This one really surprised me! I didn't expect to enjoy this so much but #Sanctuary had me hooked from the start and kept me up way past my bedtime. Dealing with some dark themes (e.g. rape, victim blaming), this book was hard to read at times but it's a real page-turner. The murder mystery with all its twists and turns was so well plotted and the setting was incredibly atmospheric. I also loved the diverse cast of characters and the magic element.

Okay, so I wasn't really sure if I should get this book but after seeing so many posts about it, I caved. #Pumpkinheads was my first #graphicnovel, actually, and I adored it! The story is sweet and adorable and the art is just gorgeous. 💚 It was a perfect October read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Also, I really want to visit a pumpkin patch – and I don't even like pumpkins! (Unless they're used as decoration 🎃)

#RainbowRowell #FaithErinHicks #fallreads

I know I've been MIA for a while but I'm still alive! 🙈 I am currently looking for a job and so far it's not going too well so I often feel a bit frustrated and overwhelmed. 🙄

BUT when I'm not busy writing applications and while I'm waiting for some good news, at least I have more time to read. These are some of the books I hope to get to over the next couple of weeks. Let's do this! 💪

#tbr #falltbr #seasonalreading #booklover #bibliophile

"Look at these wildflowers. [...] They're not fancy, they're not prizewinning orchids or roses. But they don't care. They're just wildflowers, doing their thing, and they're beautiful. Be like them, sweet pea. Just be you and be happy." ?

I really enjoyed this! The story incorporates so many important topics, like racism or abortion, and it does so in a very organic, authentic (and in the case of the Japanese internment camps, educational) way.

"What you are is a fucking tragedy, Simon Snow. You literally couldn't be a bigger mess." ~ Baz

I admit I was a bit skeptical about #CarryOn because I mostly skimmed the Simon Snow parts in Fangirl but this book surprised me in the best way possible. I fell for Simon & Baz so hard, and I just couldn't stop reading. ?????

I'm so happy #WaywardSon is coming out soon - I need more #Snowbaz! ?

#RainbowRowell #pridemonthreads #yafantasy

"I believe in love at first sight. Fate, the universe, all of it. [...] I just think you're meant to meet some people. I think the universe nudges them into your path." ~ Arthur ?

I am so glad I finally picked this one up last month! The last third fell a bit flat for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I love the writing and the characters, and the story is so adorable! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#pridemonthreads #whatifitsus #beckyalbertalli #adamsilvera

I feel a bit 'meh' about this book - it was a quick and easy read and the developing relationships were entertaining but it's very hard for me to really get into a book when I just don't like the main character. Selah is supposed to be the ruler of her country soon but she acts nothing like it. She was much too naive and passive for my taste. Also the world-building was kind of confusing. I did love that it was partly set in Norway, though...

Ok, it's time for a confession... Like Ben, I have never listened to Hamilton. 🙈 I know, shame on me.

Reading this book really makes me want to, though! Arthur's enthusiasm and Ben's reaction finally convinced me that I've been missing out. 😁

#WhatIfItsUs #BeckyAlbertalli #AdamSilvera #currentlyreading #readwithpride #pridemonthreads #yareads #Hamilton

1. Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff - I am obsessed with this book already!

2. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - it was amazing! Definitely one of my 2019 favorites and I loved the audio production, too.

3. This afternoon I had coffee with two friends I hadn't seen in ages. Also, lots of reading. 😄

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

I've read mixed reviews for this book but I really enjoyed the last installment in the #Caraval series. I do agree that it sometimes felt a bit rushed and too neat but as far as conclusions go, I'm pretty happy with this one. It was interesting to see these characters outside of the game and there wasn't a dull moment. I loved learning more about the Fates. Also, I am now more in love with Julian than ever before. ❤️

#StephanieGarber #Finale

"He smelled of magic and heartbreak, and something about the combination made her think that despite what he claimed, he wanted to be her hero." ~ Donatella

#currentlyreading #StephanieGarber #Finale #Caraval #Legendary #quote #fantasyreads #yalit #signedcopy #bookmark #fanart

I know May is already almost over but I'm still gonna post my #AprilWrapUp because that was a really good month for me. I read the books pictured plus the tagged one on audio and most of #QueenofShadows (ToG #4) on my Kindle.

I feel like I don't have nearly enough time for reading because work has been really stressful lately, but I'm pretty happy with April.

My favorites were #Gemina and #FieldNotesonLove - totally different but both awesome!

