November 2020 Wrap Up

On By AllieS.In Book Review, Wrap UpLeave a comment

In November I read four books which is lower than some months for me but with the holidays and how this year has been any reading is good.

Books:

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia is a young adult nonfiction book that tells the history of the Romanov family during World War I and the Russian Revolution. It adds information about peasant lives and historical accounts from those not connect to the crown which many accounts of the Romanov Family don’t include. If you like Russian history its a very fast and easy read but not its not written with the younger side of the YA audience in mind.

So You Want To Work in a Museum? by Tara Young is a nonfiction book about working in museums and how to get a job in the field. My degree is in Public History and I’ve had jobs in museums but due to the pandemic my job search has stalled out. So, I’ve started to read more museum focused books for continuing my education and hoping that I the new year that I can restart my job search. This book would be good for anyone interested in a museum job. I already knew most of this information but I can always use a refresh on certain topics.

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher is a very creepy adult horror/fantasy novel. When Mouse agrees to clean out her grandmothers house she ends up finding her Step-grandfathers journal which is full of bizarre and creepy writing. However, when she ends up finding this place full of carved stones behind the house she realizes that the writings she found might be true. This is a very creepy and atmospheric book that kept me wanting to find out what would happen next. I loved the characters and the humor they bring to such an unsettling plot and I loved the ending.

The last book I read was From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back which is a series of Star Wars short stories set during The Empire Strikes Back but told from the perspective of background and side characters. Most of the stories I liked. However, I feel like there was too much focus on Hoth and Cloud City. There was also more focus on characters that show up in other Star Wars media that I’m not familiar with which in turn caused me to not know what was going on in some stories. Great for fans of Star Wars and those who like to see different takes on beloved stories and franchises. I received an advanced copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

November 2020 OwlCrate

On By AllieS.In Book Box, OwlCrateLeave a comment

Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. Some of these items are very practical and some are better suited as décor or for a pin/bulletin board. November’s theme is Growing Wild.

Each box includes different bookish goodies that fit the theme of the month and are connected to other books. This months items include wooden flower pressing kit, a reading planner, planner stickers, a dandelion pendant necklace and flower art prints inspired by Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth. I don’t think I will use the flower pressing kit or the reading planner. I’m very picky about planners and I hate undated ones so I will either sell or give away the planner.

Every month Owl Crate has a new young adult hardback book that has an exclusive cover, is signed and comes with a letter from the author. The enamel pin that is in every box is also inspired by that months book. This months book is Among the Beast and Briars by Ashley Poston which also has sprayed edges and art under the dust jacket. Among the Beast and Briars is a dark fairytale where Cerys must find the Lady of the Wilds to try to find a way to save her home.

December’s theme is Love is a Battlefield.

Fairyloot: Blood and Honey Collector’s Edition Box

On By AllieS.In Book Box, FairylootLeave a comment

When I heard that Fairyloot was doing a special edition box for Blood and Honey I knew I wanted to try out their special edition boxes.

The items included in this box where a blanket, candle, an enamel pin set, a storage tin, a deck of tarot cards, and an art print. Obviously a special signed edition of Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin was also included. This copy of the book came with shimmery sprayed edges and art work under the dust jacket. There was also a bonus chapter that is exclusive to the Fairyloot edition. I was also lucky enough to get the Serpant and Dove add on which also came with sprayed edges and a signed book plate.

This was my first special editon box for Fairyloot and its very well done. I love most of the items and I can tell that a lot of thought was put into each item.

FaeCrate: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars Mini Hangover Recovery Kit

On By AllieS.In Book Box, Fae CrateLeave a comment

FaeCrate is a young adult book subscription box that also does special edition boxes that they call Hangover Recovery kits. These are suppose to help you get over the book hangover after you have finished the book the box is focused on. Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle was one of my favorite series growing up and I knew I would pick up Christopher Paolini’s next book.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is an adult Science Fiction novel focusing on Kira, a young woman who ends up being involved in first contact with an alien species. That’s all I need to know that I wanted to read this book and that I would be interested in any book boxes for it.

The items included in this box where a signed copy of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an enamel bookmark, a led lamp, and a set of art dust jackets for Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle. Though a smaller box I loved all the item in it which is rare for me and I think I prefer smaller boxes

October 2020 Fairyloot

On 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 5-6 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. October’s theme is Wicked Hearts.

