True Crime Week Announcement

I am super into true crime right now (as you may have guessed from my Weekly Obsessions posts recently) and recently decided to celebrate this love with a feature on the blog. 

Kicking off April 9th I am going to feature true crime reads and some reads that are inspired by true crime. I am hoping to have some author guest posts and interviews to share along with some reviews.

I encourage any authors who would like to take part to get in touch as I would love to feature you and your book!

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)

I few fun things made their way into my mailbox this week.

First up are some buttons I purchased while out doing some #otspsecretsister shopping.

These Love, Simon buttsons are adorable and I love them. Hot Topic is starting to get t-shirts and other Love, Simon merchandise for those who are interested. I am so excited for everyone to see the movie next weekend (and I cannot believe it is SO CLOSE now).

I impulse purchased this book on International Women's Day and feel pretty good about my life choices. I spent it by watching Jessica Jones season two and picking this up.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara (goodreads)

Michelle McNamara was a bad ass and I am happy I got to celebrate her by picking this up on such a perfect day. I am excited to read it for my true crime event in April!

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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.

Happy weekend everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying it. I have a few things to share that made me excited this week, and you should check them out for yourself.

BOOKS

BEA Buzz Books

I may not be attending BEA this year (I am attending ALA in New Orleans instead) but I am always excited when they release their Buzz Books for the upcoming conference. 

This year the Buzz Books in the Adult and YA categories are:  

Adult

    Maid, by Stephanie Land (Hachette Books, December 2018
    Ohio: A Novel, by Stephen Markley (Simon & Schuster, August 2018)
    She Would Be King, by Wayétu Moore (Graywolf Press, September 2018)
    Small Animals, by Kim Brooks (Flatiron Books, August 2018)
    The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World, by    
    Sarah Weinman (Ecco, September 2018)
    There Will Be No Miracles Here, by Casey Gerald (Riverhead Books, October 2018)

YA

    Darius the Great is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram (Dial Books for Young Readers, September 2018)
    The Girl King, by Mimi Yu (Bloomsbury Children's Books, October 2018)
    Girls of Paper and Fire, by Natasha Ngan (JIMMY Patterson, October 2018)
    Sadie, by Courtney Summers (Wednesday Books, September 2018)
    The Similars, by Rebecca Hanover (Sourcebooks Fire, January 2019)

You can check out Publishers Weekly for more info. I am going to immediately look up the synopsis for each of these books to see which ones I am most interested in.







TV/MOVIES

Call Me By Your Name Sequel Announced

It was recently announced that one of my favourite movies of 2017 is getting a sequel! Elio and Oliver will reunite in a currently untitled sequel to Call Me By Your Name. The cast and director are rumoured to already be attached to the sequel. I am so excited, but also scared. I do not want it to ruin the first movie because I love it so much, and sequels are always tricky. I'll remain cautiously optimistic for now, and look forward to seeing a trailer.


OTHER

Disgraceland Podcast (link)

I am always looking for new podcasts to listen to and I came upon this one thanks to the recommendation of my podcast app. It combines my love of true crime with music which immediately made me curious so I downloaded the three episodes currently available. 

I instantly subscribed after listening to those three episodes, and look forward to the rest of their first season. The host has a great voice and it offers up a unique narration in terms of how the story is being told. You should be prepared to immediately Google the cases featured in the episodes to get more details (especially if you are not already familiar with them). I also happen to love their logo! A zombified Elvis is a fun touch (and they will be selling pins of the logo on their website soon).

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

Cracked Kingdom by Erin Watt

Cracked Kingdom by Erin Watt              
Release Date - March 1, 2018

Publisher Website - Everafter Romance
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 305 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**purchased**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THIS SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

These Royals will ruin you.

Ever since Hartley Wright met Easton Royal, her life hasn’t been the same. There are enemies behind every corner and dangers beyond each door. When tragedy strikes and steals her memories, she can’t trust anyone, not even the blue-eyed boy who promises her that everything will be all right.

Because while Hartley’s memory is full of gaps, her instincts tell her Easton is dangerous. She doesn’t know if he’s the snake in the garden or her chance at salvation. The chaos he brings wherever he goes is too much to handle, the intense feelings he evokes are too confusing to unravel.

Easton wants her to remember. Hartley thinks it’s better to forget.

She might be right.

Tragedy. Treachery. Trust. Hartley has to face the facts—in this world, you can’t escape the Royals.

Either you live by their rules or you die by them.

The ending of a series always brings mixed emotions. I am sad to leave behind the world and characters I love so much, but excited to finally know the end to the story I've been following over multiple books. It brings both excitement and sadness in equal measure. I approached Cracked Kingdom with both eagerness and trepidation. I had no cause for worry because Erin Watt crafted an addictive ending to their series that offered up a satisfying, if rushed, conclusion.

