Queen of Books: January 2018

Sunday, 28 January 2018

Weekly Recap: 1/22 - 1/28

I have decided to start doing a weekly post called weekly recap where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

I managed to read another ARC which is amazing! I'm on top of it so far this year which is great. I also already wrote and posted a review for it. I had a three day weekend this past weekend which was helpful as it gave me a chance to rest.

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library:

Received for Review:

Friday, 26 January 2018

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton ARC Review

I received an eARC from Disney-Hyperion and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so so much! This is a spoiler free review.

The Belles

Written by Dhonielle Clayton

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Pages: 448

Source: ebook ARC provided by Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley

Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble Book Depository

Recommended Age: 13 and up!

Summary:

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision.

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

Review:

I requested this eARC on NetGalley and I was so excited when I got approved to read this ARC. The pretty cover is a coverup for the true monster that lies within the pages full of beautiful writing, makeup and description. I loved this book so much and I just want everyone to read it.

COVER

The cover is gorgeous plus having a woman of color on it is amazing! The cover deceives the reader into thinking this is a book about pretty things when it is really about the ugliness that hides underneath it all.

WORLD-BUILDING

I really liked the world-building in this novel as we didn't get too much all at once which eased us into the world. The Belles is set in the fictional world of Orléans where a small number of girls (Belles) are able to create beautiful/ugly looks of the paying customer's desire. Everyone else is born grey and color can only be given to them by the Belles. The Belles also are forbidden to associate with men beyond a professional capacity and they can't engage in consensual relationships. It's a fascinating concept and done in a truly magnificent way.

Then there are the characters.

CAMELLIA

Sixteen year old Camellia is a Belle and she has been trained from a young age to become the favorite who will serve the Queen of Orleans. She is competing with her five fellow Belles: Edelweiss, Padma, Valeria, Hana and Ambrosia. When a terrible occurance takes place, Camellia takes over her sister Ambrosia's job as the favorite for the Queen. Camellia, however, is unprepared for what that means. Camellia doesn't start out as a strong heroine because she's determined to be the favorite and please the Queen and her daughter. However, once she realizes the true nature of the princess, she starts to come into her own which I loved. I liked Camellia's strength and determination.

AUGUSTE

Auguste is the son of the Minister of the Seas and he takes a quick fascination to Camellia. Although she is aware that she is forbidden to engage with Auguste, she is intrigued by his confidence and charisma. I loved Auguste for the majority of the book. He was so charistmatic and funny and I just adored him.

SOPHIA

Sophia is the youngest daughter of the Queen and she is not meant to be heir to the throne, however her sister is unconcious so she would be the Queen if her sister doesn't wake up. Sophia is a determined young woman but is often consumed by jealousy which causes her to do horrendous things. Sophia wants to be the most beautiful woman in the world and abuses Belles in order to get what she wants.

FRIENDSHIP/FAMILY

The Belles of a generation are all raised to be sisters and to love each other as such which Camellia does despite being the favorite of the Queen. I loved the sister dynamic in this book which was something nice and refreshing to see.

PLOT

The Belles is set in the fictional world of Orléans where a small number of girls (Belles) are able to create beautiful/ugly looks of the paying customer's desire. Everyone else is born grey and color can only be given to them by the Belles. All the Belles desire to be the favorite who is the one that gets to serve the Queen in her palace. However, there are a lot of things that the Belles don't know about how things work in Orléans and a lot of darker things are at play.

ROMANCE

There is a little bit of a romance between Auguste and Camellia but it isn't anything that takes over the plot. In fact, the romance takes a backseat to the plot and world. I did like what few scenes we got from the two of them.

WRITING

I really enjoyed the writing as I could clearly imagine the characters and the setting which caused the book to be more immersive. The descriptions are very lavish which contrast with the darker plot lines that are hidden under the lavish world.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The writing is beautiful, the world unique and the descriptions lavish which makes for an interesting and enchanting story until we learn just what is up with this world and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface. The last hundred pages or so are intense and horrific and I just flew through them. I loved it and recommend it to everyone.

Quotes from the Book:

“You can never be clean enough, pretty enough, or smart enough.”

“No one is a prisoner. Even you have the power to make your own choices.”

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns

Sunday, 21 January 2018

Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen ARC Review

I received an eARC from Bloomsbury and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so so much! This is a spoiler free review.

Reign the Earth

Written by A.C. Gaughen

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: January 30, 2018

Pages: 448

Source: ebook ARC provided by Bloomsbury and NetGalley

Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble Book Depository

Recommended Age: 15 and up!

Summary:

Shalia is a proud daughter of the desert, but after years of devastating war with the adjoining kingdom, her people are desperate for peace. Willing to trade her freedom to ensure the safety of her family, Shalia becomes Queen of the Bonelands.

But she soon learns that her husband, Calix, is motivated only by his desire to exterminate the Elementae—mystical people who can control earth, wind, air, and fire. Even more unsettling are Shalia’s feelings for her husband’s brother, which unleash a power over the earth she never knew she possessed—a power that could get her killed. As rumors of a rebellion against Calix spread, Shalia must choose between the last chance for peace and her own future as an Elementae.

