A sequel to the original Clanlands, these two actors who worked on Outlander have taken a roadtrip together in a camper first in Scotland and then in this book, New Zealand. Bouncing between the historic disputes between Māori clans and Britain and the actors modern day adventures, the book reads from learning about history to the cheeky ruckus Sam gets Graham caught up in. Highly recommend the audio on this one!

Isla, the ruler of the Wildlings, has prepared her whole life to attend the Centennial, a gathering that happens every 100 years where the rulers of the six islands attempt to break their curses. Most have power and age on their side, however Isla is young and powerless with many lies and deceit around every corner. Book was just different enough to stand out in the Romantasy era that we are living in. Probably will continue with series.

A cheeky “white room” story about an alternate dimension vacation! A man wakes up in Mideval England not remembering who he was or how he got there. Only knowing this is definitely not his timeline. Armed with a half dead ballpoint pen and an exploded handbook for dimension travel you follow along on the present story and find out about the man‘s past as he remembers it. And it‘s not all daffodils and berries!

Year ten stacking books into a tree🤍 she‘s a little different than previous years and she might be a little more precarious than ever but it‘s always brought me such joy (and a little stress) to create this gem every year🤩✨🎄📚

Has anyone else read this book??? The magic system is very interesting but also not the most in depth description on how it really works… I think the story is really original and a very cool premise. HOWEVER. It took me over a month to read this 300 page book. Which I can generally finish in a couple of days and now that I have finished it I still feel so meh about it…

This read Was thought provoking, intense, had twists and turns and even brought a tear or two! Cassie a lover of books suddenly finds herself in the possession of a magic book, the Book of Doors where any door can become the opening to anywhere in the world. After using the book as a novelty traveling to Paris and Italy at night she and others are suddenly in danger by people who would do anything to get a hold of these books.

I'm gonna be honest I didn't love this book or this series. This one was still pretty "whiplash-y" and I just struggled to cheer for any of the characters whether it was because they were terrible people or just so naive about the world around them they kept getting into silly situations. I will say it made me think about National Treasure in its discoveries and main character banter.

A collection of short stories set it in the world of the books before this one. Some short stories include characters we knew previously giving more backstory to them. Others are brand new characters from different times and locations on Earth, always including a Scythe. Happy to have read it but sometimes each individual story was tough to get into until the end and then we switch to the next story and the process starts over😅 a me problem😆

I was a bit apprehensive as I was reading this one as it felt a bit “whiplash-y” and I didn‘t love the interaction between the FMC and MMC. But as the book progressed it really gained momentum. Inez‘s parents spend half of their time away from Argentina in Egypt on archaeological digs. After receiving a letter from her uncle about their deaths, Inez treks to Egypt alone and is determined to find out what happened to them.

There‘s A LOT going on in this book… almost a little too much to keep track of what‘s going on. But the ending was quite the surprise and I‘m still very impressed with this series!

Charlie finds himself in dire need of a miracle on his last $100 and aspirations to buy a pub. Little does he know he is about to be thrust into the playground of trillionaires with villainous tendencies after his uncle leaves him heir to his companies. With a volcanic lair and spy cats this book throws ya for a loop! I really enjoyed the second half of the book however the first half felt a bit draggy. Loved Hera the spy cat!

This series is really quite fascinating… I‘m so glad I have picked it up! Citra, a Junior Scythe, has spent her first year gleaning with as much compassion as she can. Rowan takes on the robe of a Scythe, even though he was not chosen to be one, and sets out to kill Scythes who use their powerful position to further their own ambitions. And the Thunder Head, an AI program, begins to question itself about if taking care of humans is a good idea.

A story of living a life to its fullest with love and compassion, even while dying. Author Mitch Albom‘s life takes an unexpected turn when he finds out his favorite college professor is dying of ALS. What was initially a singular visit turns into weekly flights from Detroit to Boston to capture his old professor‘s last lecture on life🤍.

Alright I‘m throwing the towel in on this one only because I don‘t want it to ruin my opinion of the first book. The characters both old and new are on my nerves and I‘m sure if I gave them the time they will all come around to their senses. However I‘m quite unhappy reading it and no longer wish to continue. Gave it about 1/3 of the book.

Not your typical romance especially in today‘s standards but intimate nonetheless. A reread for me but a book that I hold near to my heart. Hopefully have enough bravery to continue with the series to see where Louisa‘s life goes!

If you‘re looking for a book to make you cry here it is🎁📖🥲

I was apprehensive about this one since it is considered YA, but was so surprised not only by the story itself but that this is considered YA😅 In a society where disease is eradicated, people can be brought back to life, and one can “turn a corner” if you get too old, death is no longer an everyday fear. With overpopulation an obvious issue, the society introduces Scythes, people trained in taking lives or as the society calls it “gleaning”.