The bookish items included this month are Kingdom of the Wicked salt and pepper shakers, foiled playing cards with character art from multiple fandoms, an enamel pin inspired by The Young Elites, a puzzle featuring the character Jacks from Carval, Castlevania socks, a Kylo Ren sticker sheet, and tarot cards with characters from the book House of Earth and Blood. These are the type of items that I like the most both useful items that can be used again and again and some more decorative items/fandom items.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers and are signed by the author. The box also includes and author letter for each book. This months book is Kingdom of the Wicked by Keri Maniscalco. This book also has stenciled and sprayed edges, reversible art work on the dust jacket, and a foil design on the hard cover. The story follows twin sisters, Vittoria and Emilia, witches who live in secret. But when Vittoria is murdered Emilia vows to find her sisters killer and get vengeance.

November’s theme is Enemies to Lovers.

Beacon Book Bites: Vampire Box

On By AllieS.In Beacon, Book BoxLeave a comment

When I heard that Beacon Book Box was doing a special Vampire box, it sounded like something that I would like. This box is primarily a item box but a new Vampire book was included with a signed book plate.

The items included were: a Dracula inspired pin and bookmark, a Vampire Academy blanket, a Vampire Diaries Neckless and ring, a gothic mug, a coffin shaped box, Vampire Diaries and Buffy art prints, a Fell of the Dark candle, a Crave bath bomb, a recipe card, a multiple fandom inspired tote bag, and finally, a Twilight inspired microfiber cloth.

The book that was include is Vampires Never Get Tales With Fresh Bite an Anthology of new vampire stories written by various young adult authors. There was also a book plate included that was signed by most of the authors.

OwlCrate The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Box

On By AllieS.In Book Box, OwlCrateLeave a comment

When I heard that OwlCrate was doing a special edition of Addie LaRue and plan a special box I knew that I wanted a copy and wanted to see what items they included.

The items included in the box where a wooden page holder, a candle, an enamel pin, a metal travel mug, a wooden block calendar, and a three year memory journal. I love boxes where everything works together and has great inspiration. I loved all the practical items in this box especially the wooden block calendar as I’ve considered getting one but never ended up buying one.

The special edition of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab doesn’t have a dust jacket but instead has rose gold foiling on the hardback. It also had exclusive end papers, a ribbon bookmark, and is signed. The book follows the story of Addie LaRue who in 1714 France makes a deal with a devil that she gets to live forever but no one will remember her. After 300 years she meets a young man who happens to remember her name.

October 2020 Wrap Up

On By AllieS.In Book Review, Movie Review, Wrap UpLeave a comment

This month I read 7 books. I love October and Halloween but I don’t always read horror books during this time as I’m a mood reader. So what I want to read doesn’t always fit the time of year. I’ve also been watching some movies this month.

Books:

The Sweetest Kind of Poison by Katie Wismer is a poetry collection about relationships and letting go. I’m not a huge fan of poetry but I follow the author and wanted to read this collection when it went on sale. Its well written and got me emotional. I do plan to read other poetry collections form this author in the future.

Laughter at the Academy by Seanan McGuire is a collection of McGuire’s short fiction throughout her career. I love her work and this is no exception. Great for fans or for those wanting to get a taste of all the different worlds Seanan McGuire has created.

Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View is an anthology celebrating the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope. This anthology contain 40 different stories by different authors retelling moments from the film but from the perspective of the background characters. I listened to the audio book which is wonderfully done with sound effects and really pulls you into the world of Star Wars. Most of the stories are good but there was too much focus on the Cantina scene. But I would recommend this to any fan of Star Wars.

Death Masks by Jim Butcher is the fifth book is the Dresden Files. This one follows Harry Dresden while he tries to find the stolen Shroud of Turin, fight demons, and win a duel against a vampire. Each book in this series get better and I plan to continue the series at this point. I have a full review for each book I’ve read of the series so far.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is the first book in a new adult fantasy series inspired by pre-Columbian Americas. We follow multiple characters as their paths cross in the city of Tova during the winter solstice. Weaving a tale of prophecies, politics, and forbidden magic these Roanhorse creates and intriguing world and I just want more. I have posted a full review of this book.