This is a hard one to rate, because I feel pretty torn... I really enjoyed this book, I loved the writing, and I adored the main characters. But I have a real issue with how similar the story is to V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series. It did not impact me too much while I was reading because it wasn't too obvious, at least to me. But now I've read other reviews (some even calling it a blatant rip-off) and I wonder how I didn't see it before. 😟

"We all carry good and bad within us, light and dark. That is what makes us human. And remember, no matter how far into the darkness we may fall, it is never too late to seek the light." ~ Paloma

So behind in the FairyLoot readalong this time because the last few days have been crazy busy, but I'm really enjoying this book. And I'm in love with this gorgeous edition!

P.S.: After seeing this print I can't help but picture Alfie Enoch as MC Alfie.

I'm getting seriously worried because my mini apartment is getting more and more cramped with books, but I cannot wait to read these beauties...

#sorrynotsorry #morebooks #bookhaul #birthdaybookhaul #tbr #bookstack #bookspines #bibliophile #booklover

HOW DARE YOU? WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO TOY WITH MY FEELINGS LIKE THAT??? 😵

Ok, I feel better now.

Well, I did it. I finished Obsidio - and I loved every single minute of it! This whole series is so amazing, from the unique formatting to the unforgettable characters and, of course, the incredible audiobook production. (I know, I sound like a broken record, but it's true!) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

#TheIlluminaeFiles #Illuminae #Gemina #Obsidio #coverlove

I'm in the middle of Obsidio right now and I'm loving it, but I just don't want this amazing series to end! And I am so worried that some of these brilliant characters won't survive - I mean, we're talking about Amie and Jay here, sooo... 😳 It's making me anxious. I just need my faves to be okay!

#Obsidio #AmieKaufman #JayKristoff #TheIlluminaeFiles #currentlyreading #scifireads #yalit #illustration #quote #KadyGrant #Illuminae #Gemina

I am so in love with this series! 💙 For me, Gemina couldn't quite live up to the standard Illuminae set, mainly because there was less diversity when it comes to the documents used and because some parts did feel a little repetitive.

It was still amazing, though! I did miss Kady & Ezra but it didn't take long for me to fall in love with the newbies - Hanna, Nik and Ella. Needless to say, the audiobook was brilliant. Also, the journal pages! 😍

Ok, I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would! #ToBestTheBoys is a fast-paced read with interesting characters, including a smart, fierce and just all-around awesome heroine. Science plays a big part in this and though that's not my forte in real life, it made for a compelling story. I also loved the blend of the 19th-century-esque setting and the fantasy elements. Bonus points for all the banter and the sweet romance subplot. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

"For the girl who's been told to quiet down, calm down, sit down, or just leave it to the men - this is for you."

So much love for this dedication. ❤️

#MaryWeber #ToBestTheBoys #quote #dedication #girlpower #fantasyreads #yareads #currentlyreading

"That's what resistance looks like, Merlin. It's not one glorious, shining victory. It's a torch that you keep burning, no matter what." ~ Gwen

I really enjoyed this gender-bent King Arthur retelling! There were some things that bugged me, mainly that a few developments felt a bit rushed, but the humor and the diversity more than made up for that. Can't wait for the sequel!

#OnceandFuture #AmyRoseCapetta #CoriMcCarthy #GirlKingArthur #scifireads

"It's my story, so clearly I'm the hero." ~ Tella

Finished my reread of #Legendary in preparation for #Finale. I'm really excited to see where the last book in this series will take us.

#fairyloot #readalong #StephanieGarber #Caraval #quote #DonatellaDragna #yalit #fantasyreads #coverlove #nakedcovers #booknerdigans

Best way to spend my break. 🎧

#audiowalk #currentlylistening #kerrimaniscalco #huntingprincedracula #stalkingjacktheripper #audiobook

I am in love with this book - my only complaint is that it isn't longer. This story is so sweet while still touching on some tough subjects. I just adored Mae & Hugo (and their families), they had brilliant chemistry and their banter was great, too. Getting to know them, watching them get to know each other and accompanying them on their journeys was heart-warming. I also loved that the story centered around a cross country train ride. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Here it is, my #bookhaul from Amsterdam! The four paperbacks on the right are all from the second-hand bookshop I mentioned in my last post.

Since I've never read Anne Frank's diary I took the chance to get myself a copy from the shop after visiting the Anne Frank House (which I recommend to anyone traveling to Amsterdam).

