Book Beginnings: Starsight by Brandon Sanderson

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading Starsight by Brandon Sanderson.

I slammed on my overburn and boosted my starship through the middle of a chaotic mess of destructor blasts and explosions. 

It took my all of my strength and will-power to not pick this book up until I'd finished my review of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. After the revelations at the end, I knew that I needed to continue the story as soon as possible.

I loved Skyward, so I'm excited to see how the second book turns out. I have a hard copy and the audiobook, again read by Sophie Aldred, and I have very high expectations.

The first lines bring us straight in to the action. I feel that if you haven't read the first book you would definitely be a bit confused. But I love it.

"What happened to the silent treatment?" I asked. 

"You were looking too comfortable," he said. "I decided that being silent is the wrong approach. Instead, I need to remind you what you're missing while not talking to me - by showing you how wonderful my interaction is." 

As I said in my review of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, M-Bot is my favourite character. Interactions like this are a big reason why, he's such a sassy ship.

As I said, I'm excited to see where the story goes next, and barely 10% in at page 56 (UK hardback) it looks like there is already drama and twists. I am excited.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

I got Skyward by Brandon Sanderson in a Fairyloot box ages ago. It was a book that intimidated me - how could I not be intimidated by an author as hugely popular? But wow. It was amazing.

Spensa's world has been under attack for hundreds of years. An alien race called the Krell leads onslaught after onslaught from the sky in a never-ending campaign to destroy humankind. Humanity's only defense is to take to their ships and fight the enemy in the skies. Pilots have become the heroes of what's left of the human race.

Spensa has always dreamed of being one of them; of soaring above Earth and proving her bravery. But her fate is intertwined with her father's - a pilot who was killed years ago when he abruptly deserted his team, placing Spensa's chances of attending flight school somewhere between slim and none.

No one will let Spensa forget what her father did, but she is still determined to fly. And the Krell just made that a possibility. They've doubled their fleet, making Spensa's world twice as dangerous... But their desperation to survive might just take her skyward...

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Source: Purchase, Fairyloot

5 Word Review: Reputation, bravery, family, secrets, passion.

I always have this little voice in my head that whispers "you don't like space books" whenever I so much as look at a pretty space-themed cover. Which is ridiculous as Lilith's Brood by Octavia Butler is my favourite sci-fi and I read space opera in a single sitting.

So it took me a long, long time to read Skyward. In fact, it wasn't until I had a copy of the second book in my hands that I considered it again. And even then, it wasn't until the Kindle edition was on sale for 99p and the Whispersync deal for Audible was £3.47 that I finally took the plunge. And now I have regrets.

I can't believe that I waited so long to read Skyward. It was absolutely excellent and I could not put it down, and when I had to stop listening to the audiobook I couldn't stop thinking about it. This book is my jam. It is the only time I've truly used the Whispersync feature on my kindle and audible app, I was switching between them so I didn't have to stop.

I can't quite put my finger on quite why I loved it so much, as to be honest there's a fair bit not to love. But honestly? This was a solid five stars. Sophie Aldred does an incredible job narrating the audiobook, and really brought every character to life.

I loved the themes that the story explored, and I loved the little twists and reveals that changed my previous conceptions of characters. Nothing was black and white, and judgement was clouded by unknown pasts. I actually gasped at some of the revelations and they changed everything.

I do have to say that Spensa is annoying. So annoying. So dramatic and immature and childish. But at the same time, it was almost endearing. She is a drama queen, make no mistake, but she grows and changes so much throughout the story. It was excellent. Character development is something that I thought this book excelled at.

Is it weird to say that my favourite character was M-Bot? That I liked the straightforward ship the most out of all of the characters? Perhaps it was the Scottish accent in the audiobook, but I looked forward to M-Bot's every quip.

I only just finished this book, but already I want to read it again. And again. I let the hype put me off and I was wrong because this book is so bloody worth it.

You get to choose who you are. Legacy, memories of the past, can serve us well. But we cannot let them define us. When heritage becomes a box instead of an inspiration, it has gone too far.

