Stacking the Shelves: New Year's Eve Book Haul

Stacking the Shelves is a meme co-hosted by Reading Reality and Tynga's Reviews. Each week bloggers share the books they got. These are the books I received on New Year's Eve from my family!

1. Middlemarch by George Eliot

I've heard great things about George Eliot and I can't wait to read one of her books! Middlemarch is quite intimidating, though! My parents got me this wonderful Penguin clothbound edition!

2. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

I've only read A Christmas Carol by Dickens but I hope to change that soon!

3. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

I've heard good things about this book, so I'm eager to read it, because MAGICIANS!

4. A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab

Yes, I've already read this series and yes I already own two copies of this book, but I just couldn't resist adding this gorgeous collector's edition on my wishlist!

5. The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy #1) by Katherine Arden

I finally got my hands on this book! I've been wanting to read it since it came out! 

They also got me the Dunkirk DVD! Haven't seen it yet, but really excited to do so!


Which books did you recently get? Have you read any of the books mentioned above or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!

Review: 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.

-- Goodreads.com description -- 

I was so excited to read this book: gorgeous cover, (evil) fairies, interesting world, etc. However, this is one of the biggest disappointments of the year for me. 

What I liked about this book:

- I liked the atmosphere, Rogerson's descriptions of the world and the seasons is entertaining. I could immediately envision everything.

- I liked that the book was about fairies who you couldn't always trust. They were intriguing and creepy at the same time.

- I liked most of the secondary characters like Lark and Gadfly


What I disliked about An Enchantment of Ravens:

- Isobel is such an annoying protagonist, I almost clawed my eyes out because I got so frustrated with her! You could definitely say, Isobel and I didn't click. Especially her "inner voice", her thoughts and her narrating voice were excruciating for me to read. She was way too naive but sometimes was portrayed as an absolute genius. 

- That brings me to Rook, while I initially found him intriguing, I quickly started getting annoyed by him as well.

I feel that both Rook and Isobel could have been further developed. To me, they didn't feel like real characters.

- The romance. I love romantic stories and I picked up An Enchantment of Ravens to read a good romance story. The romance is definitely the main storyline of the book but I felt so underwhelmed by it. Even though, they don't declare their feelings for each for a time, it did feel like insta love to me. At no point did I think that the romance was developing well. Suddenly they declare their love out of nowhere (or at least, that's how I see it).

- I believe this book could have benefited so much from getting a few more drafts in order to develop the characters and the romance better.


All in all, I gave this book two out of five stars. I'm so disappointed, the cover is certainly not worth it to buy this book. I don't recommend this book at all, in fact I'm looking for a way to get rid of my copy (which is something I almost never do).


Have you read this book or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!

Stacking the Shelves: May Book Haul Part 2

Stacking the Shelves is co-hosted by Reading Reality and Tynga's Reviews. Each week bloggers post the books they purchased or received. Last week I posted the first part of my May book haul which you can find here. This is the second part of my May book haul because I got way too many books last month... I just couldn't resist, you know how that is, right?

1. Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh

I got this one in my Fairyloot box and it is one of my most anticipated books of the year! I hope to get to it soon!

2. A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

This was my most anticipated book and sadly I felt really disappointed. You can find my review here.

The next four books I got from the bookdepository for 20 euros, which I think is a pretty great bargain!

3. Traitor's Blade (Greatcoats #1) by Sebastien de Castell 

I've had this book on my radar for a while and when I saw it on the bookdepository for less than six euros, I couldn't resist buying it.

4. The Veil (Devil's Isle #1) by Chloe Neill

5. The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld

I've heard good things about this one! Can't wait to read it!

6. Pomfret Towers (Barsetshire #6) by Angela Thirkell

I've been wanting to read an Angela Thirkell book for a while now. This is the sixth book in a series though. Can anyone tell me if I need to read the others first?


I also got five e-books last month! I've been craving some romance novels lately, you can definitely leave some recommendations below!

7. Don't Stop Me Now by Colleen Coleman

I actually got approved to read this on Netgalley but back then I didn't realize I had to download it before it disappeared. And it did disappear, so when I saw the e-book for less than 3 euros, I got it without thinking twice! I'll be reviewing this one soon!

