Wednesday 31 May 2017

The Sin Eaters Daughter - Melinda Salisbury


Sin-Eating, a traditional feast set at a funeral in order to let the deceased slip free of the sins that hold them to earth and continue on to the other world. It would have been Twylla's fate to become a sin eater, had she not been chosen by the gods. Instead, she is a goddess embodied for as long as she eats a deadly mixture of blood and poison once a month, and is capable of killing with a single touch. The plot snakes around the royal family and their so called 'immunity' to Twylla's fatal touch. Twylla's loneliness manifests itself in undying faith to her Gods, which makes her blind to the Queen's instability. An interesting read, the next book in the series is on my to read list. Well worth a look at!

Friday 26 May 2017

Of the Red, the Light, and the Ayakashi - HaccaWorks & Nanao (Illustrator)

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A confusing first volume to say the least! Lots of characters and settings were introduced in relatively few pages but the story still holds a lot of appeal for me. I'm interested in the different perceptions of humans. Some of the Ayakashi refer to humans as "meals" and I'm worried about hopelessly naïve Yue who seems only genuinely concerned with befriending them! I've read some very good reviews on the series as a whole so am looking forward to seeing some of these plot points develop. The art style is gorgeous and consistent while still allowing the characters their own unique visual! I like it already but want to know if in later volumes whether or not I can come to love it.

Spellslinger - Sebastien De Castell

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Spellslinger was Sebastien De Castell's riveting toe-dip into the world of YA writing. I love the way that De Castell slowly has Kellen rediscover something he really already knew. Kellen knows that his people aren't kind, when they beat down those with little magic and make them into slaves, but he sees it only as something he needs to avoid at all costs. HE knows his people aren't architects, but he never questioned the sprawling city they live in or the magical oasis they use to practise their magic. This is all he knows until a traveller Ferius Parfax, forces him to really observe his surrounding and figure out what it all means. She teaches him that there are often more than two choices and that he doesn't need to be powerful to fight the good fight. Full of unexpected twists and turns and more than a few questionable battle tactics, this book pits the strongest of mages against one kind apprentice who treats magic as a con game. I really loved the characters best, I thought they were really strong and consistent and the plot rose and fell with them. I loved Kellen's quick lies and how often they turned out not to be far off at all! Soon to be released in paperback, I definitely recommend picking it up!

Wonder - R. J. Palacio

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I'd seen Wonder as a popular book that I often sold at my shop. I hadn't the faintest idea what it was about or whether it was the kind of thing I would like, until I read a blog post here on books you should read before they become films 2017. I read it in under three hours. It's that good. R. J. Palacio writes about a young boy named August starting school for the first time and about the genetic condition that impacts the perceptions of the people around him. There is a strong theme of kindness not always being easy but worth it in the end. It tells a story of finding true friends that see you for who you are, rather than what's on the surface. The picture R. J. Palacio paints is empathic and told from multiple perspectives. It is beautifully done, tearful in some places, fun in others. A wondrous book.

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Romana's Freedom - M.P.A. Hanson


Romana's freedom is THE perfect fantasy novel.

Romana starts off life in a desert slave shop, and as the only elf there, catches the eye of love-interest Prince Martin. Romana and Kate, the little sister she never had, set off for the palace where they are to work as servants to the royal family.

Prince Martin, has his sights set on her seemingly from the first conversation and the romance factor in this book is brilliant. I enjoyed watching the two fall in love!

The settings and descriptions are beautiful! They spring from the page and immerse you in all the vibrancy and colour of the world that M. P. A. Hanson has created. I loved the medieval/magic set up and the thrills I got with the magical fighting and sword fighting.

Romana is brilliant and Silver is awesome. There is no other word to describe them and I'm so glad they were a part of this book. The mystery surrounding both of their pasts is really addictive and I can't wait to read more!

I recommend to anyone, no matter who you are or what tropes you usually read. This book is in a league of its own!

Monday 1 May 2017

My First Booktube! Favourite Books


My first booktubing video! I can say I've tried it now :)

I covered the most important topic, my favourite books, in a round about, rambly way. It's a bit cringy but I hope you enjoy it. Let me know :)