Unboxing Fairyloot - Defying The Odds December 2019

Although it's usually one of the last of my monthly subscription boxes to arrive (it was well into January when this one dropped on to my doorstep) I have a deep love for Fairyloot. A monthly subscription will cost you £26.00 and for that you will get exclusive bookish goodies and a recent YA fantasy release.

December's Defying The Odds box was packed with goodies!

Defying The Odds, December 2019

In The Box

LiteraryLifeCo Quote Microfibre Cloth
Throne of Glass inspired Enamel Pin
The Wrath and the Dawn inspired socks
Red Rising inspired Pencil Case
Game of Thrones inspired Quote Pencils
Skyward inspired Mangentic Bookmarks
The Priory of the Orange Tree inspired Tea
Collectible Tarot Cards
Advance Copy of Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco
Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian

My Thoughts

My favourite thing was the LiteraryLifeCo Quote Microfibre Cloth. It came at just the right time for me, as my current flannel is reaching the end of its life and is about to be turned into a cleaning rag! The quote art is beautiful and I love the quote.

My favourite game is called how many chapters can I read in one night

I read Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian for the Fairyloot Readalong. It is tense and dark and scary and exciting. It gave me actual nightmares, and one morning I woke up with a scream and scared my wee dog. I loved it. There is exclusive artwork on the inside of the dust cover too, it's a gorgeous book and I loved picking it up each day to read a few chapters.

I haven't yet tried The Priory of the Orange Tree inspired Tea. I have a huge collection of tea I'm trying to work my way through! I plan on reading Priory this year, so I may hold off until I start reading it. I do have to say though, it smells amazing.

The Game of Thrones inspired Quote Pencils are, well, pencils. I'm not sure what else I can say about that haha. I will definitely get use out of them though, as I pencil out my bullet journal layouts being inking them.

The Red Rising Inspired Pencil Case is a little bit small for me to use as a pencil case, even the pencils we got in the box are too long to fit in it except diagonally! It is pretty and well made, but I've never read Read Rising.

While I am not a huge Throne of Glass fan, I love the Throne of Glass inspired Enamel Pin. It's stunning, with Fire Breathing Bitch Queen and fiery colours. It'll definitely be going into my regular rotation and I'm excited to wear it - it really is beautiful.

I literally just read Skyward and absolutely loved it, so I love the Skyward inspired Mangentic Bookmarks. I love the cute style and I can't wait to use them when I'm reading Starsight by Brandon Sanderson next week.

I always need socks in my life, and I love the design on the Wrath and the Dawn inspired socks, even if I have the newer editions so they don't match my books. They're bright and comfortable and will be in a Sock Sunday Instagram post one Sunday soon.

I have heard a lot of mixed things about Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco, but I haven't go around to reading it yet!

My collectible tarot cards are kind of lurking around my room in various locations. The art is gorgeous, but the colouring (especially on the backs) is very inconsistent and I don't think I'd be able to use them as an actual deck once complete unless my eyes were closed.

This Defying The Odds box was great, but it did feel a little like the items were all over the place, and not really coherent to the theme. I will get a lot of use out of pretty much everything, but it feels pretty random.

Do you get any subscription boxes?

Blog Tour: A Weekend at Virgin River *AD Gifted

It has been years since I picked up the first Virgin River book by Robyn Carr. I was in my teens when I picked up the first book and experienced the joy that is Virgin River. Mills & Boon sent me a review copy of the first book to celebrate the release of the Netflix show, and it was all the excuse I needed to jump back in.

To give you an idea of the series, the books can all be read as standalone, but have a common themes of fresh starts, people finding their place in Virgin River, and bringing together found families. It's the best type of story, and although I stopped reading at around the seventh book, it's a series that I think about often. It brings a smile to my face.

I have no idea why I stopped reading this series - I think college had a lot to do with it!

Now that there is a fancy new Netflix series based on the book, I decided to go back to where it all started and read Virgin River by Robyn Carr, then watch the series. In a single weekend. Because why not.

