30 April 2020

Am Reading - The Return

Another reread of a JLA fav!

Yes I know there's a newer cover...


The Return - Titan #1
by Jennifer L. Armentrout




What they say: It's been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they've given him have been violent and bloody--which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He's got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet. 

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy's deal might be, but it's a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.


Head here for more info and other cover editions!

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29 April 2020

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes


Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes
by Roshani Chokshi






What they say: 
War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.

During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.

Careful what you wish for, Aru.

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28 April 2020

Coming Soon - Thank You, Baked Potato

Thank You, Baked Potato
by Matt Lucas and illustrated by Scott Coello




What they say: Matt Lucas’s chart-storming charity song, ‘Thank You, Baked Potato’, is now a laugh-out-loud picture book – perfect for self-isolation storytime! 

All profits go to FeedNHS, providing hot meals for thousands of critical care workers in NHS hospitals across the UK.

“Wash your hands! Stay indoors! Only visit grocery stores!”

Stay safe, protect others AND support the NHS during lockdown … with help from one very wise Baked Potato!

Created by award-winning comedian Matt Lucas to raise money for FeedNHSThank You, Baked Potato is now a laugh-out-loud picture book, offering important guidance for all the family … plus plenty of self-isolation fun!

More info:
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27 April 2020

Gimme Gimme Gimme - House of Dragons

Ooh!!!

House of Dragons #1
by Jessica Cluess



What they say: Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win?

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....

THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.

THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.

THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.

THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.

THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne. 

Due for release 12th May 2020 by Random House for Young Readers

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26 April 2020

YA Coming Soon - The Betrothed

I always change my mind about Kiera's selection series - it's basically The Bachelor for teens set in a mythical land. Sometimes I love the YA angst and drama and others I want to shout at the characters, so I'm expecting something similar for The Betrothed and to be honest I can't wait. Bring it on!!

The Betrothed #1
by Kiera Cass





Coming 5th May 2020 (US)

What they say: When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.
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25 April 2020

Am reading - The Gilded Wolves Roshani Chokshi


The Gilded Wolves #1
by Roshani Chokshi






What they say: No one believes in them. But soon no one will forget them.

It's 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To hunt down the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin calls upon a band of unlikely experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian banished from his home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in arms if not blood.

Together, they will join Séverin as he explores the dark, glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the course of history--but only if they can stay alive.
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24 April 2020

New Release - The Silence of Bones

The Silence of Bones
by June Hur




What they say: I have a mouth, but I mustn't speak;
Ears, but I mustn't hear;
Eyes, but I mustn't see.

1800, Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned sixteen-year-old Seol is living out the ancient curse: “May you live in interesting times.” Indentured to the police bureau, she’s been tasked with assisting a well-respected young inspector with the investigation into the politically charged murder of a noblewoman.

As they delve deeper into the dead woman's secrets, Seol forms an unlikely bond of friendship with the inspector. But her loyalty is tested when he becomes the prime suspect, and Seol may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.

But in a land where silence and obedience are valued above all else, curiosity can be deadly.

June Hur's elegant and haunting debut The Silence of Bones is a bloody tale perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Renée Ahdieh.

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23 April 2020

Review - Slime

Slime
by David Walliams





What they say: The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.

WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH…

This little island is home to a large number of horrible grown-ups. The school, the local park, the toy shop and even the island’s ice-cream van are all run by awful adults who like nothing more than making children miserable. And the island is owned by the most awful one of all – Aunt Greta Greed!

Something needs to be done about them.
But who could be brave enough?
Meet Ned – an extraordinary boy with a special power. 

SLIMEPOWER!

More info!


What I say: I'm a big kid when it comes to DW books! Every child I know seems to love playing with slime. DW has tapped into their minds and written another brilliantly mad, fun and hilarious story with Ned and Slime!

As with every DW book there is a deeper meaning, a sense of righting a wrong and championing the underdog and why not?! DW is always so on the mark with representation and diversity, he manages to confront issues but in a way children will comprehend and can dream they too can overcome adversity and be the hero of their own story. He also pokes fun at some of his own stereotypes - Raj the newsagent?!

I loved seeing Ned's and Jemima's relationship change as Ned finds his courage and has one heck of an adventure. Jemima becomes a better sister and Slime is well fab! Slime reminded me of a modern-day Mary Poppins (it makes sense when you read it).

The illustrations are fab and I'm looking out for a Walliamson dictionary - Keep up the the good work DW!

5 Stars in my Sky!

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22 April 2020

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Sentinel

Another JLA reread! I've been rereading the entire Covenant series and am nearly at the end again!

