Monthly Wrap-Up: February 2021

Morning, everyone!

I think I can safely say February wasn’t the most horrible month of 2021. I got some books off my TBR list and added a few more. Even though I sprained my ankle, which is slowly healing, February wasn’t too bad.

I hope you enjoy the read!

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Top Ten Tuesday | Questions I Would Ask My Favourite Authors

Happy Tuesday, bloggers!

Yes! I can put my journalism skills to good use. Okay, we bloggers and readers would all love the chance to talk to our favourite authors, whether alive or dead. So I’m quite excited for this prompt.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. The next prompt is questions I’d ask my favourite authors.

Have fun reading!

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Monthly Wrap-Up: May 2020

Morning, everyone!

May was one of the most intense months I’ve had in recent years. And frankly, my blogging took a backseat to everything else. My mental health wasn’t the greatest either. So that’s why I haven’t been present in the book community.

And I want to apologize for not being there for others. I just hope June is a better month.

Enjoy the read!

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Monthly Wrap-Up: March 2020

Morning, everyone!

March may have been one of the hardest months of this year. My family has finally gotten out of our own isolation after my Mom’s chemo treatments, but we got right back into it when the pandemic hit. But we have this down pat, so I’m glad the both of us are introverts.

I hope everyone is safe during this time!

Enjoy the post!

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Beyond the Blurb | Why I Hate Mid-Series Cover Changes

Morning, readers!

Okay, we’ve all been there. We’re minding our own business. And one day, one of our favourite authors announces that their well-loved series is getting a cover change. While cover changes are the norm in the publishing industry, most readers hate when the publisher does it mid-series.

So I’m not surprised when the book community exploded this Tuesday when international bestselling author Sarah J. Maas announced Bloomsbury is doing a cover change for her Court of Thorns and Roses series. Take a look below.

Now this change is quite different from the original covers. And frankly, I’m salty over it. Why? As a reader and blogger, I hate mid-series cover changes, period. So I break down the reasons why below. And I forewarn you that my hate may flow through my writing.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Books on My TBR I Predict Will Be Five-Star Reads

Happy Tuesday, bloggers!

The first week of February has arrived! And I’m excited for a fresh, new month. Arent you?

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. The first prompt of the month is books on my TBR I predict will be five-star reads. Oh, I had to think which books would make the list. I hope I’m right!

Enjoy my post!

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Monthly Wrap-Up: November 2018

Hi, book fam!

Okay, I’ll be straight with you all. November may be my worst month of 2018, and I may be so glad it’s over. But my thrill of December starting just makes me warm up. As some of you know, I struggled with some personal problems like family stress and someone stealing my identity. But I can’t let these negative sway my love of Christmas.

So for my monthly goal, I’m catching up on my blog and up my blogger friends, reach out like before, and be more involved in our great community. And frankly, I’m a little stoked for Blogmas (or some form of it, because blogging every day sounds daunting).

Who’s ready for another monthly wrap-up post? Let’s get to it then.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Villains

Happy Tuesday, bloggers!

We have just eight more days until Halloween. I’ve been counting down the days for this prompt. You all know my affinity for awful characters.

Top Ten Tuesday, originally created by The Broke and the Bookish and now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a weekly meme. Today’s theme is villains! I will never stop loving them. Sometimes, they might be the only reason why I stay with a series and why I pick up the first book. So let’s get my top eight choices.

 

Prince Balekin from The Wicked King

At first, I simply distrusted Balekin, but I never knew of his potential. You’d think I’d select Jude and Cardan for my picks. But no. These two characters are the product of someone’s design. Balekin is on a different level than they are. I can’t believe I rooted for his family.

 

Lifelikes from (Well) Lifel1k3

How can I possibly hate them?! The way Kristoff writes these perfectly flawed yet utterly human-like characters is why. Lifelikes may hold more humanity than us humans, but they scare me. They hold destruction in one hand and salvation in the next. But they’re hellbent on being the masters of their own fate and aren’t afraid of wiping out our race in the process.