Supplies

Virgin River by Robyn Carr (gifted)

Charged tablet with Netflix

Tea

Ginger Nut biscuits

Chopped melon for snacks

Rosé wine for drinks

Friday Night

Yes, the weekend for me starts the moment I get in from work on a Friday. And this Friday it starts with a cup of tea and a book.

It's winter and it's freezing, so I'm curled up in a blanket and I'm using a travel mug to keep my tea warm and avoid spills. I'm nibbling on ginger nut biscuits to keep my energy up. I'm going to start the book tonight and see how far I get before my attention wanders (I have a very short attention span). 

Mel squinted into the rain and darkness, creeping along the narrow, twisting, muddle, tree-enshrouded road and for the hundredth time thought, am I out of my mind?

It was all going well until I blinked and it was too hours later and my tea was cold. I had gotten so engrossed in the story that I was almost one third through. I had forgotten how much I absolutely love the writing style and how Melinda's character comes out so much in the narration.

I gulped down my cold tea, grabbed myself some dinner, and started a bath running. Time for stage two of my Friday night!

With lavender bath salts and a large glass of wine, I sank down and continued reading on until my bath was cold and my glass was empty. Now over half way through I got out, dried myself off, put on my comfiest pyjamas and got in to bed.

I only meant to read another few chapters as it was getting late, but I ended up reading until around two o'clock in the morning when I turned the last page.

Saturday

Even though I stayed up way too late reading on Friday night, I'm up with the sun. Because I am excited. Today is the day I start on my Netflix journey.

I had a super weird dream where babies just turned up on my doorstep every morning, and by the time I woke the house in my dream had babies on every surface. It was weird.

After breakfast, I settled down on the couch with a huge cup of tea and started the Netflix series on the big TV.

I paced myself pretty well, I made a cup of tea for every episode, and after the third episode I took my dog out for a walk.

I do have to say that the characters are not quite as I imagined them - but that's something that happens with most adaptations. I'm finding it easy to see the show and the book as separate, but I love how the show still has the same general vibes. Also the scenery? Wow. Take me there please, I am even more in love with the setting.

Sunday

We're on the final stretch. Today is my Lazy Day and I have no plans except for watching Virgin River. I am so glad that past me made time for this, because honestly I love it. It's a weekend of self-care and love and warm fuzzies. And wine.

I have six more episodes to get through, and with each episode almost an hour long I don't have much time as I still have to get everything sorted for work again on Monday. With this in mind, I have breakfast in bed and watch two episodes on my tablet. Or, I intend to watch two episodes. What I end up doing is watching four, taking a nap because I'm so comfortable and content, and then make myself a late lunch and walk the dog.

When I get back in, I run myself a bath, pour in some bubbles, pour myself a glass of wine, and precariously balance my tablet on my bath shelf. I like a bit of danger, but also my tablet is seven years old and I need a proper excuse to get a new one.

Two hours and a cold bath later I am done.

I can't believe it's over, and I kind of want to do it all again.

As much as I am a big rereader of books, I am also a big rewatcher of shows and films that I enjoy. Along with Reign and Empresses in the Palace, I feel like Virgin River could easily be on my R U OK HUN? list of go-to shows.

Have you read or watched Virgin River?

Book Beginnings: Clique Bait by Ann Vallett *AD - Gifted

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading Clique Bait by Ann Vallett (gifted copy).

The first time I wore this shade of lipstick, I was eleven.

I was sent a free review copy of Clique Bait by Ann Vallett after I requested it from the publisher. It's not out until the end of April, but I received my review copy yesterday and started it immediately. Oops.

My first line isn't the actual first line. The first lines are a letter to another character and I decided to start with the passage immediately after instead, mostly because I think it gives a better feel of the writing, and because it really packs a punch.

I like this start, it has me excited for the rest of the story. I like the imagery.

Sophie's eyes were the first to flit up to mine. They were ever so slightly creased in the corners, as if she knew a brilliant secret that you'd never catch on to.

This is from page 56 in my review copy, so likely won't match up with ebooks and finished copies!