Sentinel - Covenant #5
by Jennifer L. Armentrout






What they say: It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

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21 April 2020

Recent Release - A Girl from Nowhere

A Girl from Nowhere - The Firewall Trilogy #1
by James Maxwell




What they say: Surrounded by fire, a girl with mysterious powers and a young warrior search for safety.
Life in the wasteland is a constant struggle. No one knows it better than Taimin. Crippled, and with only his indomitable aunt to protect him, Taimin must learn to survive in a world scorched by two suns and frequented by raiders.
But when Taimin discovers his homestead ransacked and his aunt killed, he sets off with one mission: to seek revenge against those who stole everything. With nowhere to call home, his hunt soon takes a turn when he meets a mystic, Selena, who convinces him to join her search for the fabled white city. Taimin and Selena both need refuge, and the white city is a place where Taimin may find someone to heal his childhood injury.
As they avoid relentless danger, Taimin and Selena attempt to reach the one place that promises salvation. And they can only hope that the city is the haven they need it to be…



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20 April 2020

Am Reading - Little Book of Lists

This isn't my usual read, but decided to give it a go and I do love a list!

Mrs Hinch: The Little Book of Lists
by Mrs Hinch







What they say: Mrs Hinch's Little Book of Lists is the perfect way to organise your life! 

Welcome to your Little Book of Lists!
A whole book filled with just lists! Notebook goals!
My idea of absolute heaven!

As you all know, nothing helps me feel more organised than putting pen to paper and getting everything that's buzzing around my head down on to the page.

Inside you'll find loads of Hinch Lists and Fresh'n Up Fridays to help you plan your hinching, as well as Tadaa Lists which I love to look back on and feel proud of.

Nothing feels better than ticking off those boxes and putting down my crystal pen at the end of a productive day.

I really hope you'll find this Little Book of Lists, all together in one place, helpful!

Happy hinching, Hinchers!

Love, Mrs Hinch xx

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19 April 2020

Spotlight - The Lost Words

It's such a beautiful book that really strikes a cord...

Lost Words
by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris





What they say: From Acorn to Weasel: a gorgeous, hand-illustrated, large-format spellbook celebrating the magic and wonder of the natural world

All over the country, there are words disappearing from children's lives. Words like Dandelion, Otter, Bramble, Acorn and Lark represent the natural world of childhood, a rich landscape of discovery and imagination that is fading from children's minds.

The Lost Words stands against the disappearance of wild childhood. It is a joyful celebration of the poetry of nature words and the living glory of our distinctive, British countryside. With acrostic spell-poems by peerless wordsmith Robert Macfarlane and hand-painted illustrations by Jackie Morris, this enchanting book captures the irreplaceable magic of language and nature for all ages.


Buy here!
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18 April 2020

Review - Havenfall

Havenfall
by Sara Holland




What they say: A safe haven between four realms. The girl sworn to protect it -- at any cost.



Hidden deep in the mountains of Colorado lies the Inn at Havenfall, a sanctuary that connects ancient worlds -- each with their own magic -- together. For generations, the inn has protected all who seek refuge within its walls, and any who disrupt the peace can never return.

For Maddie Morrow, summers at the inn are more than a chance to experience this magic first-hand. Havenfall is an escape from reality, where her mother sits on death row accused of murdering Maddie's brother. It's where Maddie fell in love with handsome Fiorden soldier Brekken. And it's where one day she hopes to inherit the role of Innkeeper from her beloved uncle.

But this summer, the impossible happens--a dead body is found, shattering everything the inn stands for. With Brekken missing, her uncle gravely injured, and a dangerous creature on the loose, Maddie suddenly finds herself responsible for the safety of everyone in Havenfall. She'll do anything to uncover the truth, even if it means working together with an alluring new staffer Taya, who seems to know more than she's letting on. As dark secrets are revealed about the inn itself, one thing becomes clear to Maddie--no one can be trusted, and no one is safe...


Add to Goodreads



What I say: The main thing I liked about Havenfall was the concept or a meeting point connecting worlds. I've spent many holidays and a couple of ski seasons out in the French mountains and there are several old-world hotels where you can be up a mountain with France one side, Italy on another and Switzerland to the other. There's one particular hotel or resort inn that reminds me of Havenfall, with other countries rather than worlds. There is something about the premise that really connected with me.

The worlds in question are Earth or here Haven, Byrn, Fiordenkill and the closed world Solaria. Havenfall is the inn or meeting point located in a mountain resort in America where the worlds meet and characters from the universes/dimensions/worlds come to trade and negotiate. Solaria has been closed off due to previous events... 

Maddie spends her summers at the inn and hopes to take over from her uncle one day. This summer doesn't go to plan and Maddie finds herself in charge, solving a mystery and trying to stop war from breaking out. There is romance and a hint of a love triangle but not too much, it really isn't the focus which is nice!

I'm not going to say too much about the other characters because I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that I liked meeting all the various delegates and had my doubts about a certain person from Byrn. I would like to see more development in the next instalment. I didn't feel as though we got to know much about Maddie and the characters. We get insights into her past trauma as more and more secrets are revelled but she's still a mystery. Can we have more on a certain soldier next time please?! Also an entire book on the antics of The Heiress? 

A promising start and fun world building!

