BOOKS ¦ End-Of-Year Update: Series I Want To Finish

I realised recently that I seem to have a habit of starting series and not finishing them, even when I want to! Because of that, I decided to make a post about all the book series I've started to read and want to complete, and I'm hoping I'll be motivated to actually do so!

The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart. 
- Summary of Shadow and Bone on Goodreads

Apart from a couple of issues with the romance, I really enjoyed Shadow and Bone, the first book in The Grisha Trilogy, and I'd really like to read the next two, Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. Once I've finished those, I'd also love to read the other books set in the same universe, the Six of Crows duology, and King of Scars. You can read my review of Shadow and Bone here.

The Simon Snow Series by Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.
That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.
Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.
- Summary of Carry On on Goodreads

Carry On was such a fun and brilliant book, and the sequel, Wayward Son, is coming out this year so I'm very excited to read it and see what happens next with the characters! You can read my review of Carry On here.

The Rivers of London/Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch

Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.
- Summary of Rivers of London on Goodreads

So far I have read the first two books in this series, Rivers of London and Moon Over Soho, and have really enjoyed both. If the rest of the books are just as good as the first, then I think it will definitely become one of my favourite series of all time! You can read my review of Rivers of London here.

The Shades of Magic and Monsters of Verity Series by V.E. Schwab

Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. 
Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.
Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.
After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.
Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.
- Summary of A Darker Shade of Magic on Goodreads

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.
- Summary of This Savage Song on Goodreads

I've read the first books of each of these series, A Darker Shade of Magic, and This Savage Song, and both intrigued and fascinated me, so I'm really eager to find out how both conclude! You can read my review of A Darker Shade of Magic here, and my review of This Savage Song here.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
- Summary of The Raven Boys on Goodreads

I really liked the first book in The Raven Cycle, The Raven Boys, it felt so unique and I was really pulled into the story, so I'd really like to find out what happens in the rest of the books. You can find my review of The Raven Boys here.

The Passenger Duology by Alexandra Bracken

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.
Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them—whether she wants to or not.
Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are playing, treacherous forces threaten to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home... forever.
- Summary of Passenger on Goodreads

Passenger was another book that felt really unique to me, it was a very well-written book and ever since I read the incredible cliff hanger the first book ended on, I've been wanting to find out what happens in the follow up book, Wayfarer. You can find my review of Passenger here.

The Sin Eater's Daughter Series by Melinda Salisbury

Sixteen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, no one speaks to her. No one even looks at her. Because Twylla isn't a member of the court. She's the executioner. As the goddess-embodied, Twylla kills with a single touch. So each week, she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love her. Who could care for a girl with murder in her veins? Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to her touch, avoids her.
But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose playful smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and see the girl, not the goddess. Yet a treasonous romance is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies-a plan that requires an unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?
- Summary of The Sin Eater's Daughter on Goodreads

I remember The Sin Eater's Daughter was a book that I read through very quickly and enjoyed it all greatly, and I hope that when I eventually get to read them I'll enjoy the other books in the series just as much! You can read my review of The Sin Eater's Daughter here.

The Strange the Dreamer Series by Laini Taylor

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.
What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?
The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?
Welcome to Weep. 
- Summary of Strange the Dreamer on Goodreads

The moment I started to read Strange the Dreamer I knew it was going to become one of my favourite books of all time, it has everything I love, myths and gods and libraries and magic. Now that I have a copy of Muse of Nightmares, the follow up to the first book, I'm so excited, and nervous, to find out what happens next! You can read my review of Strange the Dreamer here.

The Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan

"We should expect this young woman to be more powerful than our average novice, possibly even more powerful than the average magician."
This year, like every other, the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city of undesirables. Cloaked in the protection of their sorcery, they move with no fear of the vagrants and miscreants who despise them and their work-—until one enraged girl, barely more than a child, hurls a stone at the hated invaders...and effortlessly penetrates their magical shield.
What the Magicians' Guild has long dreaded has finally come to pass. There is someone outside their ranks who possesses a raw power beyond imagining, an untrained mage who must be found and schooled before she destroys herself and her city with a force she cannot yet control.
- Summary of The Magician's Guild on Goodreads

I've read The Magician's Guild at least twice now, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time. It's a really brilliant story, and I've been curious about what happens in the other books for quite a while now, so hopefully soon I'll get around to reading the rest of the series. You can read my review of The Magician's Guild here.

