Best of 2019 - Book Edition

As the year comes to a close it is once again time to reflect back on the books I read and highlight a few that I particularly enjoyed reading this year.

My reading suffered this year. I did not read nearly as many books as I hoped to. I am resolving to fix this in 2020. I did manage to read some pretty awesome books this year though.

Here are my top ten reads of this year (in no particular order). They each link to my review (where one has been written and posted) if you want to see exactly why I loved them.


1 Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

2 Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3 Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

4 Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

5 The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh

6 Transcend/Epoch by Jewel E Ann

7 Chase Darkness With Me by Billy Jensen

8 The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

9 American Royals by Katharine McGee

10 A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer


This list, obviously, includes books released this year and some that were not. My only criteria was that they had to be books I read this past year.

Do you agree with any of the books on list? Feel there is a book I missed this year that I should make a priority to read in 2019? Let me know in the comments.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date - October 8, 2019
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  480 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

Ninth House is a story about survival. It is a story about surviving abuse in all its forms in a world that is, despite all of its magic, all too realistic. Leigh Bardugo laces this razor sharp book with brutally dark themes and actions but also manages to put strength, hope, and resilience in equal measure. She also manages to beautifully write one of the most unforgettable books I've ever read.

The warning that has been given that this is an adult book is not to be taken lightly. This book is filled with plenty of things that could be triggering for people. It deals with rape, suicide, drug overdoses, murder, violence and plenty of others. The gritty nature is made all the more palpable by its setting. It feels overly realistic even though there is magic within the world being created. It is set in a world that is all too familiar and all too easily visualized. This adds a hyper realism to all of the events in a way that I, personally, felt benefited the story. It is, however, just as disturbing as you would expect.

The magic that is used lends itself to a more realistic setting. These are rituals being performed and not wands being waived around. The secret society element makes the whole thing feel a little more authentic. The idea that rich people use rituals to keep being rich doesn't feel all that far fetched within the confines of this world and the things that the college age characters do with the magic all feel too horrifically plausible. The Yale backdrop gives this story a cozy, almost false sense of security like setting and helps dial up the atmosphere. Between the supernatural elements and the Yale setting this book, like most of Leigh's books, offers up superb world building.

Alex Stern is a character that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She's put through events that are traumatizing and brutally scarring. She proves herself to be resilient and strong. She's allowed to be what plenty of female characters are denied being - angry. She is filled with rage, and rightfully so. It makes for a dynamic character who I grew to love. She's the type of character you'll ache for and just want to protect by the end of the novel (even though she would absolutely hate that).

While this is very much Alex's story the other characters do help make this novel what it is. Dawes and Darlington are, in particular, stand outs. The offer a contrast to Alex while still showing the different ways that this world can impact the people who get involved in it.

This book tackles class and gender divides. One of my favourite quotes sort of sums up the gender commentary: “There were always excuses for why girls died.”. It fits the story beautifully while also being relevant to a lot of how we discuss crimes against women in today's society. It's part victim blaming and part wanting to tidily push things into a definable box that we don't have to do anything about. Class divide is present with how certain victims are treated and how, in this particular case, the rich and powerful use those who are not those things to their benefit. It's a rich, layered, complex story that is as thought provoking as it is engrossing.

If Alex and her internal journey of dealing with the trauma inflicted on her is the heart of the story, its core is the mystery that she is unraveling. I loved experiencing the twists and turns this story took on the way to piecing all of the pieces together. It starts the way most mysteries do when a dead body is discovered but the addition of the secret societies creates enough possible scenarios to keep the reader on their toes. I appreciated the attention to detail and how everything tied together in the end.

This is a book that sinks itself into you and doesn't let go. I'll be thinking about Alex and her journey from now until I get my hands on the desperately needed sequel. This book will, as mentioned, not be for everyone and that's entirely okay. I do, however, recommend it for anyone who finds books about crawling out of the darkness inch by inch while still in the center of it to be therapeutic. It's a book that has a serious bite to it, but a very worthwhile read.

Waiting On Wednesday ... Ninth House

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The mesmerizing adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

I am a huge fan of anything Leigh Bardugo writes and was incredibly intrigued when I heard about her first foray into adult fiction. It's about secret societies and that would have been enough for me to read it all on its own. They, however, also released this amazing synopsis and incredible cover and now I am fully obsessed. It sounds amazing and I am going to impatiently be waiting for October when I can get my hands on this one.

It's basically a perfect spooky season read and I cannot wait to pair this with a pumpkin spice chai latte and a cozy blanket.

