A wild and unique ride in space that took me some time to get used to | Illuminae

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Published: October 20th 2015 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young adult, Science-fiction

Goodreads summary: This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

REVIEW

Illuminae is so hyped up that I was really scared to get into it. I thought I would be the black sheep, you know? So basically, I've postponed reading it for months, but I finally did. And wow, it totally deserved the hype. I really, really, really need the second book now. I've never been as crazy about a sci-fi book that I am right now. I loved it so much!

As you probably now, the format of this book is pretty unique, because it's told through messages, graphics, pictures and camera transcriptions. To be honest, it took me 100 pages or so to get used to it… It basically gave me an headache. I'm sorry, but I'm not used to typos because English isn't my main language, so it took some time to get used to. The camera transcripts were the least fun, and it could be the only times I got "bored". Moreover, this book had so much of swearing. Like, at least every two sentences. But it was blanked and each time, my brain was like "biiiiiiiip". That was fun. But anyway, once I got used to the format, I loved it. I was pretty unique and made the book such a unique experience.

 I loved the characters. We mostly saw them through their messages and I got attached to them real fast, which I wasn't expecting at all. They had to go through so much drama, like EVERYONE DIES, a creepy disease and an insane artificial intelligence. Kady and Ezra were so sassy and brave, even if they were scared. Kady was an amazing hacker and Ezra was conscripted as a pilot, which was so cool. I was basically yelling at them to get back together… Even if they weren't on the same ship. But it's just a detail. AIDAN, the artificial intelligence, was so much fun to read about. We got a lot of scenes from his point of view and wow. Basically, he got crazy and started developing feelings? And killed a lot of people? But it was really interesting to see him develop feelings while his systems were like "ERROR. ERROR.".

            Am I not merciful? (AIDAN)

 It was so action-packed, I never got a chance to breathe or be bored, which was amazing. The Alexander and the Hypathia were running away from a ship, the Lincoln, which wanted to destroy them so it was pretty worrying. There were also the Phobos, a creepy disease where people kind of became zombies. Like when they were running after Kady "Little birdie", it was insanely scary.

There couldn't be a lot of world-building, because it was told through transcripts so I was a little confused at the beginning. But the more you get through the book, the more you learnt about what was going on, but I would have liked more? Even though I understand why not. It makes sense they weren't going to explain when they were trying to survive and the story was just an enormous file.

The ending was crazy because it felt like everyone I mean the people that were still alive was going to die. My heart was pounding so hard, because I was really scared for the characters. Some twists surprised me and left me craving for more. Also, it totally felt like Amie Kaufman was one of the co-author, because some aspects reminded me so much of the Starbound trilogy, which was so great <3

 Overall, this book is a total must-read. If you're not a big fan of sci-fi, I think it would be a great place to start. This book makes me want to read so much more sci-fi set in space. The format was unique and took some time to get used to, but I got really attached to the characters and it made the story so gripping. It took me three days to get through this book, but basically I got used to it on the first day, then devoured it until I felt asleep on the second day, then finished the rest the morning of the third.

Have you read Illuminae? What did you think of it? Do you think there is too much hype around it? Do you have recommendations for similar books? Are you excited for the cover reveal of Gemina tomorrow (Monday)?

Grabby Hands #3 | March 2016

Grabby Hands is a feature I created at the beginning of the year where I mention all the books I'm excited for in the upcoming month. We're at the end of February, so let's talk about March new releases! :)

Thanks to Goodreads' email: "Books coming out from authors on your shelves", I remembered all the enovellas, for once, I'm so proud of myself!

                                                                          March 1st                                                                         

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae - You got me at aliens, I think! I found that there are so many promising debuts coming out this year, I'm really excited. It involves a desert, which is unique and changes from forests all the time. Of course, it involves aliens, but Kora's situation is also pretty unique, because she's the first female ruler in generations, I'm looking forward to see this issue dealt with :)

Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor - The first cover with the girl was my favourite but oh well, this one is pretty too. This book is about time travel - a real trend this year, it seems - but it will be in the Middle Ages!!!!!!!! In case you didn't notice my exclamation points, I'm so excited because of that! It is actually set in Scotland and we'll see the court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. I love Eleanor of Aquitaine, you have no idea. And yes, it's another debut I'm ridiculously exicted about.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro - This book is about Holmes and Watson's descendants. I've never read a novel like that, so I'm really curious about this one. I've heard of a Sherlock Holmes' retelling last year, Lock and Mori, but never got around to read it. Nevertheless, I'm intrigued by this one, we'll see how good it is.

Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie - This is a high fantasy set in a court, I don't really need much when that's the case, you know? It's about a girl who can feel other's emotions and she has to serve this emperor because she's the only one left. Of course, she has a hard time recognizing her own feelings and romance happens. Please book, don't be romance driven the way Sword and Verse was. I'm suspicious of every book of this romance-driven plot sin. #notfunny

The Black Knife by Jodi Meadows (The Orphan Queen #0.4) - This is the the fourth and final novella in a prequel to The Orphan Queen, centered around the prince, Tobiah. I loved reading about him so far, the four novellas form an interesting and gripping story of his evolution, before The Orphan Queen started. Moreover, there are excerpt of The Mirror King, even more exciting!

The Crown and the Arrow by Renee Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn #0.5) - Basically, this is Khalid's point of view upon the beginning of the story. It's pretty short (9 pages according to Goodreads), but I'll still read it, because I'm really excited for the second book to be released in May!

                                                                            March 8th*                                                                    

*Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton also releases on that day in the US, but I already read it and didn't enjoy it that much, it was a 3 stars read for me. But you might like it, it involves desert, guns and jinnis

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare - I've been excited for this book since it was announced meaning... Three years I think? If I'm being honest, I was more excited getting my hands on it than City of Heavenly Fire, which sounds crazy, I know. I was so sad when the release date was pushed away over and over. Like, I'm sorry but I don't care about the Magisterium series, I've read the first two books and it was just 'okay', in my opinion, same for the Shadowhunters TV show when we see how it is. I just want Clare to write two Shadowhunter books per year to have the Last Hours soon... I'm so excited this book is set in Los Angeles, it will features the faeries and the romance is between parabatai, so forbidden. Also, I'm blonde so I'm rooting for Emma, but it's a completely shallow reason. Guys, I can not wait. I need to have a copy now.

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins - Oh my, I love the cover. I didn't like Sweet Evil by this author, it was full of tropes and kinda ridiculous. But just like Sophie Jordan's Reign of Shadows, I'm giving this author another chance, since this book sounds right up my alley! This book is inspired by a Grimm Brothers' tale, "The Singing Bone", I have no idea what this one is about but I don't care, I just need it. Also, it's a high fantasy so I don't need anything else.

A Tyranny of Petticoats edited by Jessica Spotswood - I just read what this book is about and yes! It's a collection of short stories about daring heroines. So basically, it's a winner. Then, I'll be listing some of the authors and you'll understand: Marissa Meyer, Marie Lu, Beth Revis, Leslye Walton, Elizabeth Wein and many others I don't know... Yet. I'm not the biggest fan of anthologies but if one of my favourite authors is on the list... I read it. And the subject is large and exciting. The good thing is that I could discover new authors. 

The Forbidden Orchid by Sharon Biggs Waller - For some reason I thought it was to be published last month but I was wrong. This is an historical novel set in 1861 and the main character has to go to China. I think that there are awesome historical YA novels coming out this year, it's the time to jump back into my old favourite genre. Fantasy is my favourite genre these days, but it's true that historical is amazing.

                                                                        March 22nd 2016                                                              

The Moth and the Flame by Renee Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn #0.25) - This is the story of Jalal and Despina from the Wrath and the Dawn and I'm so, so, so excited about it! Bring it on :)

                                                                        March 29th                                                                        

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski - I'm really excited, like so many readers! I read the first two books in that trilogy in August and I've wanted the last book since then because come on, remember how it ended? Also, there was this huge debate about the new covers a few months ago (or was it weeks? I have no idea). Okay the new covers are ridiculous and don't represent the book well but I'm reading this series on my ereader, so it doesn't matter that much. The original cover is still the best though ;) Oh,and I want kisses, not a misleading title. And don't you dare giving us just one kiss because the title isn't plural. 

Which books are you most excited for in March? Were you able to get your hands of an ARC of any of this book? If so, tell me what you thought. :)

An amazing sequel with a magic tournament and kisses | A Gathering of Shadows

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) by V.E. Schwab

Published: February 23rd 2016 by Titan Books

Genre: Fantasy

Goodreads summary: Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.