BOOKS ¦ Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Name: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Date Published: 2016
Rating: 4/5

Slight spoiler warning for this review!

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.
Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the world of the kingdom's magical elite - the Grisha. Could she be the key setting Ravka free?
The Darkling, a man of seductive charm and terrifying power. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina's childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can't she ever quite forget him?

What I really enjoyed about Shadow and Bone was the incredible world building it included. It was inspired by culture and folklore I don't often see used often, and was made unique into its own world. This was supported by wonderful descriptive writing that really immersed you in the world and made it easy to picture.
The characters were intriguing and Alina was a likeable main character who I rooted for. Even though she sometimes made choices I wouldn't personally have made, I could see why she made them. I enjoyed her interactions with minor characters, like Genya, who were all well-thought out and realistic even if they were only background characters.
The Darkling was a brilliant, captivating character. He was a perfectly fascinating villain, probable the best I've read since Tom Riddle in Harry Potter. He had a balance of being, dark, seductive and intense but with human moments  and reasons for his beliefs that made you understand why people followed him and believed in him, even while feeling anger at his violence and horrific actions.
The only character I didn't really enjoy reading was Mal. He wasn't truly bad, and I don't think I would have minded him so much if he wasn't supposed to be a romantic interest for Alina. I just found I didn't really feel the chemistry between them, especially not as strongly as I felt it between Alina and the Darkling. I understood why she couldn't be with the Darkling in the end, even though their interactions were compelling, but I don't think that meant Alina should be with Mal, especially after he dismissed her so much when they were in the army together, and after he got angry with her for going with the Grisha even though it was not her fault. I think I would have preferred if they became friends again, because the romance just didn't feel realistic between them.
Overall, it was a really creative story that kept me captivated and intrigued and I will definitely be reading the other two books in the series, and then possibly the other books set in the same universe, it's just a shame I felt a little let down by the romance.

BOOKS ¦ Review: Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Name: Rivers of London
Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Publisher: Gollancz
Date Published: 2011
Rating: 5/5

Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic. 

- From Goodreads.

Rivers of London was a funny, well-plotted and intriguing book, with characters that were life-like and interesting, and a plot twist that I didn't see coming.
The first person narrative, which can sometimes be a little annoying in some stories, I think worked well in this case, and I found that Peter, the main character and narrator, felt very likeable and real, and was an effective perspective to view the story from.
The book felt very comforting to read, even though at times it was quite violent and gruesome, that didn't put me off at all and the story was still quite easy and enjoyable to read. Perhaps this was because it made references to things I understood, and the tone of voice felt familiar and had the sense of humour that I really enjoy.
It was a very clever mystery that was written really well, with the pieces of evidence and clues slowly building up until it all clicked into place and connected at the end, when it all suddenly made sense and it showed just how smart the storytelling was. I didn't know where the story was going to go or how it was going to end, but that made me feel intrigued and excited to read the next chapter, rather than lost and anxious about what might happen next. I also felt the pacing was good, I feel like a lot of stories at the moment try to do everything all at once with nonstop action, which often makes me feel too nervous to carry on reading, but this story gave me a chance to breathe between the action, it gave me the time to process the information it was giving, and made time for providing context and descriptions which I really enjoyed. The slow build up of the mystery to the reveal made that reveal pay off really well.
To summarise, it felt like Agatha Christie's Poirot, mixed up with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and Terry Pratchett's Discworld, and I absolutely adored it for that.

UNBOXING ¦ Fairyloot: Starcrossed Swoons - September 2018

If you know me, you probably know that I love both stars and romance, so when I saw that Fairyloot's theme for their September box was Starcrossed Swoons, I knew I had to treat myself. I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed by this box, which included plenty of beautifully unique items, as well as a book that I am very excited to read! I've listed each item below, with a picture and link to the designer or shop that each item came from (although quite a lot of the items were exclusive to the box which was great to see!).

Angelic Fire Candle Matches designed by Fictiontea Designs, Bella and Edward candle from Nerd Poured Candles.

Prythian Shoelaces designed by Fictiontea Designs.

Dreamer Apron designed by Literary Life Co.

Love Rune Enamel Pin by Fictiontea Designs.

Mal and Alina Cocoa & Shea Butter from Little Heart Gifts.

