Thursday, 11 April 2019

Review: A Curse So Dark and Lonely (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

An instant New York Times Best Seller! In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse. 

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom. 

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.



-- Goodreads.com description --

First of all, I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I didn't end up reading the e-arc and purchased the book when it came out because I have trouble reading pdf-files.

I was in a huge reading slump when I started read A Curse So Dark and Lonely but I couldn't put this book down! I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the characters and I'm always drawn to retellings and Beauty and the Beast ones are my favourite.

Brigid Kemmerer's writing style is really captivating and got me hooked from the very first chapter. There are two main character Harper and Rhen who get their own point of view. I hope to read more about Grey soon, another interesting character we meet right at the beginning of the story. Harper is a very strong female character and even though her weaknesses are explored it does not diminish her in the least.

The magical elements were amazing. I wouldn't mind living in that enchanted castle, I especially liked the kitchen (food just magically appears!) and Harper's room. 

The book has some surprising and interesting twists and an incredible ending!

A Curse So Dark and Lonely is a fun and captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I adored it! So excited to read the sequel! I highly recommend this book and I gave it 5 stars! And that in combination with a spectacular cover!




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


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Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Review: Loading Penguin Hugs: Heartwarming Comics from Chibird by Jacqueline Chen



Where do you turn to when you need a pick-me-up on a bad day? Loading Penguin Hugs is here to add a big boost of positivity to your life. The book is loaded with Jacqueline Chen’s motivational Chibird comics and illustrations. Every page offers cute and creative perspectives on topics, such as self-esteem, mental health, and getting through tough times.

Loading Penguin Hugs combines adorable illustrations with wholesome messages to cheer you on. Expressions like “You are not a failure. You are still growing!” provide encouragement and promote healthy mindsets. Chen’s chubby penguins, hedgehogs, Chibirds, and friends of all shapes put a smile on anyone’s face, and they’ve already made millions smile on Instagram, Tumblr, and GIPHY.

Loading Penguin Hugs is full of brand-new Chibird comics alongside popular favorites. The book comes with two bonus pages of cute exclusive stickers, and the cover features a special silver foil detail!

This inspiring book is perfect for new and old Chibird fans. Chen and her animal friends are ready to brighten anyone’s day, one comic at a time.

-- Goodreads.com description --


First of all, I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this comic a couple of months ago but didn't find the time to review it. I didn't know anything about Jacqueline Chen in advance but I quite enjoyed Loading Penguin HugsAt first, I didn't realise this was a collection of comics and not a story. 

The comics were cute, motivational and fun to read. I will definitely check out more of Chen's work in the future! The comics were indeed heart-warming and I read this at the right time. Everyone can use a motivational penguin every once in a while.

Later, I actually saw one of Chen's penguin on an English exam made by a colleague wishing her students good luck. 

This collection is one I would like to reread every time I'm in the need of a penguin hug. I highly recommend it and I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars!



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


If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!

Can't Wait Wednesday: Vow of Thieves (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. It's based on Waiting On Wednesday hosted at Breaking the Spine.

Warning! Spoilers book one Dance of Thieves below!

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.

-- Goodreads.com description -- 




I finished Dance of Thieves this weekend and I enjoyed it. I also adore the Remnant Chronicles (each book was so better than the previous one) so I'm really looking forward to reading what will have next! Last but not least, these covers are divine! For that reason alone, I would purchase this book :)

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


Which books are you excited to read? Recommendations are always welcome!

If you enjoyed this post, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday, 7 April 2019

Sunday Post #59


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

Life

Easter break is here! I'm so happy to have time to read again! I also bought a lot of books this week, which you will see pop up on my Instagram feed and future book hauls.

I went to Facts (Flemish Comic Con) yesterday and it was fun but I'm starting to get a little bit bored at these conventions, especially if the panels are not entertaining. The only highlight was the Q&A of Jason Isaacs, all the others were so boring one of my friends fell asleep.

Blog and books


I've just finished Dance of Thieves, I did like the ending a lot, so I will read the sequel as well. I also read Starry Eyes this week which was fun!

Movies and TV Shows

I'm still watching Santa Clarita Diet and I watched Rain Man again, I've seen it multiple times before but I didn't remember much and it was fun to watch it again.

What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday, 31 March 2019

Sunday Post #58


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

Life

One more week and then Easter break will start! Last Monday, I got some sad news, I won't be able to finish this year as a Spanish teacher in evening classes because the teacher who I substituted will return and I'm so sad about that. This means I don't have part of a job after Easter. I do have a job interview on Friday but we'll have to wait and see how that goes.

Blog and books


I started Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson this week and I'm really enjoying it. The story moves at a slow pace and I hope to see more action in the future though.

I also posted a Can't Wait Wednesday post this week!

Movies and TV Shows


I started watching the third season of Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix and also watched Wonder and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle this weekend.



What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. It's based on Waiting On Wednesday hosted at Breaking the Spine.


The finale to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy, that started with The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, from award-winning author Holly Black.

After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watches her fair share of reality television, and does the odd job or two, including trying to convince a cannibalistic faerie from hunting her own in the mortal world.

When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking of a favor, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal.

When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and uncover how to break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.

-- Goodreads.com description -- 


I finished The Wicked King last week and I'm so excited to read the third book! This cover is my favourite so far although I adore them all! The colours are stunning!


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

Which books are you excited to read? Recommendations are always welcome!

If you enjoyed this post, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!

Sunday, 24 March 2019

Sunday Post #57


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (image above belongs to @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer). It’s a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 


Life

So, I believe I'm getting headaches caused by stress, it's a first and now I'm getting them all the time, it's so exhausting! Painkillers don't help much but when I'm calm and relaxed, I don't seem to have them. I hope to get over these soon!


Blog and books



I finished A Curse so Dark and Lonely and really enjoyed it! I also reread parts of The Cruel Prince and finished The Wicked King last night. It feels so good to read again!

I'm planning to write a review of A Curse so Dark and Lonely soon!

Movies and TV Shows





I didn't watch any TV shows or than De Mol (Flemish tv show called The Mole). I'm not as intrigued as other years, maybe because I don't have as much time as I used to have.

I did watch one film, Lady Bird and really liked it!


What did you read or watch recently?

As always please leave some recommendations on what I should read or watch next! 

If you enjoyed this review, please follow me on Bloglovin'TwitterInstagram, TVShowTime and Goodreads! I would really appreciate it!



Have a wonderful day everyone!