At this point in the story we're just starting chapter five and Chloe has barely started on her infiltration mission. We're still meeting the characters and working out their motives in the group and trying to work out their secrets.

I am thoroughly enjoying Clique Bait by Ann Vallett.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: Jane Eyre: A Retelling by Tanya Landman *AD Gifted

Barrington Stoke sent me a review copy of  Jane Eyre: A Retelling by Tanya Landman. 

I utterly adore the original story, so what did I think of this super accessible retelling? Spoiler Alert: I utterly adored this too.

Orphaned as a child, tormented by her guardian and cast out to a harsh boarding school, Jane Eyre has been raised in the shadow of cruelty and isolation. But when she takes a job as governess in Thornfield Hall, where secrets lurk in the attic and strange laughter echoes through the night, Jane meets the elusive Mr Rochester - and her life is irrevocably transformed.

Poignantly and powerfully retold in this stunning edition, Jane Eyre is the tale of a spirited heroine's search for love, independence and belonging.

Powerfully retold in this stunning new edition by Carnegie Medal-winning author Tanya Landman, Jane Eyre is the timeless story of an iconic heroineʼs search for love, freedom and belonging.

Cover artwork by Helen Crawford-White.

This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock so that even more readers can enjoy it.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Source: Review Copy

5 Word Review: Family, classic, spirit, belonging, retelling.

I only read Jane Eyre for the first time last year. I've always maintained that I didn't like classics, because so many of them just don't do it for me. I find them overly wordy and slow paced and boring. And while, to my surprise, Jane Eyre was none of those things, it is still a very long book. But it was a very long book that I fell in love with.

I love the story of Jane Eyre. It's one of those books that I turn to when I need some self-care. But it is an undertaking to re-read, and even the audiobook is around 20 hours.

In swoops this retelling by Tanya Landman. It is written in Barrington Stoke's typical easy to read and super accessible style. And it loses none of what I love. As pared down as this reworking of the classic story is, it loses none of the impact or atmosphere. It's just as haunting and gorgeous a story. 

I love that I can pick this up and read it in a single sitting. I love that I still get the essence and soul of the story. I love that it's type-set in a font that I can fly through. The slightly larger font size and the different in contrast between ink and page means that even on my worst days I can still read it.

It's the same story. It's just so much more accessible than the original, and I'm excited for people to read it and fall in love with one of my favourites.

Unboxing Illumicrate - Secrets & Schemes December 2019

One of the longest running UK YA book boxes Illumicrate is ran by the loveliest team. They offer amazing customer services and any small problems I've had have been dealt with quickly and professionally. It's £26.00 per month, and they do a Book Only option for £17.00 so you can get the exclusive editions without the items.

I have been getting this box for years (since it was quarterly!) and I love the variety of creative items you get.

Secrets & Schemes, December 2019

In The Box

Ploy & Play Mug from RosieThorns88
Star Wars Pin Set from Fable & Black
Four Paths Candle from Amelia Kitchen Candles
Caraval Patch from Fable & Black
2020 Calendar by Merwild and ChattyNora
Kaz Brekker Collectable Coin Magnet from Monolime
Blood Heir by Amelie Wen Zhao

My Thoughts

My favourite thing was the  Ploy & Play Mug from RosieThorns88. I utterly adore this artist and I love the collection of mugs I've built up from my Illumicrate boxes. They're high quality and stunning. I'm not a huge fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses and I have a complicated relationship with Sarah J Mass, but I love this mug and have already used it plenty of times. It's a great large size and perfect for a hot chocolate.

I'm about half way through Blood Heir by Amelie Wen Zhao at the moment and I am loving it. It's fast paced and addictive reading, and I love the story. The book itself is gorgeous too, the sprayed edges like blood dripping down is very me.

I love the smell of Four Paths Candle from Amelia Kitchen Candles. It's a really nice scent and it makes me think of autumn. The candle itself is pretty too, in a glass jar.