 

The Arrons Two Dark Reigns

I haven’t caught up with the series yet, but from the first chapter, I hated the Arron family. They shape Katherine for who she is, and I almost loathe her as much as I do Mirabella. But I don’t blame the sisters for what they must do in order to survive this heinous world. The Arrons, though, still creep me out and infuriate me.

 

Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn

Yes, you only get a taste of Gotham City Sirens here. But Sarah perfectly captures my three favourite female villains! This terrible trio almost makes Gotham more interesting.

 

Caro from Evermore

Sara may be a debut author, but she knows how to spin the perfect villain. I never expected anything from Caro. But I was so wrong about this character. And as the second book draws closer, I cannot wait to see how she will destroy everything Jules fights for.

 

Cohort from Queen of Air and Darkness

I never thought I’d hate another Shadowhunter as I despised Valentine. But the Cohort holds a special place on my hate list. After the devastation from the last war, select few Shadowhunters form the Cohort and wish to find any means necessary to restrict Downworlders.

 

Mother Blackbeak from Queen of Shadows

I honestly thought I hated her in Heir of Fire. But I want to gut this woman more than you can imagine. I wanted to put Manon in my list, but I don’t see her as much of a villain. Her grandmother still sends chills down my back when I think of her.

 

Legend from Finale

Can we please take a moment to marvel at this cover?! I’m in bliss. I’m still debating this choice. Some part of me wants to scream that he is one, then the other part feels as if he’s misunderstood. Why must villains be so complicated?!

Review | Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Published by: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Page Count: 565

Rating: 5/5

Source: Purchase

Goodreads | Indigo | Amazon CAN | Amazon US | Book Depository


Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.


“She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.”

After reading this sequel, I am utterly broken. And words fail me. I had my heart ripped out of my gapping chest. I cried. I laughed. I was giddy, angry, and happy. But I somewhat feel okay with that? But I am proud to have Heir of Fire sit on my shelf. The third installment of the Throne of Glass is Sarah’s strongest. The writing brings you right into this multi-dimensional world. You feel the tears, the rage, and the redemption. Aelin Galathynius began her story as Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s Assassin. Now she embraces who she is.

Sarah slowly weaves a thread from one character arc to another, and I am impressed with how she creates this world. From the beginning, I knew who Celaena is, but I couldn’t fathom how she transforms into the broken Queen of Terrasen. Now, I do. Sarah explores more from this intricate word and the magic system within it. But what I adore is the characters.

You know how I fall hard for character-driven books. And Sarah delivers that promise and more. As her power strengthen, so too does Aelin’s growth. Her pain drives her reluctance to harness her gift though. Aelin must train with Rowan Whitethorn, a member of Maeve’s blood-sworn Cadre. If she completes her mission, her aunt Maeve will then offer her more knowledge of the wyrdkeys. I much prefer Aelin over Celaena. This future queen struggles with her identity and her duty. Throughout the book, I feel that her development holds the most reward for readers.

Rowan made me swoon the moment he flew into Aelin’s life. I knew he’s trouble, but I instantly loved this otherworldly, alpha Fae. I love a brooding man with a damaged history. You see hints of a connection between the two. And I can’t get hold how they eventually open up to each other, help heal their wounds, and look to a brighter path. He challenges her and doesn’t allow Aelin to slip back into the shadows.

I’ve been dying to see it more of Sarah’s worldbuilding. As Aelin confronts her pain, Adarlan is preparing for war. There, you meet Manon Blackbeak, an Ironteeth Witch. Do you know how refreshing a bloodthirsty female character is?! The author brings a new dynamic by introducing the three witch clans. To my heart’s content, she finally introduces Aedion Asryver, Aelin’s cousin. His riddled backstory, hidden motives and alliances, and his convictions of avenging his country play with the political undertones, which are brought to the forefront.

Each character enhances the storytelling, which Sarah excels at. She’s not afraid to take chances with her characters and storylines. Her risks are what makes her series so enjoyable to read. She takes the most dangerous chance of all: exploring beyond the world she’s so carefully created. Heir of Fire creates the foundation for the next stellar addition of the Throne of Glass. There’s no doubt why readers love this series.