This intense, richly drawn high-fantasy by the author of Scarlet will hold readers spellbound.

Review:

I was so excited when I got approved to read this ARC as it is on my most-anticpated list for 2018! That being said, this book is not a light-hearted fantasy. It includes physical and emotional abuse, and unconsented activities in an arranged marriage. A.C. Gaughen handles them very well but they are very prominant and you can't just skip them.

COVER

I adore the cover. It gives the reader a desert theme which is partially where this book is set. The cover is a little bit too light-hearted for the whole tone of the book.

WORLD-BUILDING

I really enjoyed the world-building in this novel. We learn about the Elementae who are people who have powers that control either earth, water, fire or air. Shalia (our main character) is an Elemental herself and we get to learn about their powers through her and her experiences.

Then there are the characters.

SHALIA

“My honor has nothing to do with what man is married to me, or touching me, or loves me. I will not be broken or diminished or belittled by the choices of men around me.”

Shalia is a very strong heroine. At the beginning she wasn't great but she ended up getting stronger throughout her experiences in the book. She is very flawed which is an interesting thing to see in this book. Shalia is able to deal with a lot in this book both from her people and from her husband. Shalia's marriage is an arranged one but Shalia is very uncomfortable within it and she is able to outsmart her husband several times. Also, Shalia is a woman of color and I loved the representation.

CALIX

Calix is the villain in this novel but he is a very unlikable villain and his character isn't too complex. From the beginning, you figure out that he will be the villain. There are a couple of moments where he shows redeemable qualities but those quickly vanish under his longing for power and control. Calix is abusive and I really hated his character. There was honestly no valid reason for his actions.

GAVEN

Gaven is Shalia's love interest and Calix's brother and I really liked his character. At times he seemed two-dimensional but he ultimately was a really nice character who looked out for Shalia's best interests. He is apart of the army and yet he doesn't let all of that get to his head and is very humble and helps Shalia a lot throughout the book.

FRIENDSHIP/FAMILY

Shalia is taken away from her family at the beginning of the novel in order to get married to Calix. Family is a huge part of this book as Shalia is constantly thinking about her siblings and her desert home. She loves her family and everything she does is for them. Shalia also is pregnant during this book so she really wants to create a good family setting for her daughter.

PLOT

The whole concept of this book is amazing. An arranged marriage in order to create peace between two warring countries? Um, sign me up! This book is about a girl named Shalia who marries Calix, who is the king of a neighboring nation, in order to establish peace between the two nations. Calix is the villain who wants to kill all of the Elementae and his wife (Shalia) happens to be an Elemental. Shalia wants to protect the Elementae because she is one and some of her family and friends are as well but this is hard when her husband hates them. This is a pretty fast-paced book and it didn't lag anywhere which made it more fun and suspenseful.

ROMANCE

As I mentioned before, a majority of this book revolves around an arranged marriage between Shalia and Calix. However, the romance in this book is between Shalia and Gaven and I actually enjoyed this romance even though it was a little sappy. Shalia and Gaven is a very pure romance and yes, Shalia is married but her marriage is very abusive and she wants to get away from it. I'm really enjoying their romance so far.

WRITING

The writing was lovely and I really liked how she described the characters and the setting which made it more immersive. A.C. Gaughen also wrote the Scarlet series which had some more beautiful writing.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this book. It is not your average fantasy as it involves a lot of political strategizing. I really liked the tribes in the desert which was good representation (even if it might not be accurate). This isn't a completely happy book. Just be prepared once you decide to read it because there are triggers. That being said, it was such a good book and I highly recommend it!

Quotes from the Book:

None At this Time

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Crowns

Weekly Recap: 1/15 - 1/21

I have decided to start doing a weekly post called weekly recap where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

I had a good reading week but a bad writing week. I really didn't write any posts or anything in my WIP but that's because it's the end of a marking period for school so I had a lot to do.

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library:

Received for Review:

Sunday, 14 January 2018

Weekly Recap: 1/8 - 1/14

I have decided to start doing a weekly post called weekly recap where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

I actually wrote posts this week which is very exciting. So far, I am on top of my 2018 goals.

I am about to go see Star Wars The Last Jedi again with a friend and I am so excited for it.

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library:

Received for Review:

Saturday, 13 January 2018

Books I'm Excited For in the Winter of 2018!

Hey guys.

I am splitting up my most anticipated book posts into four different posts (winter, spring, summer and fall) because it is a lot easier and neater.

These are all the books that I am excited for during January and February aka the winter months of 2018!

Let's get into it.

JANUARY

1. Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking ~ January 2, 2018

This book contains Norse myths as it is all about Valkyries and I am so excited because I love Amanda Hocking's work.

2. Batman Nightwalker by Marie Lu ~ January 2, 2018

Marie Lu is a great writer and I just recently read her latest book, Warcross so I really want to try this one. People have been saying that this is mostly about young Bruce Wayne which excites me because I don't really like Batman all that much.