I'm not sure about the Caraval Patch from Fable & Black. I've never once used patches I've received in boxes. It's very very pretty, don't get me wrong, but it's just not useful to me.

I think the thing that I was most excited for was the 2020 Calendar. I have had a calendar before from Illumicrate, in the Grishaverse King Of Scars Collectors box. This one is a little different as it's 2020 only, but the artwork is amazing. Both artists have worked excellently together and I love every design, they're honestly stunning. The calendar went straight on my wall and I'm excited to see the different designs at the beginning of each month.

I like Star Wars Pin Set from Fable & Black, even if it's not really my thing. The designs are pretty cute and although they'll likely not make my general rotation, I'll definitely keep them as back ups.

This Secrets & Schemes box was excellent, and even if I won't use everything myself I was definitely not disappointed.

Do you get any subscription boxes?

Book Beginnings: The Unspoken Name by AK Larkwood

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood (gifted copy).

In the deep wilds on the north, there is a Shrine cut into the mountainside. The forest covers these hills like a shroud. This is a quiet country, the the Shrine of the Unspoken One is quieter still. Birds and insects keep away from the place.

First thing first, I was sent a free review copy of The Unspoken Name by AK Larkwood. I requested it from the publisher then did a wee dance when it was accepted. Because I am excited to read this book. The past nine months I have been going through a massive fantasy kick and I love it.

It wasn't until I started writing this post that I actually looked at the finished cover. And isn't it gorgeous? I love all of the little details, yet how simply and striking it is at first glance.

These first lines are something, aren't they? I love that the atmosphere and mystery is already building. There is something so sinister and I am intrigued.

She had begun to feel so clever and knowledgeable lately, getting good at swordplay and conjugations, but she had managed to miss this completely. She buried her face in one of the couch cushions to hide her blush.

This is from page 56 in my review copy, so likely won't match up with ebooks and finished copies!

I like this bit. I like it when characters reveal their embarrassment, and start to look more at their own humility. It's a big bit of development for the character and I like how it's coming through.

I am very much enjoying The Unspoken Name and I'm excited to see where it goes. This is a looooong book so this is not far in at all.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

It took me a long time to finally read The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley, and I was intimidated by the hype. But I loved it.

All of them are friends. One of them is a killer.

During the languid days of the Christmas break, a group of thirtysomething friends from Oxford meet to welcome in the New Year together, a tradition they began as students ten years ago. For this vacation, they’ve chosen an idyllic and isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands—the perfect place to get away and unwind by themselves.

They arrive on December 30th, just before a historic blizzard seals the lodge off from the outside world.

Two days later, on New Year’s Day, one of them is dead.

The trip began innocently enough: admiring the stunning if foreboding scenery, champagne in front of a crackling fire, and reminiscences about the past. But after a decade, the weight of secret resentments has grown too heavy for the group’s tenuous nostalgia to bear. Amid the boisterous revelry of New Year’s Eve, the cord holding them together snaps.

Now one of them is dead... and another of them did it.

Keep your friends close, the old adage goes. But just how close is too close?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Source: Purchase

5 Word Review: Friendship, isolation, secrets, love, obsession.

This book has been on my TBR for the longest time. When it first came out I was super excited, but also skint. I requested a copy on NetGalley but then ebooks started triggering migraines. It was quite popular at the library so the waiting list was huge. I had to wait it out, but then my attention wandered elsewhere. Until. I bought it for my mum. For Christmas. From a supermarket.

I kind of wish that I hadn't waited so long to read this. I think it would have impressed me more if I hadn't read so many excellent yet similar books in the interim.

Nevertheless, The Hunting Party is good. It's excellent in fact. It's full of twists and turns and mysteries. The story is engaging, the characters frustrating, the mystery intriguing.

I did have it figured out, but I think that's because as I said before I have read a lot of similar books. It was comfortable to read because I knew the format, but uncomfortable because of the tensions between the characters. It was great.

I think the thing I enjoyed most about The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley was the setting. It was almost a character itself at times, sweeping and vast with endless skies and chilling cold, yet simultaneously claustrophobic. It was picturesque and threatening all at once, and I thought it was very clever. As creepy as it was, I'd love to visit!

