December 2022 Wrap Up

On February 17, 2023February 7, 2023 By AllieS.In Wrap UpLeave a comment

In December I read five books most which were physical. I also work retail during the holidays so I’m surprised that I read that much.

Books:

The first book I read was Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir which was a reread for me and I have a full review posted. I liked this one much more on a second read as I understood so much more. Based on the format of this book it leans itself to multiple rereads as you will pick up on the hints that are sprinkled throughout the book. I plan to continue on with the series soon.

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania is a nonfiction book that contains art and other reference materials used during the devolvement of Final Fantasy VII Remake. I really like this book but its definitely a book for fans.

The Band that Played On: The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the Titanic by Steve Turner is a nonfiction book about the Titanic. This book focuses on the band and the story that they continued playing until the ship sank. Provides great detail on who the band members were, how they ended up on the Titanic, and the memory of how they are remembered.

The Mistletoe Paradox is a short story collections that each story takes ideas about mistletoe and the traditions around it to write stories. As with most short story collections I liked some of the stories more than others but I want to see where these authors go next and the types of stories they will tell in the future.

The last book I read in December was Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert. This is the collection of dark fairytales that are referenced throughout the Hazel Wood series. While I didn’t love The Night Country which was the second book in the series I was still interested in reading the fairytales mention in the books. Overall, I think that these dark fairytales are one of the best things in this series and I loved seeing where Melissa Albert took these types of fairytales.

December 2022 Fairyloot

On February 13, 2023February 7, 2023 By AllieS.In FairylootLeave a comment

Fairyloot is a Young Adult book subscription box focusing on fantasy based out of the UK. Each month you receive a new Young Adult hardback book and 4-5 bookish goodies. Like most book boxes the hardback are special editions and the items are a combination of both practical things and more decorative items. December’s theme is Come One, Come All.

The bookish items included this month are a face towel, a set of Carousel bookends, the next mythology bookmarks, a Caraval book sleeve, and the monthly tarot cards featuring character art from Girls of Paper and Fire.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, generally signed by the author and include a letter from the author. This month the book is Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston which is a standalone fantasy with a magical secret society, a deadly competition and vampires. This edition also has digitally sprayed edges and foiling on the hardback.

January’s theme is Hidden Worlds.

November 2022 Illumicrate

On February 10, 2023February 6, 2023 By AllieS.In IllumicrateLeave a comment

Illumicrate is a UK based fantasy and science fiction book box that has monthly boxes or just a monthly book only subscription. Each box also includes a selection of bookish goodies some more practical, others more decorative set around a monthly theme. November’s theme is Some Kind of Monster.

The items included in this box are a sword replica from Priory of the Orange Tree, a scarf inspired by the Winternight trilogy, a tote bag, and a tea tin inspired by Only a Monster.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and most months a letter from the author. This months book is The Luminaries by Susan Dennard. This is a contemporary fantasy that follows Winnie who wants to join the Luminaires, an ancient order that protects the town and humanity from the monsters and nightmares that reside in the forest. However, she and her ex-best friend jay discover danger that no-one is prepared for as not all monsters can be killed. This edition also has foil on the hardback, and digitally printed edges.

December’s theme is Better Together.

Book Review: Lirael (Abhorsen #2) by Garth Nix

On February 6, 2023February 6, 2023 By AllieS.In Book ReviewLeave a comment

Lirael is the second book in the Abhorsen series and the sequel to Sabriel. This book focuses on Lirael who is a daughter of the Clayr, who have the ability to see some aspects of the future however Lirael never gained the sight. She ends up taking up a mission to stop an ancient evil along with Sabriel’s son Sam.

This is a reread for me but I read it many years ago and don’t remember much about the story. Overall, I liked this book but enjoyed Sabriel more. The one thing that I didn’t enjoy was the switching of perspectives between Lirael and Sam as I just don’t like Sam’s perspective as much thought I get why it was needed for the plot. I do plan to continue reading this series.

November 2022 Fairyloot

On February 3, 2023February 2, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Box, FairylootLeave a comment

The bookish items included this month are a Kingdom of the Wicked mug, a book review notebook, a letter opener inspired by Serpent and Dove, a spellbook enamel pin, and the monthly tarot cards.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, generally signed by the author and include a letter from the author. This month the book is The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix. This edition also has Ombre sprayed edges, art on the back of the dust jacket, adn foiling on the hardback.