I bought the other three books on the left at Waterstones - I could have spent hours (and much more money 😂) in there!

Did you really think I was going to leave Amsterdam without doing some book shopping? On our last day we visited three shops, one of which was The Book Exchange, a magical place full of thousands of used English books. Basically it was heaven - and I'm quite proud of myself for buying only four books there... 😂

#TheBookExchange #amsterdam #usedbooks #bookshopping #booknerdigans #bookloversholiday #booklover

I am currently in Amsterdam for the first time ever and I am absolutely loving it! Of course we had to visit the Rijksmuseum and of course the library was my favorite part.

#bookloversholiday #amsterdam #holland #travel #library #rijksmuseum #booksbooksbooks #booknerdigans

"We are all dealt a hand at birth. A good hand can ultimately lose - just as a poor hand can win - but we must all play the cards the fate deals. The choices we face may not be the choices we want, but they are choices nonetheless."

I loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling so much! I could have kept reading about Harper, Rhen and Grey forever. Can't wait for the sequel! ????

#fairylootreadalong #ACurseSoDarkAndLonely #BrigidKemmerer

I really wanted to love this beauty of a book but unfortunately I just couldn't really get into it. The premise is interesting but the execution was lacking, at least in my opinion. My biggest issue are the many continuity mistakes that were annoying and confusing and kept pulling me out of the story. Then there are the three different POVs which were too similar for my taste. Also, I just didn't really care for any of the characters. 😕

"Just because something isn't practical doesn't mean it's not worth creating. Sometimes beauty and real-life magic are enough." ?

This was the perfect read for a stormy weekend - visiting Lola & Cricket in San Fran made me forget about the rain and I loved spending time with these adorable characters.

#LolaAndTheBoyNextDoor #StephaniePerkins #yalit #contemporary #romance #coverlove

"Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything."

Just finished my reread of #Caraval and I have to say, I enjoyed it much more this time. I think the first time my expectations were just too high which is why I was a little disappointed. ????

I love that #fairyloot is hosting readalongs in preparation for the last book in the series, #Finale, which comes out in May.

"Stop punishing yourself for being someone with a heart. You cannot protect yourself from suffering. To live is to grieve. You are not protecting yourself by shutting yourself off from the world. You are limiting yourself."

In case you couldn't tell, I really loved this book and I need the sequel, like, NOW. ?

#KingOfScars #LeighBardugo #quote #Grishaverse #coverlove #fantasyreads #bookishcandles

"Nikolai had been told hope was dangerous, had been warned of it many times. But he'd never believed that. Hope was the wind that came from nowhere to fill your sails and carry you home."

One of my favorite quotes from this wonderful book. ?

#LeighBardugo #KingOfScars #Grishaverse #NikolaiLantsov #quote #fantasyreads #nakedcovers #fanart #illumicrate #eclusiveedition #12monthsofNikolai

How gorgeous is this special edition of #KingOfScars? ? It was part of Illumicrate's "Saints & Scars" box and I could just stare at it forever...

I cannot wait to start reading this - I'm so excited to return to the #Grishaverse and catch up with Nikolai.

#LeighBardugo #specialedition #nakedcovers #coverlove #fantasyreads #tbr

I read this as part of the FairyLoot readalong and I'm having a hard time rating it. Altough it was a page-turner I found the world building lacking and I wasn't impressed with the magic system. Also, there were some things that just didn't make sense to me. That being said, I still really enjoyed the book and want to see what happens next. I just think the story had a lot more potential - good thing it's a series. 😉

#CircleOfShadows #EvelynSkye

1. I loved this collection of dark fairytales from the Grishaverse and the illustrations are even more stunning than the cover.
2. I have dentist's appointment. Romantic, right? 🙄
3. Pink.
4. They actually thought I'd be a boy for quite a while. My mom wanted to name me Tom but my sister (who was 3 at the time) wanted Robert and they say they would have listened to her. 😁
5. On it! ❤️

#friyayintro @howjessreads

The Grishaverse binge continues with this beauty as I wait (not so) patiently for my copy of King of Scars. I ordered the Illumicrate 'Saints & Scars' box and I can't wait to see what's inside. And read the book of course! 😍

This lovely candle was made by Book & Glow and was inside Illumicrate's first Grishaverse box, along with The Language of Thorns.