If you enjoyed this then I think you'll love STAGS by MA Bennett and In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware.

Unboxing Wildest Dreams - Best of YA December 2019

The Wildest Dreams book box starts at  just £16.66 a month, and it's a little box of self care containing a newly released YA book, a bath/body/home product, and a bookish tea. There's always a little extra surprise in there too, which is a fantastic personal touch.

I have been getting this box since the very start, and I couldn't recommend it more.

In The Box

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Bookmark
Harry Potter Christmas Card
Heartstopper Art Print
Best of YA Iced Biscuit
"Holy Pepperoni" A Good Girls Guide to Murder inspired Loose Leaf Tea

My Thoughts

I really liked this box!

My favourite thing was the  "Holy Pepperoni" A Good Girls Guide to Murder inspired Loose Leaf Tea. I love the different blends each month and it encourages me to try new things. This blend is particularly delicious and perfect for warming up in winter. I still need to read the book though!

I haven't got round to starting it yet, but Pet by Akwaeke Emezi sounds excellent and I'm excited to have time in my TBR. I had never heard of it before but I love the idea of exploring the consequences of the choices you make, and themes of monsters and angels, right and wrong. I've heard the ending is intense which makes me even more excited to pick it up. I love that there's a matching bookmark with it too.

The Best of YA Iced Biscuit was absolutely delicious, and it was difficult not to just eat it straight away. It lasted approximately thirty seconds after I took my unboxing picture.

I love Lia's take on the characters from Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, with the Heartstopper Art Print. Seeing Nick and Charlie in a different style made me go all goopy, they're so pure and cute. Just looking at it gives me a huge smile! It's lovely seeing them fleshed out.

I liked the Harry Potter Christmas Card, it appeals right to the Potterhead living deep inside of me. I'm a fan in general of typography so I love the deign, and the colours really compliment the themes. I decided not to actually use this card, and instead I'm going to add it to my Christmas decorations box and bring it out each year as an art print. Now I just need to find a frame.

This Best of YA Box definitely lived up to its name, and I loved everything in it.

Do you get any subscription boxes?

Book Beginnings: Maid of the King's Court by Lucy Worsley

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading Maid of the King's Court by Lucy Worsley.

I'd always known that my adult life would begin once I was twelve. And that this would mean marriage.

The lovely Jenn at Jenniely sent me a copy of this book from my wishlist and I am so freaking thankful. It was the only book I got for Christmas as my family never buys me books (I've got enough, they say!).

This book was originally issued as Eliza Rose, with a red and gold cover. But I think I prefer this one! I love stereotypical historical fiction covers - they make me feel comfortable and give me an image in my head going in. I don't usually like covers with a model on the front but I think this one works - the angles are subtle enough that there is still scope for plenty of imagination.

I love this opening line. Straight away it's shocking and it sets the tone of the story to come. I like how it immediately sets out the realities of life for women in the Tudor era.

I feel a little bit of resentment from Elizabeth, and I'm excited to see how this develops.

Only then, I think, did I truly being to believe it. A worm of disappointment uncurled inside me, a malign sensation reaching up from my stomach and down my arms to my fingers. I crushed them into fists to brace myself.

Even out of context, this passage packs a punch.

But to put it in to context it's in a scene where the death of Anne Boleyn is being discussed, and the wider implications of the event for everyone in court, particularly women and accusations of witchcraft.

I love the writing style, it is so easy to read. I love the political intrigue of court life, even when characters try to stay out of.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff *AD Gifted

Tor sent me a review copy of  A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff. 

I was first taken in by this book's gorgeous cover, then capture by its first lines. A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff is a wonderful start to an epic high fantasy series that I enjoyed immensely, with lyrical writing and astonishing world building. And a pretty map.

Debut author Sarah Kozloff offers a breathtaking and cinematic epic fantasy of a ruler coming of age in A Queen in Hiding first in the quartet of The Nine Realms series.