REVIEW

I actually reread A Darker Shade of Magic at the beginning of February to remember everything that had happened, but I don't think it's necessary to get into A Gathering of Shadows, because the main plot line deals directly with what happened at the end of the first book. By the way, it's the first book I've reread in two years, but it's so awesome than there isn't any surprise here.

 I found this novel's structure to be quite different from the first one, because we don't really see a lot of traveling between the Londons, Kell travelled three times or something. Nevertheless, Schwab expanded her world, even though we mainly stayed in London. Because of the tournament plot line, we got to see characters from the three different empires, which was really interesting. Moreover, at the beginning of the book, Lila is on a ship (which I love, as you know ;) ), which allowed the reader to discover more of the world.

This book was all about a tournament organized by Rhy, which translated as The Elements Game. I loved to read about it. However, I found that the actual tournament came pretty late into the story, because it was all everyone talked about during the whole book and it only started during the eight part on the book, when there were ten parts. But it's the only little complain I have about the plot, because Schwab still managed to keep it interesting, since there also was the main plot lines to deal with, and the characters' development.

The characters were fabulous in this book, just like they were in the first one. I think they were even more fabulous because I grew so attached to them and this book involved a lot of feels. And guys, you'll love Alucard Emery, a new character, whom is so interesting and powerful. This character has so much potential, I'm pretty sure we only started to see it in this one. I found the characters development's to be on point, because it was realistic with what happened at the end of the first book, especially for Rhy and Kell. During the span of four month between ADSOM and AGOS, Lila also changed a lot, because she adapted to a new world and did what she had always wanted to do. The first part of the book focused on her and it gripped me from the beginning, because it was so intriguing. Also, I've had her song stuck in my head for a few days, so thanks, Schwab ;) But anyway, I love her so much <3

How do you know when the Sarows is coming?

(Is coming is coming is coming aboard) 

 Just like in the first book, the romance wasn't the main focus but we saw way more kissing that in the first book. I don't necessarily mean between the main characters, but I'm sure we'll have a lot more in the next book… Even if it isn't really in their personalities. Anyway, the romance was a slow burn and it was worth waiting a good amount of pages before the two main characters finally saw each other again. I want them to see each other again btw, even if they're in a tricky situation at the end of the novel, but still? There also was a really steamy scene featuring two other characters, which I really loved. Like, I need more scenes between them. NO. I DEMAND. So many feels were involved with this book, I just can't.

 Schwab knows how to manage her endings and this one was no different. It ended on an evil cliff-hanger, which made me so sad I finished the book that fast, since I'll have to wait another year before the sequel is published. But wow. Like wow. The characters are in a REALLY tricky situation, I can't wait to see what happens next. Oh, and Lila? I'm sure it will be enough, don't worry ;)

Overall, this was an amazing sequel to an amazing first book, but who is surprised here? Victoria Schwab is such an amazing writer, I expected no less (but no pressure :D). This book was gripping from cover to cover, I loved every word of it and am pretty sad it's finished. However: I am not okay. I think I'm drowning into feels because of this book, how am I going to survive a year? It's a good thing a new Schwab's book will be released in June. So for those who haven't read A Darker Shade of Magic, please do it! Buy it, request it from your library, I don't care! Just read it! :)

Have you read A Darker Shade of Magic? Are you finished with A Gathering of Shadows yet? Which of Victoria's books is your favorite?

An interesting magic system but characters I couldn't connect with | Touch of Power

Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Published: December 20th 2011 by Mira
Genre: Young adult, High fantasy

Goodreads summary: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for.

REVIEW

Finally, I've read a book by this author, which is so exciting, because I have so much more to discover from her.

I really enjoyed reading about this world, I found the plague to be an original element. It was great to have healers in the magic system -they weren't the only ones but still- especially because I felt them to be so realistic, since when they healed someone, they suffered in their place, but recovered faster. Moreover, we learnt about how they came to be at the end of the book and what was all about with the plague. Nevertheless, I would have liked to read about a more diverse setting, because it seemed to be forest and caves <b>ALL. THE. TIME.</b> Maybe the world will expand in the rest of the series, we'll see.