The cliffhanger ending of Fallen Heir ensured that fans of this series would be figuratively dying to get their hands on the next installment. The life of one of our beloved Royals hung in the balance, and we all wanted to know his fate. The outcome of this is rather interesting, so I will not ruin it. This event is mostly used, surprisingly, to showcase how it impacts others. It is used quite effectively to show how much some characters have grown since we first met them. I, however, wanted to examine the impact on the person who would be left dealing with the reality and consequences. That is, perhaps, a story for another day and one that I hope is eventually told.

Hartley shows herself to be a resourceful, adaptable, strong young woman who faces her memory loss much better than I would. She could easily give up and become bitter, but she instead decides to make her own path. She is different from Ella but just as formidable in her own way and offers a differing perspective on the Royal family that is entirely welcome.

I appreciated that Easton always remained true to who his character is during the course of his journey. He grows, but it never changes who he is or makes him do things that would be out of character. It just makes him a more decent version of himself. It shows that the authors really know who his character is. They have what happens to him impact him instead of defining him which is sometimes hard to do in a story with this many life altering events happening.

The pacing is full speed as we rush towards an end to not only this novel but the series as a whole. It, at times, felt like the authors could have used a little more time to polish up this final installment, but it is nonetheless a fun, exciting closing chapter to the story of the Royals .... even if I wish we were getting a trilogy from another Royal's perspective.

If you're looking for something that is the literary equivalent of a CW television show than this is the series for you. It packs in as much sex, drama, bad decision making, and angst as you could possibly want into its three hundred and some pages. The entire series is a fun read that will have you completely addicted the entire time you are reading them. I cannot wait to read whatever Erin Watt rights next. I can only hope that it is just as debaucherous and scandal filled as this series was.

** Blog Tour ** The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

I am thrilled to be part of the Canadian blog tour for Shea Ernshaw's The Wicked Deep. I love witch stories and could not wait to read this one so I jumped at the change to take part when it was offered.

Be sure to visit all the stops on the tour for reviews from some amazing bloggers, and fun extras like guest posts from Shea, a book inspired manicure, and more!

I had the opportunity to ask Shea some questions about The Wicked Deep and I couldn't resist asking her about her own favourite witch characters! A huge thank to both Simon and Schuster Canada and Shea for making this happen.

1 What gif do you feel describes The Wicked Deep? 

2 If someone were to design a signature ice cream flavour for The Wicked Deep what would be included?  

Coconut ice cream with sea salt, dark lavender chocolate, and bits of seaweed. And it would be consumed daily by sailors and fishermen before they head out to sea.

3 If you had magical powers, what is one thing you would use them for?

After world peace of course, I would use my magical powers for teleportation. I would blink and transport myself to a warm sandy beach every Saturday, I would blink and awaken in a castle in Scotland or whisk myself off to London for high tea each afternoon. I would no longer endure airports or crowded planes. And after I’ve been off having adventures, I would return home to snuggle my cats in the evening. I would be able to see the world in a single day!

4 Who are some of your favourite witches from books, movies, and television?

I can’t deny my love for the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus. And I can’t choose a favorite of the three—so don’t even ask—they are all so magnificent! And I know there has been talk of a Hocus Pocus remake over the years, but I don’t want it, nothing can compare to the original. Those songs, those costumes! GAH! SO GOOD!

I also love Morticia Addams—who is not a witch—but she exudes such prowess and dramatic flair that I want to be her. She is my life goals.

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw             
Release Date - March 6, 2018
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 320 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.

I was sold on The Wicked Deep the instant I heard its premise. I love a good witch story and had high hopes for this one. Shea Ernshaw did not disappoint with her story about love, revenge, redemption, and sacrifice.

The atmosphere of this novel is felt on every single page. The damp coldness of the sea, the salt tinged air, the feeling of the impossible being possible. The novel plays up its setting and tone to create the perfect witchy vibe. You can sense the Practical Magic inspiration in the way you can almost feel the magic in the air. It is vividly realized, and you could instantly picture what this town looked like.

The tale of the three beautiful Swan sisters is a tragic and crushing one. It is vividly told along side the current story arc that is taking place. The two stories are interwoven with the past impacting the present and creating a richer, deeper story. I was just as enthralled by the story set in the past as I was by the one set in present day. Witch hunts are a huge theme in both the timelines. I found it interesting that Swan sisters were wrongfully accused only to be turned into something mystical by what is done to them. It tinges the story with a little more bitterness and makes what happened to them even more unfair.

There is an undercurrent theme of slut-shaming in the Swan sisters narrative. Their story digs into the idea that women are judged more harshly than men for the same actions. The entire series of events is set off because people believed men could not possibly be responsible for their own actions. It provides a discussion worthy element that I feel makes it perfect for book clubs.

There are a few love stories found within this novel. One that takes places in the past, and the one happening in the present. The both pack a heart aching punch and a sadness that is, at times, unexpected. There is a sympathy that is invoked, particularly for the Swan sisters and the tragic romances within these pages, that caught me by surprise. They are murders plenty times over and should be beyond redemption, but their story is so horrific that it tugs at your heart.