3. Our Dark Stars by Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade ~ January 2, 2018

This book reminds me a lot of Sleeping Beauty and I actually got an ARC of this so I may be reading it sooner than I think. Space books just speak to me.

4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black ~ January 2, 2018

I have heard so many good things about The Cruel Prince already and I am so excited to read it. I recently read The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black and I absolutely loved it so naturally, I am excited for another one of Holly Black's fae books.

5. Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely ~ January 2, 2018

There are not enough Wild West books out there and when I heard about this one, I almost screamed in excitement. I have already heard great things about this so I know it will be good. The heroine is marketed as a cross between Katniss Everdeen and Annie Oakley.

6. Everless by Sara Holland ~ January 2, 2018

Time is currency?? That just pulled me in because I have never read anything like that before. I am a little worried about it, though, as some people have said it was really slow.

7. Unearthed by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner ~ January 9, 2018

This has been described as Indiana Jones in Outer Space which just sounds amazing. I love high speed action books and having it in space just intrigues me even more. I haven't read their other books together but I am ready for this one.

8. Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman ~ January 9, 2018

I picked up Scythe back in March of 2017 so it has been awhile since I've been in this world, but I am excited to jump back into the story as the first book was very intense.

9. Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk ~ January 16, 2018

A warrior princess? Gladiators? Rome? This book sounds a lot of fun and seems to contain a lot of action. I am excited to read this even though I got rejected for the eARC.

10. Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh ~ January 23, 2018

The protagonist of this novel is a necromancer which is something I haven't seen much of in the YA community. This sounds very original.

11. Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra ~ January 23, 2018

Another book that seems to contain a bada** heroine. Do you see the pattern? I love strong female protagonists and this seems like it will fulfill my desires.

12. The Defiant by Lesley Livingston ~ January 23, 2018

The Valiant was a great book set in the Roman Empire about a female gladiator and I am just excited to continue the story.

13. Wires and Nerve Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer ~ January 30, 2018

Anyone who knows me, knows I love The Lunar Chronicles so of course the latest graphic novel set in this world will be on this list. I am so excited as it's been a year since I read the first one and had so much fun.

14. Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen ~ January 30, 2018

I have actually already read this book and it really surprised me. It was kind of dark which I was warned once or twice about and it had a lot of triggers that could upset people but I liked how original it was.

15. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert ~ January 30, 2018

I have also read this book which was very dark and I have a full review up about it.

FEBRUARY

1. Shadowsong by S. Jae-Jones ~ February 6, 2018

I just recently read Wintersong which was such a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing book and I loved it so much so I am eagerly awaiting the second installment.

2. The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross ~ February 6, 2018

This is just another Fantasy book that really appealed to me. People say the writing is beautiful and the storyline was also very well done which is great.

3. The Belles by Dhionielle Clayton ~ February 6, 2018

I just got an eArc of this book and I am so excited to try it. People have been saying it is a little bit darker than most books similar to it and I am ready.

4. Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes ~ February 6, 2018

This is the last book in the Falling Kingdoms series which makes me both excited and very nervous. I just hope Cleo and Magnus make it out okay. That's all I ask.

5. Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce ~ February 6, 2018

What? Is she really going to read a book with a male protagonist? That's new. And yes, you heard it right. This is a YA Fantasy novel with a male protagonist.

6. Shatter by Aprilynne Pike ~ February 13, 2018

I loved the first book which was called Glitter and set at Versailles where glitter was a drug and the main character was trying to use it to control her own fate but she ended up getting married to the King. I am so excited for the second installment!

7. The Traitor Prince by C.J. Redwine ~ February 13, 2018

I loved the first book in this series and I am now reading The Wish Granter so I am excited for the third book.

8. Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre ~ February 13, 2018

This is another YA book that is set in space where the main character is a criminal and people live on Mars now which just sounds so cool.

9. Blood of a Thousand Stars by Rhoda Belleza ~ February 20, 2018

The first book in this series is so so good and I am excited to see the character's continued adventures.

10. Pitch Dark by Courtney Alameda ~ February 20, 2018

This sort of seems like a pirate story set in space which sounds amazing. This is one of the tag lines: "A future of marauding space scavengers and deadly aliens who kill with sound."

11. The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen ~ February 27, 2018

The cover of this one is beautiful and I know it is a Fantasy YA novel but I don't really know much about it.

12. Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston ~ February 27, 2018

This is pitched as Anastasia in Space and I love Anastasia so I really want to read this one.

That is it for this blogpost. Are there any books on this list that you want to read?

See you all soon!

Queen of Books

Sunday, 28 January 2018

Weekly Recap: 1/22 - 1/28

Friday, 26 January 2018

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton ARC Review

Sunday, 21 January 2018

Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen ARC Review

Weekly Recap: 1/15 - 1/21

Sunday, 14 January 2018

Weekly Recap: 1/8 - 1/14

Saturday, 13 January 2018

Books I'm Excited For in the Winter of 2018!

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