Plot-wise, I never got bored, even if it involved a lot of journeying, which I found a bit strange, since I'm bored most of the time in that kind of plot, but it wasn't the case here, because it was full of twists and turns. When the characters stopped in certain locations, it would make secondary plot lines move, it was so nicely done. The last third of the novel was really different because of the situation the main character was into, I really liked it because again, it allowed a change of scenery and kept the plot interesting.

The characters were fine, but I didn't particularly cared for any of them. They felt a bit flat to me, but maybe some character development will help me with this in the second book. However, the family dynamics between the characters was well written and I loved when they talked of "Poppa Bear", it was so funny! I didn't like Kerrick, because he was such a jerk in the beginning and tortured Avry, I was sooooo mad about it. Okay, this book was set in a harsh world and involved serious topics, but still. I wouldn't have forgiven him, had I been Avry. He might grew on me in the second book, since he's less of a cold-hearted jerk. The secondary characters were full of humour and I liked them more, but I wanted more backstory on some of them.

I really enjoyed that the characters were older than in regular YA novels (apparently, Goodreads says it's young adult, so I'll believe), because their actions seemed more realistic. This book was easy to read, so it could be a young adult novel, but I'm not completely sure because of some of the topics involved. I think it was labelled wrong, but I don't know if I would have picked it up if it had been labelled as 'adult', which is pretty stupid, but I only read young adult books these days.

I was pretty 'meh' about the romance, because of what I said above. Moreover, another character wanted to get Avry and used his powers to mess with her emotions, please tell me it won't turn into a love triangle or I'll yell. It was a hate turned love kind of romance, but it didn't work that much for me, and I rolled my eyes a few times because I found some of the dialogues cheesy.

I really enjoyed the ending, which was fast-paced and full of surprises. It made me so eager to read the second book, which I'll get to next month!

Have you read this book? What do you think of Maria V. Snyder's books? Do you have favourites? Do you think Touch of Power should be labelled young adult? New adult?

I don't like getting out of my comfort zone but those books proved me wrong | Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is Ten Books I Enjoyed Recently (last yearish) That Weren't My Typical Genre/Type of Book (or that was out of your comfort zone). 

I don't know about you, but I read mostly fantasy and historical books, with sometimes sci-fi or contemporary books. But if the book involves an element I'm not familiar/comfortable with... I won't read it. It's actually the reason why I waited a long time before starting The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski, because it involved slavery... But now I loved this series, so... Sometimes, I dare myself to read certain books and discover gems. Sometimes... It doesn't work. But let's focus on the books that worked!

DYSTOPIA

Now, it's not that dystopia is out of my comfort zone, it's just that most of the time... I'm "meh" about it, because I burnt myself out. A few years ago, when The Hunger Games and Divergent were the must-read books... I read a huge amount of dystopias. I can't even remember all of them and so never added most of them on Goodreads. But I read some great dystopias last year!

The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent  - Okay, let's be real. I love it because of all the religious aspects of the story, and that it involves demons. But still, it's a dystopia, and totally creeped me out. I'm really excited to read the second book, The Flame Never Dies, even though the first one didn't end on a cliff-hanger, but I know it'll expand the world, so yes!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa - It also involves vampires and I'm not a fan of vampires anymore. Same situation than for dystopia, like a lot of readers. So I went into it without huge expectations and ended up loving the first one - maybe not the last one though, but it's another story. I liked reading about vampires in a dystopia context - but it didn't work with The Coldest Girl in Coldtown in my case - but my love for it must be linked to the author, whom I discovered last year and love for her Talon's series.

BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESSS

Those books make me feel... Uncomfortable. Two years ago, I bought The Shock of the Fall, never read it and sold it. Because it made me so damn scared. I tried to read some of them, like All the Bright Places, last year, but DNF most of these books. Still, I loved som of them, so I think it depends on how it is written.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand - I feel like I'm talking about this one all the time, but it moved me so much. Books about depression/suicide were such a trend last year, but it's the only one that worked for me. I think it's because I felt like it was so genuine and that the author had put all her heart and all her soul into it, and she did, when you read the acknowledgments you get that. Cynthia Hand is one of my favourite writers. <3

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone - This book got so much hype last year, I felt like everyone was reading it. I gave up to the hype and don't regret it. It kind of blew my mind with the twist I never saw coming. Moreover, I liked seeing how the main character changed during the book, and finally became herself, when she was so scared of doing so.