Four books. Four months. Nine Realms.

Readers will be able to binge this amazing fantasy series with beautiful interlocking art across the spines of all four books.

Orphaned, exiled and hunted, Cerulia, Princess of Weirandale, must master the magic that is her birthright, become a ruthless guerilla fighter, and transform into the queen she is destined to be.

But to do it she must win the favor of the spirits who play in mortal affairs, assemble an unlikely group of rebels, and wrest the throne from a corrupt aristocracy whose rot has spread throughout her kingdom.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Source: Review Copy

5 Word Review: Family, power, politics, magic, justice.

Before I picked this book up, I didn't read the blurb. I just went for it. And I freaking loved it. A Queen in Hiding is full of surprises and it ticked all of the right boxes for me.

I love nothing more than starting the year with a five star read, and that's exactly what A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff. I loved the quiet power of the Cressa and Cerulia, I loved the political intrigue, I loved the fast pace. I really enjoyed the multiple narrative perspectives, and that we got to see through the eyes of the bad guys too.

This story is pretty vast, with a lot of sub plots. It is definitely high fantasy and with a lot of scope, and I am very excited to see where the next three books take us.

I think that my favourite arc was that of Cressa. I loved her quiet power, her silent wrath, her underestimated braverly. She wasn't overtly powerful, and everyone thought her weak because of it, and I loved her character growth.

Cerulia is a bit of a mixed character for me. She is the main focus, and I found it hard to remember at times how young she is. I thought her character development very natural and well considered. The change in environment and circumstances had an effect on her that I didn't even realise until the end and I thought it was very clever. She's displaced at a young age, naive, and dumbing herself down to hide her identity, and that takes its toll. I think some readers might think her stupid, but I saw her as a product of what happened. She has so much potential and I'm excited to see it explored.

I found myself referring a lot to the map in the front of the book so remind myself of the breadth of events. This is not a small world, and so much of it is explored in the pages.

I have already pre-ordered The Queen of Raiders for next month!

A Queen in Hiding has been touted as perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Victoria Aveyard, Kendare Blake, Sarah J Mass and Kristin Cashore. And you know what? Yes.

Favourite Quote

News of distant places was accepted on par with a thunderstorm seen off in the distance - a far-off disturbance that would blow over before it touched them.

My 2020 Bullet Journal Set Up

It's been a long time coming, but between Christmas and New Year I binged YouTube videos, scrolled Instagram for hours, begged for tips on Twitter, and started a bullet journal. Yay? I don't know yet.

What I do know is that I had fun setting everything up. I got some sparkly gel pens and washi tape and a pretty dark blue Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebook (affiliate link) and got to work.

My notebook already has contents/index pages in the front and I'm going to use those. I plan on adding spreads as I go and this will make them easier to find again.

And the result..? Well, this is what I have so far.

TITLE PAGE

I'm not very artsy and wanted something simple, so I just scribbled the year in, wrote a wee quote, and went to town with my washi tape! I guess it'll do? I'm happy enough with it, even if it isn't terribly fancy.

GRIDS AND GUIDES

I'd seen this in a few videos and thought it was super helpful! It's not complete as of yet, I'll add to it as I go and find what works for me. It has been very handy for drawing out spreads.

KEY

I kind of winged it with the key, and so it's not really "proper" for a bullet journal I guess, but I think it'll fit my purposes.

YEAR AT A GLANCE

I have pretty much combined Year at a Glance and Future Log - I don't think I have a need for both of them. I enjoy this page.

2020 GOALS

I usually don't set resolutions, but I couldn't help it. Some of these are pretty much just for fun, others are pretty serious and will take some work. I'm excited for some of these!

BLOG POST IDEAS

Usually I will just draft blog ideas straight into a post, but then if I don't use it it gets buried. This way I can keep track of any ideas as they come to me.