A story of loss and finding one‘s way as shown from the perspective of 70 year old Tova, 30 year old Cameron, and a 4 year old octopus named Marcellus. I had high expectations for this book and I must admit it fell a little short mostly because I couldn‘t stand one of the characters and was begging for more interaction with Marcellus😆 pictured is my remarkably maybe not the brightest creature Finan😍

I know this looks very bad… and in some ways it very much was 😅 I would not consider this a guide for those who are actively grieving. The author is a comedian and this book is VERY tongue in cheek throughout its‘ entirety. The author herself even admits the advice given is terrible and sometimes even illegal. However… everyone grieves in their own way and this was the way this person went through her fathers death of cancer. No judgements here.

A retelling of the original 1984 told from Julia‘s POV. I wish I would have reread the original before getting into this one just to see the character‘s lives intertwining as the story goes along. Definitely was similar to 1984 in its mind twisting and often conflicting stories with the characters. Although I‘m happy to have read it, it certainly wasn‘t a favorite as the story ran in circles and I find it to not need to be almost 400 pages long.

Raeve works as an assassin to the revolutionary group against the current king. When she gets caught she is sent to be executed only to find herself being whisked away in the mouth of a dragon. She only has vengeance on her mind after losing one close to her but her savior is determined to bring up past memories she‘s buried deep within herself. Such an amazing book! If you like big books and the genre just do yourself a favor k?😉

I love Sanderson‘s work but I feel like I‘m really struggling with The Stormlight Archives… these books are a huge undertaking and have serious pacing problems for how long they are. I feel like I can zone out for ten minutes and not really miss anything important which is hard to swallow. Unsure if I will continue on with this series.

Pacific Rim meets futuristic China, giant robot like structures are run by a male and female team with high qi, problem is most females end up dying after battles due to the male draining her life force. Zetian is determined to redeem her sister when the male pilot outright kills her. She is ready to die for it but is she willing to survive? LOVED the concept. DID NOT like the writing style. Won‘t be continuing the series

Patricia and her book club love reading murder mysteries and horror books. But her community starts to question that choice when she starts being suspicious of their new neighbor James Harris around the town‘s children. Stretched over three years of turmoil, accusations, Patricia is faced with keeping the peace or losing the life she‘s build. Definitely one to read if this is your genre but not my cup of tea

A novel set 11,000 years into the future, Ariel a young boy is destined for great things. But when he finds a sword and a sentient chronicler that makes his mind her new home in an ancient cavern, the wizard of the village goes into a rampage. To understand what he was destined for and to save his brother, Ariel sets out on a quest which leads him to robots, beavers that ride moths, and a diety you can only speak to at the bottom of a well. Wacky!

A guide on how to function as an adult on topics from finances, weddings, and etiquette all with a hint of humor. Did I buy this book because the cover was pretty and it has pictures? Absolutely. Did I find it helpful or useful? To an extent yes! I felt like it was geared towards a younger audience and one who lived in bigger cities (the author lives in NYC) but was a fun read nonetheless.

Am I missing something with this book??😅 it reads so much like a YA with some pretty non YA subject matter… such a weird and ick combination I couldn‘t do it.

I have mixed feelings on this one. The beginning of the read seems utterly disjointed that I was getting disheartened trying to figure out where it was going… near the end connections started forming to some degree which were delightful to behold. But I‘m still left wondering why some stories were told on this book and what did they contribute to the overall novel??

When one of their own turns evil, the Reckoners have no choice but to try to save Ildithia, formerly Atlanta, from their former leader. The team sets out to not kill Limelight but to save him from his own powers and bring their friend back to them but Limelight has a plan of his own in place and Calamity, the red star in the sky that brought the Epic powers to Earth, is involved. Great end to the series, fun read as usual!

I wish I even knew where I could start to review this book. I wish also that I could say that the 800 pages of pure horror and depression that this book is were worth reading. But in all honesty I wish I hadn‘t read it. The trigger warning list that this book contains is a mile long and unspeakably awful. The book is well written but past that I‘m so glad it‘s over.

The Reckoners are brought to Babylon Restored, formerly New York City, to bring down Regalia, an Epic who has been sending cronies to Newcago to destroy the Reckoner team. David is on his search for Megan, a former team member lost in the battle of Newcago and finds himself in many tricky situations with his team and fighting the Epics who are hell bent on destroying the city.

Mika is a part of a secret group of witches that meet on a limited basis so that their power isn‘t shown to humans. However Mika is drawn to a *Witch Wanted* message which has her eventually teaching three young witches how to control their magic. Very cute book and the narrator was amazing! Was wanting a little more magic involvement throughout the book but was a fun read nonetheless!

It‘s the year of Brandon Sanderson for me😅 this is technically a reread but loved the writing and storyline. David enlists The Reckoners to help him dispatch Steelheart, the Epic who took over Chicago and remade it with night and steel.

Time is of the essence to collect all of the Providence Cards to heal Blunder of the mist and infection. But Elspeth, the Nightmare, and her companions face obstacles at every turn. Such a good duology! Was so happy I picked these up. For anyone who likes a fantasy novel with a different take on magic and a short series!