Romanov by Nadine Brandes is a young adult historical fantasy about the Romanov royal family near the end of their lives. Primarily, focuses on Anastasia and her brother as they end up escaping the murder of their family and how their lives could have been if magic existed. Well written and good for those fans of the Anastasia movie and the Romanov family history.

Walking Dead Book 8 by Robert Kirkman is a collection of the Walking Dead comic containing issues 85-96. I’ve been rereading the Walking Dead comics to catch up now that the series is over. However, I’m not enjoying them as much as I remember. I own through book 12 so I plan to read those but I haven’t decided it I will finish off the series.

Movies:

The Nun is a horror movie and one of the movies in the Conjuring universe. Set in 1952, after a nun in Romania commits’ suicide a Priest and a nun in training are sent to investigate. The story focuses on finding out information about the demon Valak, who masquerades as a nun, and first showed up in the Conjuring 2. I love horror movies and I like the Conjuring movies as well I just haven’t seen all of them yet. A good movie for this time of year.

The Meg is an action movie where a group of scientists go down to the Mariana Trench and encounter the Megalodon shark. When the shark escapes into open waters the scientist attempt to track it down and kill it. This is one of those popcorn movies that you don’t have to think about but its well acted and has much better production than the campy Syfy channel movies.

Unplugged Book Box: Cozy Autumn Limited Edition Box

On By AllieS.In Book Box, UnpluggedLeave a comment

Unplugged Book Box is a subscription box focusing on self care with a bookish twist. They have both Adult and Young Adult monthly book boxes and specialty boxes. After getting their horror box earlier this year I decided that I want the Cozy Autumn box as well. Though mostly an item box this one also included a cozy mystery book where the horror box didn’t include a book.

The bookish goodies included were:

  • A Lord of the Rings Blanket
  • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Apron
  • The Vampire Diaries Pillow Case
  • An Autumn Night Reading Candle
  • Cozy Autumn Body Butter
  • Gilmore Girls Mug
  • Wuthering Heights Tea and Strainer
  • Supernatural Tote Bag
  • Autumn Festival Lip Balm

The book included is Murder Goes to Market by Daisy Bateman. Murder Goes to Market is a cozy murder mystery book set in a small town where Claudia has moved to start a new quiet life. When a vendor for the market she owns ends up dead suspicion falls on her. She must figure out what is going on and clear her name. While not my preferred genre it sounds interesting and could be a fast read.

So far I’ve liked the boxes I’ve received from Unplugged. I love the fact at these boxes have many practical items that I feel I will get a lot of use out of. I would recommend Unplugged Book Box and their boxes for anyone looking to a unique box and experience.

Book Review: Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (Between Earth and Sky #1)

On By AllieS.In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is an adult fantasy inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas and the different civilizations that existed during that time. Roanhorse weaves a tale of prophecies, politics, and magic to create a unique fantasy world that is wonderfully realized and set the backdrop for a set of characters that paths will all intertwine.

In the city of Tova, the winter solstice is a time for celebration but when it coincides with a solar eclipse what is expected is in jeopardy. Xiala, a ship captain and Teek (women who can control the sea), is tasked to bring Serapio, a blind young man, to Tvoa before the solstice to face his destiny. Narapa, the young Sun Priest, who many don’t think deserves her position as she came from the slums is also tied into what ever fate Serapio brings. While Okoa, a member of the worshipers of the Crow God, attempts to find out why his mother died and if it was murder.

I loved the premise of the story and liked most of the book. However, the story is told through the perspectives of our four main characters and I only was interested in two of the perspectives. I love Serapio’s story as we start with how he became blind and believes himself to be the avatar for the Crow God that will destroy the Sun Priest. Xiala is a badass sea captain who happens to have magical powers and I just want more of her story. I also enjoyed her growing relationship with Serapio and the tragedy that it seems to be.

I found Narapa’s sections to be boring and I found myself not wanting to read her chapter’s which in the end caused me to skim read them. I understand why her perspective is used and given the ending I excited to see where her story will go. Okoa had the fewest chapters and not well developed but I feel like he will grown in the next book.

Though the book starts out slow when the plot ramps up its a race to the end. And that ending took me by surprise and left me wanting so much more. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.