8. Bully (Fall Away #1) by Penelope Douglas

I got these Penelope Douglas books because I watched PeaceLoveBooksxo on Youtube recommending them often. And they were cheap.

9. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas 

10. Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After #1) by Tessa Dare

I actually really enjoyed this one! I'll be reading more of this author in the future! I decided to try these out after watching April from Aprilius Maximus on Youtube talking about it.

11. If I Only Had a Duke (The Disgraceful Dukes #2) by Lenora Bell 

Once again on the recommendation of Jessica from PeaceLoveBooksxo.


Which books did you get recently? Have you read any of these books or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!

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Stacking the Shelves: April Book Haul

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Each week bloggers post the books they purchased or received. These are the books I got in April:

1. The Emperor's Blades (Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne) by Brian Staveley

I've heard great things about this book and I can't wait to read it!

2. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

3. Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

4. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

5. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

North and South is one of my favourite classics and so I decided to get this pretty edition. I also love the BBC adaptation and I highly recommend both of them!

6. Evelina by Frances Burney

I also got a couple of e-books this month:

7. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett 

I already read and reviewed this book, really enjoyed it!

8. The Girl of Fire and Thorns Complete Collection (Fire and Thorns 0.5-3) by Rae Carson

I found this on kobo.com for less than 9 euros, so I just couldn't resist getting this trilogy and all the novella's. I haven't read anything by Rae Carson yet, but I'm looking forward to starting this series!

Finally, I went to one of my favourite bookstores in Ghent, called Limerick.

9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

I've heard a lot of great things about this classics and I've wanted to read it for quite some time, so when I saw it in the bookstore, I decided to get it without hesitation.

10. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Yes, I already read this one, but I need it for an assignment and the copy of my local library has been unavailable for some time now, so I decided to get it and 

Which books did you get this month? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Leave your thoughts down below!

Review: Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) 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.

-- Goodreads.com description --

This book, this book, this book... Wow! That's the only word I can use to truly describe the wonder that is Strange the Dreamer. If you believed The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy was amazing, think again, because Laini Taylor's newest book is so far above all other young adult novels I read this year, if not of all time.

I started reading this book without knowing anything about it, aside from the fact Laini Taylor wrote it, which was enough information for me. I would definitely recommend going into it as blind as possible. That's also why I won't give a lot of details from the plot.

All I will say is that the characters are absolutely amazing, Lazlo is an awesome protagonist and you will fall in love with him and his story from the very first chapter. That said, there are also characters you will loathe, like Minya. Laini Taylor definitely knows how to craft a perfect story, with toe-curling antagonists, beautiful cities and dreamy love stories. You will definitely be able to tell this is a Laini Taylor book.

And then, there is the ending. I can't wait to see how things will turn out after this, the tables have turned, the sides have been chosen and I have no idea how it will turn out. I'm anxious to see my favourite characters again and find out how their story will unfold.

A final thing I want to mention, is the beautiful cover design. I got this book in the March fairyloot box and it has blue pages, a printed signature and drawings by Laini Taylor. It was nice to start figuring out the significance of the cover and the colour blue. It's a very nice touch!

Obviously, I gave Strange the Dreamer 5 out of 5 stars! I cannot coherently express all the emotions I feel after reading it, but one word sums it up quite nicely: WOW! I believe everyone would enjoy reading this book, young or old, it doesn't matter. Now go buy and read the book, because this one is the one you won't want to miss out on!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week bloggers post their top ten on a previously suggested topic. This week's topic is top ten books you want to read in spring. Some books I already own, others still need to be released or I just still need to get my hands on! I'm really excited about all of them!


1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

2. Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renee Ahdieh

A gorgeous cover and described as a Mulan retelling? Please take my money! I'm really looking forward to reading this one! Especially, since I enjoyed The Wrath and the Dawn so much!

3. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Even though I'm not a fan of young adult contemporary books, I'm looking forward to this one! It sounds so cute!

4. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Since I loved reading The Blind Assassin and I've been wanting to pick up another Atwood book! As this particular book is being adapted into a TV show, I truly have to read it now!

5. Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor 

I barely know what this book is about, however, I love Laini Taylor's writing, so I'll pick up whatever she publishes next!

6. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

This book is stunning! I've heard great things and it's selected for the Baileys Prize, so of course now I've got to read it!

7. A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

This is happening! I swear!

8. Hunted by Meagan Spooner 

I can never read too many Beauty and the Beast retellings, so I'm adding this one to my TBR!

9. A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas

One of my most anticipated books this year!


Which books are you planning to read in spring? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Leave your thoughts down below!

Huge End of 2016 Book Haul

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Each week bloggers post the books they purchased or received. This is my December book haul. Some books I bought myself and others I received as gifts for Christmas or New Year's Eve.

These are the one I got myself:

1. Heartless by Marissa Meyer 

Sooo excited about this book! I got the hardcover and it's simply stunning! The Lunar Chronicles is one of my favourite series and I can't wait to read Wires and Nerve!

2. Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo 

3. Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo 

I'm really excited to read this duology!

4. The Girl in 6E (Deanna Madden #1) by A.R. Torre

I've heard some good things about this book and while this is totally not my genre, I am excited to read it!

5. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

I've heard so much about Shirley Jackson, and the book I decided to read first! Can't wait!



This month I also decided to order an Owlcrate box and because I just couldn't get enough of subscription boxes, I ordered FairyLoot as well.


6. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

This hardcover was in my Owlcrate box. I'm a little disappointed because I've heard some pretty bad reviews about this one and I feel that doesn't go well with the theme of the box, which was 'epic'. If you want to know more about this box, please let me know in the comments.

7. Flashfall (Flashfall #1) by Jenny Moyer

As you can see above, this book was in my FairyLoot box :) absolutely love this subscription box! I actually couldn't resist and ordered the January box as well, because "Treat yo self"! :p

I actually haven't heard much about this book but I'm excited to get to it! I'm hoping to read it in January!

8. City of Thieves by David Benioff

I got this book from my uncle as a Christmas present together with a dvd of Fargo!



This year I also participated in the Secret Santa project hosted by the blog The Broke and Bookish! It was absolutely awesome! My Secret Santa is lovely 
girl from Sweden! She got me some Swedish sweets and chocolate and needless to say they were delicious and totally gone already! :p

She also got me the following books!

9. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
10. Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1) by Rae Carson

Really excited about all of them! Thank you again Kimberly! You are amazing!


My family actually exchanges the most gifts on New Year's Eve, I got some fantastic books from my parents (thanks dad!), my grandparents and my great-aunt.

11. How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

12. Giant Days, Vol. 1 by John Allison (Author), Lissa Treiman (Illustrator), Whitney Cogar (Colors)

13. The Trouble With Women by Jacky Fleming

14. You (You #1) by Caroline Kepnes 

15. The Black Prism (Lightbringer #1) by Brent Weeks

16. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

17. The Warded Man (The Demon Cycle #1) by Peter V. Brett

I'm really excited about all of these! I actually didn't expect I'd receive so many books this year, so I'm really pleased! 

Which books did you get in December? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Or are you planning to? Leave your thoughts down below!

Stacking the Shelves: October Book Haul

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Each week bloggers post the books they purchased or received. These are the books I got in the month of October:


1. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

I borrowed this book from my friend and after finishing it, I need to read the rest of the series asap and decided to buy the trilogy after all. Sadly required university reading got in the way of reading the second book, but I hope to get to it soon! Love these covers, by the way!

2. Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

3. In The Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken

4. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess 

Even though I heard some mixed reviews, I decided to get this one, mainly because someone told me there is Mr. Darcy-like character. I really hope that turns out to be true because otherwise I'll definitely be disappointed.


5. Adulthood Is a Myth (Sarah's Scribbles) by Sarah Andersen

I've been wanting to buy this comic for some time and finally decided to get it. I've already read it, and it's amazing! So relatable!


6. Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 
and illustrated by Marie Lu

Currently reading this one, as it is one of my most anticipated books this year! Marie Lu's illustrations are incredible!


Which books did you get recently? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Let me know down below!