Constellation Notebook designed by Read At Midnight.

Postcard Set created by Taratjah.

The book of the month, Mirage by Somaiya Daud, with exclusive cover and sprayed edges, and signed by the author!

Exclusive character art by Gabriella Bujdoso of Amani and Idris from Mirage, with letter from the author on the back.

There was also a sampler of Queen of Air and Darkness, a Tempest and Slaughter bookmark, and a Muse of Nightmares postcard, which I thought were lovely little extras! Overall I'm really happy with this box and glad I bought it. Everything was designed so beautifully and the book sounds so fascinating and unique, hopefully I'll be able to read it soon. If you want to find out more about Fairyloot, you can go to their website here, and you can find Mirage on Goodreads here.

UNBOXING ¦ Illumicrate: Magic & Mayhem - The V.E. Schwab Edition

When I saw that Illumicrate were selling a special edition V.E. Schwab box, I debated for myself for a while before I gave in and decided to treat myself to it. I decided it was definitely not a box to be missed out on, especially since I adore everything I've read by V.E. Schwab so far, and I am very glad that I decided to make this purchase. This was such a perfect, gorgeous selection of items, including a very lovely edition of V.E. Schwab's new book, Vengeful. I've listed each item below, with a picture and link to the designer or shop that each item came from (although quite a lot of the items were exclusive to the box which was very exciting!).

Signed copy of Vengeful with a cover exclusive to the box, along with an Illumicrate designed sleeve featuring quotes from Vicious and Vengeful.

Mug drawn by Temporary Places, bottle lettered by Crini.

Pin designed by Fable & Black.

Keyring, also designed by Fable & Black.

Candle from Amelia's Kitchen Candles.

Bookmarks with exclusive character artwork by Merwild, illustration of Lila and Kell by Victoria Ying, tarot style cards featuring artwork from Lorena Lammer.

Tote bag featuring artwork from Rowa Tree, pouch/make-up bag designed by Stella Bookish Art.

Postcards of the four Londons by Moledro Craft Co, scarf featuring the four Londons by Fable & Black.

There was also a letter from V.E. Schwab, and I think overall this box was brilliant and a worthwhile purchase for any fan of the author, and I would definitely consider buying another box from Illumicrate in the future. Everything was so beautifully designed and really good quality! If you want to find out more about Illumicrate, you can find their website here! V.E. Schwab's website is here, and you can find Vengeful on Goodreads here.

BOOKS ¦ Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Name: An Enchantment of Ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson
Publisher: McElderry Books
Date Published: 2017
Rating: 5/5

A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts—even as she falls in love with a faerie prince—in this gorgeous debut novel.
Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.
Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.

- From Goodreads.

This is the first book I have read in quite a while that I read in almost one day. I kept picking it up whenever I put it down because I kept wanting to know what happened next. And because I kept wanting to know what happened between the two main characters, Isobel and Rook. I really loved reading them, both as individual and together. They made very intriguing characters in their own rights and also worked well with each other, creating an enjoyable dynamic that kept me invested in the book.
I was also invested in the world of the story, it felt very creative and imaginative. The idea of the different seasonal faerie courts was made unique with the descriptions of each and both the settings and the magic system seemed very inventive. I would have liked to see the Autumn court, since that was the court Rook was prince of (and because Autumn is my favourite season) but I can see how that might have been difficult to fit into the story. I didn't know what the actual enchantment of ravens would be when I was going into the book, but I thought that was a very inventive detail too and I liked how it became involved in the story.
The writing style was very enjoyable to me, I don't always like the first person, but I found in this case it was well-written and I didn't really notice it most of the time. I also enjoyed that it was quite descriptive and almost poetic, which I know not everyone likes but I found it suited the story, and suited Isobel's narrative voice. I also found it quite a funny style, it was definitely and entertaining story and the humorous moments, especially those between Rook and Isobel, made it even more enjoyable.
I think it would have been nice to have a slightly longer ending to see how Isobel and Rook adjusted to everything after the events of the novel, but I think I mostly want that so I can see more of the characters together, as the ending itself is still good and the book did not necessarily need more to it to feel like a well-rounded story.