Expected release date - October 1, 2019

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Posting on a Sunday again! Lots to share this week in terms of movie/television trailers.

BOOK

Cover Of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

Leigh Bardugo's first adult novel just had its cover reveal and it is PERFECTION! I love the dark, unsettling vibe of this cover. It matches the synopsis perfectly and manages to be eye catching.

I have a feeling that this book is going to be talked about A LOT as the release date nears/right after release as I anticipate it'll be one of those books everyone is reading.

TV / MOVIE

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Trailer

I have been curious about this one since the premise was announced and I am really intrigued to see Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate.

We finally got our first look and I am a fan of the trailer not giving much away.

It's certainly fits the teaser trailer description but its enough to keep my interest piqued.

I also love the poster that was released (at least the Margot Robbie one).

She looks great and the poster certainly gives off a 70s feel.

Stranger Things Season 3 trailer

My reaction to this was incredibly embarrassing. It's my favourite show at the moment and I was just so happy to return to Hawkins (even if briefly via this teaser).

My main thoughts after watching this were: these kids are growing into teenagers really quickly, the music is amazing, IS BILLY TRANSFORMING INTO SOMETHING?!, WHY IS WILL CRYING?!, Steve and Dustin are still adorable, and I am entirely not okay with Steve getting injected with something! I loved our first look at the mayor (played by Cary Elwes) as well. Happy Fourth of July, indeed. I'll be binging this along with almost everyone else.

Lucy In The Sky Trailer

The true story that this is loosely based off of is one I am only sort of familiar with and the trailer doesn't hint too much at it so I am not going to spoil it, but it has the potential to be REALLY good.

Natalie Portman looks great in this. I sort of expect her to be in the conversation around awards season just based on the trailer alone. The movie is scheduled for a fall 2019 release which puts it in a good spot to gain some awards consideration.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

We're a little bit into 2019! Hope the new year has been treating everyone well.

I have a few fun things to share this week. Super excited about these new shows that are coming our way (hopefully) soon.

MOVIE / TELEVISION

Sarah Michelle Gellar Return To Television

Deadline reports that Sarah Michelle Gellar will star in the limited series Sometimes I Lie. It's adapted from the book by Alice Feeney. It sounds like a twisty thriller and I cannot not wait to read the book and see this show! I have always been a huge fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar's work and I cannot wait to see her in this.

Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse Comes To Netflix

Deadline also reports that Netflix has ordered a series based on the Shadow and Bone/Six of Crows novels by Leigh Bardugo. I loved these books and I think there is so much potential for a really good series to made from them.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ... King Of Scars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is King Of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

**Spoilers for all of Leigh's previous books**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.

After reading the Grisha Verse series I immediately wanted Nikolai to have his own series. He was such a scene stealer that I am confident I wasn't the only reader feeling this way. Luckily, Leigh Bardugo has answered our prayers and is giving everyone's favourite king a series of his own. The fact that another fan favourite from the Six Of Crows series also makes an appearance is just icing on an already delicious sounding cake.

The wait for this isn't too bad and it allows those who haven't read the previous books to catch up. It also will make a perfect gift card purchase after the holiday season!

Expected release date - January 29, 2019

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

Only one book made its way into my mailbox this week. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for this book!

Wonder Woman :Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday .... Crooked Kingdom

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

**SPOILERS FOR SIX OF CROWS IN SYNOPSIS** 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

I loved Six of Crows even more than Leigh's first Grisha series. These characters are incredible and the world she's created is so vivid. I am sad this is only a duology as I would have loved one more book with Kaz and the gang. I fully expect this to be a brutal, but fitting, end to their story and cannot wait to devour this.

Expected release date - September 27, 2016

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date - September 29, 2015
Publisher Website - Raincoast/Macmillan
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  480 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first. 

Six of Crows is a story that feels both completely different than Leigh Bardugo's previous series and yet is entirely familiar. This daring heist novel uses the captivating world Leigh created in a new and exciting way while widening the scope of her world. It's a thrilling start to a series that will leave you wanting a heist squad of your very own (minus any illegal activities, of course).

The magic of this world that Leigh Bardugo has created was the central focus of her previous series. It had a fantasy tone and feel. Six of Crows has this magic. That same world is found within the pages of this novel, but it feels more like a brush stroke than the focus. It certainly drives the politics, and some of the characters are capable of using the magic that exists in this world, but the feel is more of a heist/spy novel than a fantasy one. This story could be the same without magic, but it's better for the inclusion of it. The action sequences are more daring, the consequences more dire, and it allows for some plot twists that add to the fun of the story. The fact that you could turn this into a novel without a speck of magic just showcases how talented Leigh actually is. She's combined these two genres into one seamlessly written narrative.

