Review #115 - Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

Details:

Title: Muse of Nightmares

Author: Laini Taylor

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN 13: 978-1444789034

Synopsis:

Sarai has lived and breathed nightmares since she was six years old.
She believed she knew every horror, and was beyond surprise.
She was wrong.

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 the 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?

Review:

Review #114 - These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch

Details:

Title: These Rebel Waves

Author: Sara Raasch

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN 13: 978-0062471505

Synopsis:

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Agrid, a country ruled by religion.

But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he scavenges the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

Review:

Review #113 - Knight's Shadow by Sebastien de Castell

Details:

Title: Knight's Shadow

Author: Sebastien de Castell

Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books

ISBN 13: 978-1782066781

Synopsis:

The Greatcoats have found the heir to the throne . . . but now they must keep her alive, against all the odds.

Falcio Val Mond has completed the final task given to him by the late King Paelis: he has found the King's Charoites (well, one at least). But his task isn't over, and now he, Kest and Brasti must protect the girl from those her want her dead.

That would be simple enough, if it weren't for the renegade Knights and legendary Dashini assassins, getting in their way, not to mention the Dukes, who are desperate to hold on to their power at any cost, or Trin, the merciless daughter of the ruthless Duke of Rijou and the cruel Duchess of Hervor, who is determined to be Queen of Tristia. Of course, the fact that the heir to the throne is thirteen years old doesn't help, nor the fact that every day brings Falcio closer to dying from the poison running through his veins.

And then there is the Greatcoats Lament . . .

Review:

Review #112 - Jinxed by Amy McCulloch

Details:

Title: Jinxed

Author: Amy McCulloch

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN 13: 978-1471169960

Synopsis:

Lacey Chu has big dreams of working for the company behind the  'baku' - a customizable smart pet that functions as a phone but makes the perfect companion for its user. The only problem is, she's just been rejected from Profectus Academy - the elite academy for cutting-edge tech. 

Then Lacey meets Jinx... Jinx is an incredibly advanced cat baku who opens up a world that Lacey never new existed, including entry into the hallowed halls of Profectus. But what is Jinx, really? His abilities far surpass anything written into his coded. He seems to be more than just a robotic pet.

He seems ... real.

Review:

Most anticipated releases October - December 2018

As we head into Autumn I am going to be looking at my five most anticipated reads for the rest of the year. I did realise as I was writing this post that they are all sequels and in some cases the last in a duology or trilogy.

First up is Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor: (2nd October 2018 UK release)

This is the sequel to Strange the Dreamer which was a 5 star read for me last year and the first book by Laini Taylor I had ever read. I loved the whimsical yet emotional way she has of writing and cannot wait to see what is in store for both Sarai and Lazlo. 


Next up is Soulbinder by Sebastien de Castell: (4th October 2018 UK release)

The Spellslinger series is one of my favourite series, I've read and re-read the first three books a few times - both the physical copies and the audiobooks and each time I love them just as much as the first. It has everything you need from a great series; wonderful rich characters, a detailed world, wonderful side characters and the perfect mix of drama, comedy, action and adventure. I cannot wait to return to the books and see what trouble Kellen gets into next. 


A Storm of Ice and Stars by Lisa Lueddecke: (4th October 2018 UK release)

I really enjoyed A Shiver of Snow and Sky and when I heard there was another book coming out I was very excited. While this isn't a direct sequel I am still excited to go back to the world Lisa created and follow a new character who I am sure I am going to love just as much as I did Osa in Shiver.


This Cruel Design by Emily Suvada: (1st November 2018 UK release)

This Mortal Coil was another 5 star read for me last year, I actually have a little collection of the first book including both the UK and US ARCS as well as finished copies. I loved the world building and the cleverness of the whole idea and cannot wait to see what happens to Cat and Cole, especially after the shattering reveal at the end of Mortal Coil.


Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare: (4th December 2018 UK release)

 This is the final book in The Dark Artifices series by Cassandra Clare and I am dying to read it. After the heartbreak of the previous book I need to know how this series comes to a close and I hope my favourite characters survive unscathed until the very end. I am a big Shadowhunter fan and this series may well become my favourite of them all.

Review #111 - Magisterium: The Golden Tower by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Details:

Title: Magisterium: The Golden Tower

Author: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Corgi Children's

ISBN 13: 978-0552567756

Synopsis:

A generation ago, powerful mage Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt.

Facing up to what he is, Callum has battled chaos and evil across four years of magical training at the Magisterium, eventually defeating the armies of chaos in an epic battle.

It came at a cost.

Now, triumphant and heartbroken, Callum Hunt has just about had enough, and is ready to complete his training. But the evil Callum faced has not given up just yet . . .

Review:

Review #110 - Nightblood by Elly Blake

Details:

Title: Nightblood

Author: Elly Blake

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

ISBN 13: 978-1473635234

Synopsis:

Frost and fire have joined forces. Now, they must wage a war against darkness...

Ruby and Arcus face a more dangerous enemy than they could ever have imagined. Once Eurus opens the Gate of Light, darkness will be unleashed upon the world for all eternity.

The Frostbloods and Firebloods have formed a tentative alliance, and are now preparing for war - but Ruby is the only one who can prevent the catastrophe which is coming.

With the blood of night running in her veins, the line between good and evil becomes blurred. Ruby must be strong enough to face the darkness within - or else everyone she loves will be swallowed up by the night...

Review:

Review #109 - City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Details:

Title: City of Ghosts

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN 13: 978-1407192765

Synopsis:

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost. So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger. When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself. And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined. NYT bestselling author Victoria Schwab delivers a thrillingly spooky and action-packed tale of hauntings, history, mystery, and the bond between friends (even if that friend is a ghost . . .)

Review:

Review #108 - Saga vol 8 by Brian K Vaughan

Details:

Title: Saga vol 8

Author: Brian K Vaughan

Publisher: Image Comics

ISBN 13: 978-1534303492

Synopsis:

After the traumatic events of the War for Phang, Hazel, her parents and their surviving companions embark on a life-changing adventure at the edge of the universe.

Review:

NEWT's Magical Readathon Wrap Up

For the whole of August I took part in the NEWT's Magical Readathon.

(video explaining it all here)

The challenges I completed were as follows:

Arithmancy - Outstanding

Astronomy - Acceptable

Care of Magical Creatures - Outstanding

Charms - Exceeds Expectations

Divination - Outstanding

Herbology - Outstanding

Potions - Exceeds Expectations

For a more detailed explanation of what I read please click to read more :)