BOOKS | Mid-Year Update: What I'm Excited To Read

Since it's been a while since I last posted, I thought an interesting post to come back with would be a list of books I'm looking forward to reading. These are all books I'm either aiming to read by the end of the year, or just as soon as possible. I've been struggling to find the motivation to read lately so hopefully writing this will help me feel more inspired to get some reading done!

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson 

A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts—even as she falls in love with a faerie prince—in this gorgeous debut novel.
Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.
Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel.

I've been curious about this book since I first heard about it, I've always loved fantasy and romance and I've been meaning to read more books about the fair folk, an area of mythology that really intrigues me. I bought this book this week in my renewed desire to get back into reading, as I think that the fact that I'm so excited to see what it's like will help keep up my motivation. I've also heard some mixed reviews of it so I'm curious to see what my own take on it will be. 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

This is one that I actually started reading back in December, I was really intrigued by it and ended up reading a large portion of it in one day as I really enjoyed it, but after I put it down I experienced a period of time where I couldn't make myself read, and now that period is over, it's been so long that I think I'll start from the beginning again when I go back to it. But I am really excited to finally finish it, and to hopefully finish the trilogy and the other books that Leigh Bardugo has set in this world.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor 

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.
Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice--save the woman he loves, or everyone else?--while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of.
As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

This is the sequel to Strange the Dreamer, which you can tell from my review that I really adored, so obviously I'm very excited to find out what happens next. It doesn't come out until October but I've already preordered the hardback with the fancy sprayed edges so that it can match my edition of Strange the Dreamer.

Stealing Snow by Danielle Page 

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent her life locked in Whittaker Psychiatric—but she isn’t crazy. And that’s not the worst of it. Her very first kiss proves anything but innocent…when Bale, her only love, turns violent.
Despite Snow knowing that Bale would never truly hurt her, he is taken away—dashing her last hope for any sort of future in the mental ward she calls home. With nowhere else to turn, Snow finds herself drawn to a strange new orderly who whispers secrets in the night about a mysterious past and a kingdom that’s hers for the taking—if only she can find her way past the iron gates to the Tree that has been haunting her dreams.
Beyond the Tree lies Algid, a land far away from the real world, frozen by a ruthless king. And there too await the River Witch, a village boy named Kai, the charming thief Jagger, and a prophecy that Snow will save them all.

I've had this book for a while now and I think it just ended up getting put aside when I had books to read for my university course. I'm looking forward to finally getting around to it and seeing what it's like!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. 
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. 
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

This, I think, is a well-known and well-loved one that's been out for quite a few years now. I bought it back in October and I'm really eager to finally find out what makes it so popular. 

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch 

Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.

Another one that's been out for a while now, I think I actually bought this over a year ago with a gift card because I was intrigued by the description. Hopefully it won't take me much longer to pick it up and see what it's like.

Mort by Terry Pratchett

In this Discworld instalment, Death comes to Mort with an offer he can't refuse - especially since being, well, dead isn't compulsory. As Death's apprentice, he'll have free board and lodging, use of the company horse, and he won't need time off for family funerals. The position is everything Mort thought he'd ever wanted, until he discovers that this perfect job can be a killer on his love life.

This is another one I bought back in October, I always love Terry Pratchett and I'm actually reading Good Omens at the moment and of course really enjoying it. I'm sure Mort will be another one that I adore, especially since it features Death, one of my favourite Discworld characters.

So that's everything I'm currently aiming to read soon, thank you for reading and if you've got any books you're excited about then let me know in the comments!

Review: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Name: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Date Published: 2017
Rating: 5/5

The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.

What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?

The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

Welcome to Weep.

- From Goodreads.

I had such high expectations for this book because it looked beautiful and it sounded incredible and I couldn't stop myself from having high expectations, and the brilliant thing is it met and exceeded all of them. Every moment was amazing and I adored it all.
The language was exquisite, the descriptions of feelings, people, the landscape, the witty, intriguing dialogue between the characters, all of it was captivating.
As was the imagination that could be found in the book, the whole idea of the world and its history. It was everything that I love about fantasy, it looked at the potential of the genre and flew away with it. Reading this book was like having the most magical, well-plotted, intense dream.
I would apologise for the fact that this review is really just me praising this book, but I'm not really sorry because I have absolutely fallen in love with the whole thing.
Lazlo and Sarai were the most wonderful, compelling, kindhearted characters and I really, really need to know what happens to them next. The ending ruined me. I need the sequel.