MAGICAL REALISM

This is a genre I don't know a lot about, but it doesn't really appeal to me... I find it pretty vague and I want more fantasy, you know? But for what I've read, it was eerie and whimsical. If I find books like the two I loved, I could like the genre more.

The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle - It was a very strange book, when I come to think about it, but I really enjoyed it. I loved the writing style which made me feel like I floated, which was the whole point of this book: is it read? Is it magical? It's the reader who gets to choose, in the end, but I'll always choose a magical explanation, weirdly enough/

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton - This book was so beautiful and mysterious and heart-breaking. But well, you know what you're up to when you read the title. I was so unsure about it when I started it but ended up loving it! I find magical realism to be a little weird, but this one still worked. It's just that it involved the hearts of all the characters, which touched me even more.

CLASSICS

The Just Assassins by Albert Camus - I read The Stranger by this author four years ago for school and hated it. I was sure I wouldn't pick one of this author's books again. But a French BookTuber convinced me and I'm so happy than she did. It is a play set in Russia were a group of people wants to kill the Duke, because he's an awful leader. The characters kept second-guessing their choices, like: should they do it if children are around and could get killed? It was a thought-provoking play, I loved it.

Les Filles du Feu by Gérard de Nerval - I read it for school at this time of the year last year and was surprised to enjoy it. It's a collection of short stories focusing on a woman each, I liked than an author choose to do it in the 19th century, it was unusual, but this author was unusual.

MYSTERY

It's a genre I used to love, but almost never reach out to it now... It's pretty weird.

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carry Ryan - Fun fact: I haven't read her other books because it involved zombies *coughs*. I'm such a chicken... Someday, I might try them though, who knows? I loved this one, which reminded me so much of Revenge, the TV show, it had a similar feeling to it. 

ZOMBIES

I mentionned zombies above, I really don't like them. But there is this series that made me question what I thought, because I loved it and have an infinite love for it.

Something Strang and Deadly trilogy by Susan Dennard - I feel like I'm mentionning this one a lot, but I love it, you guys. The atmosphere was on point and it involved a lot of necromancy (so magical powers... Of course I loved it). We didn't see the zombies that much, which is why I loved it, I think. It was so well-written and had amazing characters, but I'm saying this all the time.

Have you read any of the books I mentionned? Which genre do you almost never reach for?

Book spine poetry | Love-A-Thon #3

I did my intro post for the Love-a-thon yesterday, but unfortunately, I didn't have time to participated to all the challenges, I have a really busy weekend, but try to participate as much as I can. I'm not even near my books so I couldn't take pictures for this challenge. *sobs* But here I am, back for the third one, which is book spine poetry! It's a pretty tough challenge, but so much fun! It's basically all nonsense, tell me if you have interpretations ;)

Let's do this! 

Cress, born to endless night, walk on earth a stranger

The winner's crime, white hot kiss, carry on

The kiss of deception never fade into the dim

November 9, Dorothy must die, ungodly

Maybe someday, girl of nightmares

Dream a little dream, cruel beauty, through the dark

The stars never rise, Blue Lily Lily Blue,

Frozen Tides since you've been gone

I was here the last time we say goodbye

Any thoughts on my AMAZING poetry? Leave me your links down below, I'll check your posts! Are you having an amazing time with the #LoveAThon?

Love-A-Thon 2016 | Hellooooo, it's me

... And the Love-a-thon is starting! It's my first time participating and I'm so excited about it!

This event is hosted by: Alexa of Alexa Loves Books, Cee of The Novel Hermit, Hazel of Stay Bookish, Mel of The Daily Prophecy.

1.What’s your name?

Hi everyone, I'm Lucie! *waves*

2.Where in the world are you blogging from?

I live in France so yeah, from there! :)

3.How did you get into blogging in the first place?

I started watching BookTube videos and reading in English. I couldn't really talk about the books I read with my friends because well, those books weren't translated in French yet! So I started blogging in June 2015, because my life was calmer than usual, which allowed me time to do so.

4. How did you come up with your blog name?

I think it took me a week to come up with my blog name, tbh. But it's inspired by the sentence "Sea, sex and sun" and became "Tea, books and fun", which looks alike, if you think about it! :)

5. What genre do you read and review the most on your blog?

Fantasy of course, it's like 70% of the books I read. I only read my first contemporary novel of the year this week (Me Before You and I'm still crying on the inside!), so yay to fantasy!