#LeighBardugo #TheLanguageOfThorns #Grishaverse #coverlove #bookishcandles #midnighttales

"I just know there's no way to live without pain - no matter how long or short your life is. People let you down. You get hurt and do damage in return. [...] You move forward, and when you falter, you get up. And when you can't, you let us carry you. You let me carry you."

How can you not love Mal? ?

#LeighBardugo #RuinAndRising #Grishaverse #MalyenOretsev #quote #fantasyreads #yalovin #reread

1. Ruin and Rising (reread before King of Scars comes out) & Harry Potter - A Journey Through A History of Magic

2. Gryffindor 🦁

3. A Series of Unfortunate Events

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

"Saints, Alina. I hope you weren't looking to me to be the voice of reason. I keep to a strict diet of ill-advised enthusiasm and heartfelt regret."

Nikolai is the best. ❤️ I can't wait to see him take the spotlight in #KingOfScars.

#LeighBardugo #RuinAndRising #Grishaverse #NikolaiLantsov #Sturmhond #quote #currentlyreading #fantasyreads

"The Darkling had told her he was destined to rule. He had claimed his throne, and a part of her too. He was welcome to it. For the living and the dead, she would make herself a reckoning.
She would rise."

#LeighBardugo #SiegeAndStorm #AlinaStarkov #Grishaverse #quote #reread #fantasyreads #yalovin #booklover

Only two weeks til #KingofScars is released! 😱 Time for a reread, I think...

#LeighBardugo #Grishaverse #ShadowandBone #SiegeandStorm #RuinandRising #currentlyreading #reread #mapmonday #fantasy #yareads

So one week ago I finished #QueenOfAirAndDarkness and I'm still not sure I can accurately put my thoughts and feelings into words but I'm gonna try.

I enjoyed this so much! I just love being in this extraordinary world Cassie created, I don't think I will ever get enough of it. I will say that the resolution of the whole parabatai curse situation felt a little too easy for me but overall I'm really happy with this conclusion to #TheDarkArtifices.

The holidays might be over but I am still enjoying my reading sessions next to the Christmas tree... 🎄

My current read is #QueenOfAirAndDarkness, the final book of #TheDarkArtifices and I am loving it. It is so great to be back in the Shadowhunter world with all these characters I have grown to love (or hate in some cases). I am torn between wanting it to last forever and needing to know what happens next...

#CassieClare #currentlyreading #TDA

Can you believe it's not even one week til Christmas? 😱

Anyway, I thought it was high time for some seasonal reads. ❄️ I am almost done with #LetItSnow and it's really adorable. Next up is #AChristmasCarol, which I've actually never read before. I just got this cute little edition and I love how good these two books look together. 😍

#currentlyreading #tbr #christmasreads #CharlesDickens #JohnGreen #MaureenJohnson #LaurenMyracle #coverlove

Ok, so I got this from the library after a friend of mine told me how much she loved it.

No offense to anyone who digs this but it's definitely not my thing. I guess I just need more from a story than an annoying girl being sexually awakened by a controlling, possessive guy who treats her like shit most of the time. And I'm really sick of seeing abusive behavior being romanticized in books and/or other media.

It's also written pretty poorly. 🤷

Goodreads 2018 Reading Challenge completed! ✔️

I really enjoyed the audiobook of #TheRavenBoys. It took me a while to get used to Will Patton's voice and his style of narration but I actually think he does a great job of capturing the different characters.

I'll probably have to reread it as an eBook sooner or later, though, because I keep missing little things - I can't really stop my mind from wandering while listening to audiobooks... 🙄

Just started reading this and so far, I really like it. #GirlsOfPaperAndFire was FairyLoot's October book and they're also doing a readalong which started today.

I'm in love with this special edition of the book. It has an exclusive cover (hello gorgeous rainbow colors) and of course the amazing sprayed edges. 😍

#NatashaNgan #fairyloot #currentlyreading #exclusiveedition #fantasyreads #yalit #booksandtea #booklover #readalong #booknerdigans

With less than a month to go til the release of #QueenOfAirAndDarkness (😱😱😱) I figured it was high time for a reread of the first two books.

The beautiful art print of Jules and Emma (by Tara Spruit - taratjah on Instagram) was included in the September #FairyLoot.

#LadyMidnight #LordOfShadows #TDA #TheDarkArtifices #CassieClare #shadowhunters #trilogy #waterstones #exclusiveedition #yalovin #fantasyreads #fanart #jemma #otp #booknerdigans