4 Stars in my Sky!

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17 April 2020

Coming Soon - Chelsea High

Chelsea High
by Jenny Oliver




What they say: London’s most exclusive high school has opened its doors and invites you into the lives, loves and friendships of Chelsea’s bright, young elite…

Growing up in a houseboat and spending her days at the family’s vintage market stall, Norah Whittaker’s upbringing has been far from glamorous. However, when her dad’s latest get-rich-quick plan leads to his arrest, Norah’s world is turned upside down and her grandparents enrol her at the exclusive Chelsea High. Norah quickly learns that polo lessons, ski trips and parties photographed by Tatler come at a price – namely the unwelcome attention of Instagram sensation, and class queen bee, Coco Summers.
Due for release May 2020
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16 April 2020

Review - From Blood and Ash

I love the change in direction from JLA with this high fantasy!

From Blood and Ash #1
by Jennifer L. Armentrout




What they say: Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is an addictive and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa. 



A Maiden…
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…
The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…
Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.



What I say: A JLA high fantasy, what's not to love?! Imagine all the usual JLA wit, inspiring and hilarious heroine, infuriating but awesome hero with bundles of swagger, combined with some pretty outstanding world building and you haven't even started to delve into From Blood and Ash

Reading the blurb I wasn't sure I'd like Poppy because lets be honest a trapped Maiden has the potential to be annoying and whiny, but luckily JLA has us covered and Poppy is brilliantly witty and kinda bad ass from the start. She's extremely loyal and I loved her rebellious side.

Hawke has everything a JLA hero should have, in that he's snarky, fierce, confident, and oh so swoon worthy. He's also kind and protective and is hiding vulnerability and a broken past. I certainly wouldn't mess with him.

It's a high fantasy so we get lots of detail about the location and battles. I could picture a certain dagger and almost hear the battle cries across the Rise. Eye roll to the Duke!

I loved the world building. I've read several stories including a variety of versions of the Atlantian myth but this is something different. We have the Ascended, the Craven, the Descenters, the Gods and Poppy! 

Twists, turns and betrayals keep Poppy and the reader guessing and oh the ENDING!!!

5 Stars in my Sky!



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15 April 2020

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Slime

It's slime time!

Slime
by David Walliams





What they say: The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH…


This little island is home to a large number of horrible grown-ups. The school, the local park, the toy shop and even the island’s ice-cream van are all run by awful adults who like nothing more than making children miserable. And the island is owned by the most awful one of all – Aunt Greta Greed!


Something needs to be done about them.


But who could be brave enough?


Meet Ned – an extraordinary boy with a special power. 

SLIMEPOWER!

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14 April 2020

Coming Soon - Good Girl, Bad Blood

Gotta love a sequel!

Good Girl, Bad Blood - A Good Girl's Guide to Murder #2
by Holly Jackson





What they say: Pip Fitz-Amobi is not a detective any more.

With the help of Ravi Singh, she released a true-crime podcast about the murder case they solved together last year. The podcast has gone viral, yet Pip insists her investigating days are behind her.

But she will have to break that promise when someone she knows goes missing. Jamie Reynolds has disappeared but the police won’t do anything about it. And if they won’t look for Jamie then Pip will, uncovering more of her town’s dark secrets along the way… and this time EVERYONE is listening. But will she find him before it’s too late?

Scheduled release 30th April (may change)

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13 April 2020

Coming Soon - Time of Our Lives

Time of Our Lives
by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegmund-Broka




What they say: A boy desperate to hold on, a girl ready to let go.

Fitz Holton waits in fear for the day his single mother's early-onset Alzheimer's starts stealing her memory. He's vowed to stay close to home to care for her in the years to come--never mind the ridiculous college tour she's forcing him on to visit schools where he knows he'll never go. Juniper Ramirez is counting down the days until she can leave home, a home crowded with five younger siblings and zero privacy. Against the wishes of her tight-knit family, Juniper plans her own college tour of the East Coast with one goal: get out.

When Fitz and Juniper cross paths on their first college tour in Boston, they're at odds from the moment they meet-- while Juniper's dying to start a new life apart for her family, Fitz faces the sacrifices he must make for his. Their relationship sparks a deep connection--in each other's eyes, they glimpse alternate possibilities regarding the first big decision of their adult lives. 

Time of Our Lives is a story of home and away, of the wonder and weight of memory, of outgrowing fears and growing into the future.


Due for US release 21st April 2020 from Penguin Books
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12 April 2020

Easter Read - Mr. Impossible and the Easter Egg Hunt

Happy Easter lovelies

Mr. Impossible and the Easter Egg Hunt 
(Mr. Men & Little Miss Celebrations) 
by Roger Hargreaves




What they say: Mr Impossible is organising an Easter egg hunt for all the Mr Men and Little Miss and he is hiding the eggs in the most impossible places ...Some are so high that only Mr Tall can find them and some so low and cleverly hidden that Mr Small will need to be called. But it is Mr Nobody who manages to find the most difficult egg of all - the invisible egg! Packed with Easter fun from beginning to end.

Too cute!

Happy Egg Hunting (inside or in your gardens of course).

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