The plot may be enthralling but it's the characters that win over your heart and soul. These characters will linger long after you've finished their story. You'll ache to return to them and bemoan the fact that the sequel is so far away. These characters are the definition of damaged, but you love them for all their damaged beauty. You'll experience a large array of emotions for each of these characters and that is what makes them so special. They make mistakes, they do things that cause you to hate them, however they are always just on the verge of redemption and that makes all the difference. The group has an interesting dynamic that is just as complex as the people within it. They're a dysfunctional 'family' that doesn't always like each other, and betrayal is always an acknowledged possibility. Loyalty among thieves is not something that typically happens, and Kaz's group is no exception. The added danger of their group self destructing mixed with the outside threats while pulling off the heist only adds to the tension that courses through the novel.

The potential for romance, and the romantic entanglements that are part of this plot are deliciously subtle but cause quite the emotional reaction. This is a book that will leave you desperate to have certain characters together and Leigh creates tension and obstacles that feel natural and not forced. Those who like their romance as subplots will be happy to find that here, but know that even without it being the focus it makes quite the impression.

The heist part of this novel is extremely well executed. Filled with heart stopping moments, fun twists, and whiplash pacing, this book is simply fun to read. It's enjoyable and engrossing in the best ways. It's one of those rare books that hits the sweet spot of being well written and entirely commercial. This will appeal to pretty much everyone because of it's ability to pull you into the story and the thrill ride it takes you on.

Leigh Bardugo has created a crime caper that is brimming with unforgettable characters, delicious pacing, and a world that feels both familiar and unknown all at once. This is the start of a series that has proven to be even more stunning than Leigh's previous work, and I cannot wait to follow Kaz and the gang into their next high octane adventure.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date – June 4, 2013
Publisher Website -  Henry Holt and Co/Raincoast Books Canada
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 448 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Siege and Storm blends fantasy elements with a young girl's struggle to accept herself, and find her place in a dangerous, and pressing world. With the lore of this novel being unwoven slowly, the second installment in this series was more rich in detail than the first.

I have to admit that I started Siege and Storm with minor reservations. I liked Shadow and Bone well enough, but there were some issues that I personally had. However, Siege and Storm not only changed my mind, but this novel did something the last one didn't - make me care about Alina. It showed me a more vulnerable side to her icy character that lent warmer feelings towards her. Her struggle with her power, and how it is to be used.

Alina is constantly being pressured. Everyone wants her, and everyone wants to use her. Her power is tremendous. It is hers to yield and her strength may just be unparalleled. It's rather striking than that she may not be the one to decide how to use it. Manipulation, threats, coercion, and flattery are all used to sway Alina's loyalty. She's a prize that is being pulled on by many different players. The fact that Alina is the one holding the power is fantastic, however I found it frustrating that she's in essence the rope in a game of tug of war between a bunch of men.

Each of the men in her life want her to change, or be someone she's not. Mal wants her to return to being someone she can no longer be. The Darkling wants to corrupt her and mold her into something she can't live with being. Sturmhond's motivations are unknown at first, but suffice to say he has his own agenda. In none of these did I see Alina choosing for herself. I kept waiting for her to stand up and show them who was in control, as it should be her. She wields pretty intense power. I wanted for her to have faith in herself. While we see glimpses of her standing up for herself and what SHE believes in, I hope that the third book focuses on her making the choices that she wants, whatever they may be.

Sturmhond, the newest character in the series, is my new favourite. A cocky, self assured, yet very charming pirate with secrets of his own. He quickly stole my heart, and my allegiance in the quest for Alina's heart as well. Romance in this novel is raw and tainted. As a sun summoner, Alina has to deal with the fact that people want to use her. Her heart can lead her astray, and with that it makes falling in love dangerous.

Mal, of course, is swoon worthy as ever. His determination for Alina to live a quiet normal life with him is admirable, if somewhat foolish. Alina has power, and with it comes a certain responsibility. All Mal wants is for her to run from it and stay safe. It's another form of telling her what she wants, rather than listening to what she is saying.

My dislike of the Darking managed to grow in this novel. I am confident I will never fall under his dark and seductive spell. I think he's pretty unredeemable at this point. I just grew angrier with each new horrific thing that was revealed. His rules are hard, and he expects absolute obedience or his punishment is severe.