Such a cool take on a fantasy novel and magic! Was so pleased with this one! The land is plagued with a cursed mist and a magic infection in the city of Blunder. The only acceptable magic is the use of the Providence Cards which can give the user dexterity to mind reading to time travel. The city can be freed from plague and mist if all the cards are united but this hasn‘t happened in over four hundred years…

Sylina is charged by her order to become the seer for the vampire conquering their lands in order to dispatch him. After uncovering truths of both her organization and Atrius, the vampire, she is torn between following her goddess or the man she‘s come to know as more than a cold blooded conqueror. Loved this novella! Really liking this author and her characters!

The COOLEST of concepts. The execution made me want to cry I was so frustrated with the lack of sense this book had. A book within a book including notes and inserts to help along the mystery of the author of the fake book Ship of Theseus

Oraya and Raihn become bonded in surprising circumstances that has Oraya questioning all of her decisions during the Kejari trials from the first book. Raihn who is now King of the Nightborn vampires struggles to hold his position with even his allies questioning his ability to lead. Will Oraya and Raihn find the common ground they held during the trials to achieve the kingdom they so desperately desire🤷🏻‍♀️

Author Erica Buist unexpectedly loses her father in law which prompts an in depth research project into the worlds death festivals. From Mexico to Japan, she visits seven different festivals in hopes of coming to terms with her loved one‘s passing and the realization we‘re all gonna end up there ourselves. Loved reading about the different cultures celebrations🖤

Based on the true story of Polish born Auschwitz survivors Lale and Gita. Starting from when Lale first arrived to the camp and became the Tätowierer or tattooist of all the prisoners that entered the camp. This is where he met Gita a young woman whom he vows to marry and have a life with once they leave the camp. Filled with harrowing encounters along with the small joys the prisoners experience it‘s certainly a tough read.

Oraya was taken in as an adopted daughter by the Nightborn Vampire King. A once in every one hundred year trial gives her the opportunity to step into power without being changed into a vampire. She has to survive four months in the Moon Palace with all other contestants out for her blood, literally. This was a pleasant surprise and I really liked the story. Closest thing I‘ve found to ACOTAR vibes!

Lady Franklin enlists Western guide Virginia Reeves to take an expedition of women to find her husband‘s ships lost in the Arctic. Little does Virginia know after she returns she‘ll be put on trial for murder. This was a great read that bounced between the expedition and the present day courthouse proceedings which made for a cool perspective. It was missing a little something to push it into the 5⭐️ read but would definitely recommend!

Nia is whisked away from her French vacation to join the spy academy for Demi-fae at Avalon Tower. She finds she has a rare gift among the Demi-fae which allows them to pass into the Vale to spy on the Fae who hold the world in their grasp. I can see where this book could get good… however I can‘t get past the mediocre writing and every other paragraph including “chiseled abs” and “luscious lips” 🙄

Sebastian is a journalist who is no stranger to danger. He‘s taken enemy fire in Afghanistan and had a near drowning while surfing. But only after a burst pancreatic aneurysm resulting in emergency surgery does he begin to really wonder what happens to us after we die. He takes a deep dive into what it means to be alive from a physics standpoint but also finding across religions and cultures people experience similar things while dying.

Klara, an artificial friend, is chosen by the young girl Josie to be her companion. Klara soon learns the ins and outs of Josie's life especially since she is often ill. Being solar powered herself Klara enlists the sun's help to heal Josie. A tricky read as this is set in the perspective of the AF so you are learning what things are and her interpretation of events instead of them being literally drawn out for you which I liked.

Told from the perspective of three women: Cassandra, Princess of Troy, Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon and Elektra daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. Starting from the genesis of the Trojan War, the ten years during and several years after it ends it's a story of grief and redemption. As this was set from the womens' perspective it was a newer outlook on some classic stories.

I seriously have no idea why this book is so popular. If you‘re looking for a watered down version of Hunger Games with little plot past a love triangle, look no further… Paedyn is pulled fron the slums to fight in the Trials amongst Elites. Little do they know she is Ordinary, possessing no magic or power which is sentenced by death. The book picked up towards the end but the 90% slog to get there is not worth it.

The book follows three students who have found themselves at McMasters Conservatory for the Applies Arts which is a university to teach people how to effectively “delete” people then closes out with each students “thesis project” which is how well they murdered their target. This was a well thought out original idea for a novel and it is humorous as well to lighten up the mood of planning someone‘s ultimate demise. Highly recommend!

A story of the UK figuring out how to time travel, they decide to bring to modern times people from different centuries and have them assimilate to our culture. I liked the idea of this story and even liked a lot of the time traveler‘s characters, except the main character who‘s POV we are in for most of the book…The audiobook narration was a bit disjointed sometimes at the beginning but was well rounded by the end.

I liked this read and if people have been eyeing it I would certainly give it a read! However I felt a lack of depth in both characters and storyline. There‘s a lot of hints to a broader backstory to a lot of the characters that I felt maybe wasn‘t fully explored that left me a bit wanting.

Author Mary Roach does a deep dive into the “careers” of human and animal cadavers. Ranging from the obvious medical anatomy cadavers for education to crash testing cars and planes for safety to organ and tissue donation, Roach really went out of her way to find both modern and medieval knowledge on how societies have used the bodies of the dead to help the living. Roach writes with an edge of humor to soften the blow of a couple of topics here.