The love stories have a bit of an instalove feel to them, but that worked for me in this case. There is a hint of magic to the connections that are built, and it felt right. It makes sense that these romances would feel as steeped in magic as the rest of the elements of the story. The possibility of something mystical makes them feel a little more plausible in a way that may not work as well in a more contemporary set novel.

There are various mysteries to unravel within the story arc set out in this novel. The multiple mysteries ensures that the reader is always invested. The pacing of the reveals is important in a story structure like this, and I think it's done effectively here. It is the kind of story you finish quickly because it is compulsively readable, and you want to find out what happens next until you've reached the very end.

Shea Ernshaw has crafted  a magical, heartbreaking, romantic story that was entirely bewitching. I hope she continues to write paranormal stories, and would recommend this one to any reader who is looking for a witch inspired read to get swept away in.

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.

Just a small post this week, but a pretty exciting one. You may also have noticed this is on Sunday instead of the usual Saturday. This is because I don't have new books or anything to show in my book haul so I thought I would shift this by a day!

BOOKS

Gillian Flynn Is Writing A New Novel

I came across an interview with Gillian Flynn where she talks about the novel she is currently working on and I became VERY excited. I loved Gone Girl and cannot wait to read whatever she writes next.

Of her new work she said:

I’m about halfway through a solid first draft of my next novel. It’s very sinister and dark, and there are definitely some funny pieces to it. Brett, my husband, has read the first page, which is a fucking spectacular first page. It’s the greatest first page that’s ever been written.

I am already in. I don't even have to know any other details. I want it immediately.

Cover Of Vengeful By VE Schwab (goodreads)

I read (and loved) Vicious when it came out and immediately wanted a sequel. The cover for that sequel was just released and I LOVE it. It is, obviously, a much different look than the first book, but a look that I think really works for this series.

It is my favourite colour combination and immediately catches your attention. The cover for Vicious was also redone in this style and I think I may have to get them both.

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

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Release Date - March 6,  2018
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?

The opening line of To Kill A Kingdom immediately sets the tone for this retelling of The Little Mermaid. It prepares the reader for a dark and vicious take on the classic tale, and presents a unique take on a story many know so well.

Alexandra Christo's writing is precise. Every word is used to advance the story or setting in some way. It is a story that could have easily been drawn out to create a series, and I respect that it was instead crafted into a much tighter stand alone. It makes for a better story and one that, I feel, showcases Alexandra's writing talent.

The settings used within the story are strikingly vivid. Each land visited is brought to life from the golden hues of Midas, to the snow covered beauty of Pagos. The descriptions make this novel read like a movie and I could easily picture not only the characters, but the world the inhabit. It's a fully realized world with a mythology that is vital to the story and it is where the writing truly shines.

Lira is the siren known as The Prince's Bane. The siren who has taken a heart for ever year she's been a live. The siren who only kills Princes. She's deadly, vicious, and the perfect weapon for the Sea Queen. It is Lira who grows the most during the journey she takes. She also is used to prove that hatred isn't something that someone is born with, it is taught. I enjoyed Lira because she's so headstrong, focused, and willing to learn and grow. She's a great character that is a stark contrast to the wide eyed Ariel.

Prince Elian is more pirate than Prince. He would rather be on the ocean than in his kingdom. He wants nothing more than the freedom to control his own destiny, and to kill the murderous siren who hunts his kind. He garners loyalty from this crew easily and has plenty of charm. He's the type of book character who steals your heart. He is more fleshed out than the Prince in this story typically is which is always welcome.

The nods to the classic tale of The Little Mermaid are small and peppered throughout. The transformation scene from siren to human is, like a lot of things in this novel, bloody and brutal. I could feel the pain radiating from the page and the agony Lira must have felt. It is a punishment in every sense, and something that stayed with me during the rest of the novel.  The Sea Witch's tentacles will immediately bring to mind Ursula from the Disney classic, but the family connection between her and Lira makes it even more heartbreaking.

The hatred between Lira and Prince Elian ensures that this is not an instalove situation. She very much wants to rip out his heart, and he would not hesitate to kill her if he knew she was the infamous Prince's Bane. It is a slow process of Lira getting to know who Prince Elian is, and seeing the good things that humans do for each other that changes her entire perspective. I makes for a deliciously torturous build up to them falling for each other. The romance, while being important, is not the sole driving force of the narrative. It allows this story to be a little richer and more interesting as a result.

Alexandra Christo has written a unique and enthralling read that will appeal to anyone who loves retellings. This one is not the Disneyfied version, nor is it the heartbreaking original. It manages to be a mixture of both and therefore something entirely its own. I eager await whatever Alexandra Christo writes next as I fully fell under the spell of this amazing debut.