The fantasy aspect were quite well done in this installment. I loved the unraveling of the lore. The set up for the third book with the newest quest, and the potential of catastrophic consequences from completing it well executed. They say power corrupts, and we are seeing Alina faced with some pretty heavy temptation. It's this tease of the dark side of her character, and the knife's edge tension that make her fascinating. At her core she wants to do the right thing, but a taste of power is often never enough. I am curious to see how benevolent she would be if she ever ruled.

The ending, while a cliffhanger, impressed me more because I didn't think this novel would go in this particular direction. It's a different, and perhaps bold choice. It remains to be seen what exactly it means, and how it'll impact the rest of the series.

A novel where power can corrupt, a heart should be protected, and where ultimately the hardest choice may just be the right one. If you loved the first novel, I have no doubts you'll like this one even more. A fantasy novel that is rich with detail, and with characters that I am finally starting to warm up to.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date – May 17, 2013 

Publisher Website -  Raincoast Books Canada

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  356 pages

My Rating- 3.5/5

**Borrowed from fellow blogger**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Darkness and light come together to create a perfect blend of grey. Shadow and Bone exists in such a colour. It’s characters are a mix of both heroic and villainous behaviour and even the brightest light can be tempted by the darkness.

This novel wavered between a 3.5 and 4 for me. I was captivated by the magical aspect of it, the darkness that haunts the pages, and it’s set up for future installments. However, I found the novel moved a little slowly. It crept along and it made the pacing feel off. The ending was rapid and filled with reveals, game changing moments, and what I had been hoping for the rest of the novel. I left me intrigued for what is to come.

Alina fascinated me. She's strong, much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and yet so unsure. She is thrust into a world she never expected to be part of from her humble orphan origins. I liked that she wasn't sure where she fit in, and what her power may mean. She grows, and becomes more self reliant as the story goes on and yet, her character never becomes something unexpected. Often characters who start out average and have this great purpose instilled upon them change and become different characters. Some hard lessons are learned, and it does change her character in ways I am hoping will be fully explored in any sequels, but she is still manages to remain Alina.

The Darkling loomed over everything. I had heard so much hype about him, and how I was going to fall in love with him…well….perhaps it was a case of over hype because that didn't happen. I disliked him immensely. He was nice enough to Alina, at first, and when it suited his needs. I am pretty sure the ending decimates any and all goodwill he may have earned. He may be charismatic, but darkness surrounds everything he does. I can see where he is a perhaps a compelling villain, but he is totally someone I love to dislike.

Mal is a true and loyal friend. The type of friend who you fall in love with even it it means loving from afar. It’s obvious why Alina wants something more than friendship from him. Their bond is something that is built due to shared experiences, and relying on each other from a young age. It’s believable that they would form a strong attachment to each other. 

The fantasy elements are quite well done. The way darkness is in every aspect of the novel from the Darkling, to the Shadow Fold leaves a lingering eeriness. Every single person in the story has been touched by darkness. It's interesting that light plays an equally large part in the story, and it creates a hope that it can chase away the darkness, even if things seem bleak.

Nothing is more terrifying than a character doing something evil for what they consider righteous reasons. The novel looks at what someone will do for power, and how that power can corrupt something that started out in good intentions. It’s all in the way you view something, and someone whose been driven to darkness can take things to the extreme, as they say absolute power can corrupt absolutely. 

I enjoyed this novel, but found myself not as immersed as I wanted to be. I know that there will be those who love it (and there are) and it is certainly an engaging story. I think this was a case of me going in with too high expectations. A fine debut that teases the darkness in all of us, and one that certainly has me interested in seeing where the next novel leads.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

My mailbox is AWESOME this week thanks to my birthday weekend.

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons (Goodreads)
Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons (Goodreads)
Siege and Story by Leigh Bardugo (Goodreads)
Once Upon A Time Season One!!!!

Christy (The Reader Bee) being the sweet person that she is sent me Article 5 and Breaking Point as a birthday gift.

Siege and Storm was provided by Raincoast Books for review. Super excited to start this one.

My favourite TV show right now is Once Upon A Time. I have season one thanks to my friend Nicole and I intend to watch it again this summer.

Since it is my birthday weekend I am also going to include a picture of my awesome Peter Pan inspired cake that I had to celebrate.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week is a big one for bookish goodness. I met with some of the Ottawa blogettes this week and borrowed books from them, and also got a package of awesome from Raincoast Books.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

Thanks Katie (from Bookishly Yours) for lending these!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

I got this one from the library after hearing how amazing it is.

Package of awesome from Raincoast included

Unremembered by Jessica Brody (goodreads)
Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington (goodreads)
Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (goodreads) *not pictured as it was promptly borrowed by another blogger*

Thank you so much to the people at Raincoast. I was so excited to get these.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!