A YEAR IN PIXELS

I only just picked my colours on New Years Day, but I think this'll look pretty once I'm done! I'm tracking a lot of feelings and emotions in this, and I think it'll give me a good idea of how I generally feel. Maybe I'll be surprised.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

This is something I'm very excited to start using! Whenever I open a new product I'll put in the start date, and then when it's all used up I'll put in the finish date. Then I can look at what I'm consuming and work out if there are any alternatives that last longer or are more environmentally friendly.

THINGS TO CHECK OUT

I'm terrible for being recommended things and adding books to my TBR or shows to my Watch List and then never getting round to them, because they're buried among all the stuff that I thought looked vaguely interesting. I'm looking to fill this spread with Books, TV Shows, Films and Podcasts, so throw recommendations at me.

So my journal is pretty much a work in progress. 

Book Beginnings: A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff

For Book Beginnings, Rose City Reader invites us to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

For Friday 56, Freda's Voice asks you to turn to Page 56 in your book or 56% on your e-reader and pick a sentence.

I am currently reading A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff (gifted copy).

Four catamounts stalk the Throne Room, their black tipped tails scribbling unease in the stuffy air. They linger near the Dedication Fountain, lapping the water that spills down to the pool.

So first off, I was sent a free review copy of A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff. It landed through the door mid-way through December but I was already reading Christmas books and then taking a wee break from reading. I did however read the press release straight away and I was very excited to pick this up - it's part of a The Nine Realms quartet of books by Sarah Kozloff that are going to be published one each month between January and April. I think it's a marvellous idea and I can't wait to binge the series.

I love these first lines - I love that we're straight into the fantasy and the world. I really like the writing style, and this makes me eager to read more. I can picture it well already and not going to lie, I'm imagining something a little like the throne room in Guild Wars 2. Guess what I've been playing recently.

I also love the cover, how gorgeous and dramatic is it?!

She sat up in bed, still sleep-drugged. Cerulia felt a pressure on her mind, something akin to wings beating against a closed window. She "opened" the window, and Aki spoke to her for the first time. Danger, he sent.

This is from page 56 in my review copy, so likely won't match up with ebooks and finished copies!

But wow. I am so addicted to this story now. This is relatively near to the beginning of the book - A Queen in Hiding is around 500 pages so it's not a short read. I find that I'm reading it very fast though, the writing style really drives the pace and I love the characterisation.

Things are really amping up, and I feel that we're at the first turning point in the story. The urgency of the situation at hand is amazing, and it's all in the way it's written.

I can't wait to binge-read this entire series and I'm excited to see what The Nine Realms holds.

What are you reading this week?

Read my Book Review of A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff.

My 2020 Goals

I don't tend to set out resolutions as such - doing that tends to set myself up for failure and that isn't the best way to start a new year. Nevertheless, I am going in to a new decade with some things I'd like to accomplish.

So here are some of my goals going forward...

Keep up a Bullet Journal

It's always something I've wanted to do, and something I've liked the look of. I spend hours gazing at other people's spreads and marvelling at their organisation. And now I'm going to try it myself. For me there is another layer to it as well - I want to keep better track of my general health and MS symptoms. I see a specialist every four months and I've invariably forgot what it's been like since I last saw them, and having it documented in a journal will definitely be a huge help. It'll also let me spot triggers and trends. So I have a pretty dark blue Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebook.

Try More Gin

This is just for fun, really. I love most gins (there are a few big brand exceptions. Blergh) and yet I often find myself drinking the same few over and over. As much as I love Caorunn and Steampunk, I  feel like I should give more small distilleries a go.

Read More Mindfully

I have a tendency to get caught up in reading and just read. I set myself challenges and fret over my TBR. I end up not enjoying reading as much when I get to the end of the year, and it leads to slumps throughout the year. I took a complete break from reading between Christmas and New Year because of this. This year, I want to be more thoughtful about what I read and read only what I truly want to. Wish me luck!

Love Myself

This is the big one, the one that will take most of my time and focus. And yet, I can't wait. There will be lots of little things that play into this, like generally trying to be more positive and optimistic. I am filling my Instagram feed with body positive beauties, so if you have any recommendations then please let me know!

What are your goals for 2020?