I'm still excited for this series. I always enjoy a good dystopia and I've read wonderful things about this one. Hopefully, my expectations aren't too high. The book will be released on November 14th.

"Terrorist. Rebel. Traitor.

One rash decision during the Shadow Trials led to unspeakable horrors that left innocents dead, friends injured and hunted by the Empire, and Maia Graystone imprisoned in the Tower at the Archduchess’s mercy.

Unsure if Riser Thornbrook survived, Maia must find a way to battle the Empire from within its own walls and escape so she can fulfill the promise to her father and stop the asteroid. But when she breaks free and joins Nicolai's Rebel army, she discovers she’s been branded a traitor. With war between the Rebels and the Empire looming, old alliances shifting, and suspicion hanging over her head, she must fight in the Rebel Blood Courts—and win command—to regain their trust.

Only problem is, first she has defeat the reigning champion, someone she knows all too well. Will Maia’s emotions lead to her defeat, or will she rise up and claim her victory"

From Goodreads

Review 31. The Rise of the Dawnstar [Blog Tour]

Welcome to The Rise of the Dawnstar Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Also, there is a giveaway at the end of the review (sadly, only for those who live in USA and Canada). Do not forget to participate.

Title: The Rise of the Dawnstar (The Avalonia Chronicles #2)
Author: Farah Oomerbhoy
Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Published: April 24th 2017

"Aurora Firedrake returns in the spellbinding sequel to The Last of the Firedrakes.

The seven kingdoms of Avalonia are crumbling and evil is spreading across the land like a plague. Queen Morgana is close to finding a way to open The Book of Abraxas and it’s only a matter of time until she uses the power trapped inside its pages to enslave the entire world.

With Avalonia growing more dangerous by the day, Aurora must travel through war-torn lands and deep into the heart of the fae kingdom of Elfi. Her goal is to find a legendary weapon infused with the last of the realm’s ancient magic—the only weapon in the world powerful enough to stop the queen.

Aurora might have survived her first battle against Morgana, but the true fight to save her kingdom and restore her throne has only just begun…"

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Plot: Aurora Firedrake is on the run! Travelling through the Seven Kingdoms with Rafe and Kalen, Aurora is searching for a legendary weapon, the Dawnstar, in hope of saving her mother and defeat Morgana who's very close of getting her hands on the Book of Abraxas, releasing the most powerful demon in the world once again. In an attempt to stop Morgana and her lackeys, in The Rising of the Dawnstar, Aurora goes through another journey of discovery and betrayal this time in the treacherous Fae Kingdom -a kingdom Morgana's shadow is slowly taking over...

In The Rising of the Dawnstar, one of the aspects that I would like to highlight is the author growth. Farah Oomerhboy shows it in this sequel since not only there were some plots twists that I did not see them coming (so much betrayal!) but also the plot seemed more original than in The Last of the Firedreakes (in the first book there were moments I found it similar to the Harry Potter series).

Worldbuilding: The best feature of The Avalonia Chronicles is the wordbuiling -although, a few times I found myself overwhelmed with so many kingdoms and locations to remember; but in the end it is very enjoyable. The world created by Oomerhboy is simply magical. And beautiful. An eerie. 💛 From the desert lands to the Fae kingdom everything is described to tiniest detail which makes this fascinating world seem very vivid. Also, the lands are diverse and there are so many amazing enchanted creatures. One of my favourite mythical creatures SPOILER ALERT were the dragons. I have a too huge crush on dragons.

Characters: The Rise of the Dawnstar introduced us to new character and some were very intriguing -specially the Fae. Now, Aurora is the biggest downfall of this series, in my opinion. I did not like how her opinion flickered so much -as in the first book, one moment she would be doubting herself, the next one she would think herself better than everyone else (which led her to seem very entitled). Although Aurora questions everyone’s motives, sadly, I didn’t see much character growth since she was still very naïve and would end up believing every word she was told.

Romance: Concerning the romance, I was not very fond the it -specially since I was warming up to Rafe. First, Aurora kept saying she loved Rafe, but she doubted him and his intentions throughout the book. As soon as someone told her he would not go back for her, Aurora would simply believed it. I know it's a first love, but constantly doubting of the person you love is not good for a relationship. Also, as I’ve stated many times before I don’t like love triangles (it’s a trope that I can’t stand) and no matter how many times Aurora told herself she didn’t have feelings for Tristan, the Night Court Prince, it was very clear she did. I only hope in the third book the love triangle doesn't go too far.

About the Author

Farah Oomerbhoy is the international bestselling author of The Avalonia Chronicles. Her first book, The Last of the Firedrakes, was originally published on Wattpad where it gained nearly two million reads and a Watty Award. Since publication, her debut has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Awards and the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, along with winning a finalist placement in the USA Best Book Awards. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. With a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai, Farah spends her creative time crafting magical worlds for young adults. She lives with her family in Mumbai, India.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ps.: You can read here all the blog tour reviews.

Halloween Book Bingo. Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th! 👻 I know this post should have been written last Sunday, but I noticed the date that was on this Friday and nothing better than Friday the 13th to share some spookiness. You can still join Halloween Book Bingo, although you won't be eligible for the giveaway. Or maybe you can if you share your sign up post on the comments section. 

• Join a fun Halloween and Pokémon inspired book tag, Pokémon Halloween Book Tag. Don't forget to tag your friends.

Today I bring you from the dead of night -or from under your bed- the most terrifying book MONSTERS! It's a small list, but if I lived in a world where they were real, I would not be able to sleep.

Sunai, Corsai & Malchai from Monsters of Verity by Victoria Schwab.

The volcra from Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo.

Every ghost from Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake.

Dracula from Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Which book monsters scare you the most?

Cover Reveal. The Hummingbird

This week Blaze Publishing has revealed the cover of the third book of Jacob Devlin, The Hummingbird. How precious is it?! It's so pretty and eerie. Since Jacob Devlin wants to see our reaction to this cover through gifs, here is mine (you can visit his website and share yours).

The Hummingbird is expected to be released on September 20th 2018.

In the aftermath of the great battle that left Wonderland in ruins, Crescenzo DiLegno and his two best friends have reunited with their families in Florindale, but the war wages on in every kingdom. The Order of the Bell is scattered, presumably left to the mercy of Queen Avoria, whose grip on the New World grows tighter every day. Cities have already fallen, the shadows have spread, and a fortress of nightmares has appeared in the heart of New York City. 

 Determined to take back his home and restore order to the worlds, Crescenzo must rally all the people he's met from his adventures, from the troubled prince to the rebellious Lost Boys, and storm Avoria's castle of illusion. The Carver's war against the wicked Ivory Queen brews to an explosive finale, but dark secrets about her true nature have yet to emerge, and not everybody will be prepared to survive them."

Waiting on Wednesday. The Girl in the Tower

"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 Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden. Another beautifully eerie cover. 💖 As usual, I haven't started reading this series yet -although, I do have the first book, The Bear and the Nightingale, staring at me on my bookshelf... making me feel guilty because I haven't picked it up yet... and making me feel guilty because I've been thinking about buying another edition cause I'm in love with its cover (I know it' a waste of money but the cover is really pretty). The book will be released on December 5th.

"The magical adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home—but soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it comes under siege.

Orphaned and cast out as a witch by her village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent, or allow her older sister to make her a match with a Moscovite prince. Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the vast world she longs to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a boy and riding her horse into the woods. When a battle with some bandits who have been terrorizing the countryside earns her the admiration of the Grand Prince of Moscow, she must carefully guard the secret of her gender to remain in his good graces—even as she realizes his kingdom is under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop."

From Goodreads