6. What other types of posts do you do on your blog, apart from reviews?

I mostly do reviews tbh, because I read so much! But I also do discussion posts, tags and Top Ten Tuesday! :)

7. Best blogging experience so far?

I went to Leigh Bardugo's signing in Rotterdam October 31st 2015 and made friends there, then found them on Twitter, which is so great (if you're reading this, Lisa ;) )!

8. Favorite thing about the blogging community?

Talking to so many people about books is the best, obviously! Like I said, I don't get to do it in my real life, because I would need to find people who read the same books I do... And in English!

9. Name the 5 books you’re most excited for this 2016!

I already read some great books published in 2016 (I'm looking at you, Truthwitch), but so many exciting books are coming out this year!

1. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
2. Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima
3. A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
4. The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
5. Crystal Storm by Morgan Rhodes

10. Name the 5 books you want to read this 2016 that you didn’t get to in previous years!

1. Any book by Maria V. Snyder and I'm currently in the middle of Touch of Power!
2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
3. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
4. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
5. Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

11. What’s an underrated book or series that you think everyone should read?

When I read Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen, I almost hadn't heard anything about it, so this one! So please read it guys, the third book is coming out soon and I NEED IT. NOW.

12. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF?

Delilah Bard from A Darker Shade of Magic. She knocks people out with books, we should be friends! This is a threat I've made before, ha-ha.

13. Which book boy or girl would be your book boyfriend/girlfriend?

Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games obviously, even if I like dark-haired boys better ;)

14. Who would you recruit for your apocalypse squad?

I'd take Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy, Avry from the Healer trilogy, Hermione Granger from Harry Potter and Nina Zenik from Six of Crows! #girlpower

15. Apart from reading, what are your other hobbies or interests?

I love ballet. I practiced for ten years, now I don't have the time for it, but... I still love to watch one (I'm going to see Swan Lake again in March, I'm so excited!). Also, I play the piano, even though I'm not the best at it. I'm a huge TV show addict, lately I've been loving The Shannara Chronicles and I'm so excited for Once Upon A Time to come back!

16. Apart from book shopping, what else do you like shopping for?

I'm not a big shopper actually. I love buying dresses though, because they're so cute!

17. At a party, the DJ suddenly changes the song – and it’s your song. What song would be playing?

Somewhere only we know. I listened to many versions of this one, I love it so much! It's my favourite song of ever <3

18. Pick out either a book you want turned into a film/TV show, or a film/TV show you want turned into a book.

I'd love to see Falling Kingdoms as a TV show, it would do great I think! But I don't know if I want any adaptations anymore, because some of them are dreadful!

19. What would your dream library look like?

It would have very comfy armchairs with cushions and blankets. Also, there would be a kettle and all the tea that I want! And yes, books, obviously ;)

20. Author you want to meet and sit down to tea with?

Susan Dennard. I discovered her Something Strange and Deadly trilogy last year and fell in love with it. I also loved Truthwitch, so yes. Please. Someday. Can you come in France please?

Are you participating in the Love-a-thon? Link me your posts below ;)

The Storyspinner & Rebel of the Sands | Mini-reviews

These books have in common that I was really excited about them, but I was disappointed and they took me forever to get through. *sigh* I still liked them but I won't really recommend them.

The Storyspinner (The Keeper's Chronicles #1) by Becky Wallace

Published: Marchi 3rd 2015 by Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Young adult, High fantasy

Goodreads summary: Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

REVIEW

The synopsis of this book appealed to me, because it seemed to include all that make a good high fantasy novel. Alas, it was a miss for me. I've heard a lot of great things from bloggers about this one and I didn't really understand what the fuss was about.

First of, this book has a ton of points of view. If I'm being honest, the points of view of the Keepers could have been reduced to one, because the interesting storyline was actually with Johanna and Rafi. Because the points of view switched all the time, I couldn't get attached to any of the characters and most of the time I wanted to skip some chapters - but I didn't, how brave. The romance was so cliché and pretty abrupt, because it seemed like they hated each other most of the book, but apparently no? I still liked the aspect of "they were supposed to be engaged" years ago.

The world-building was… Conventional with all these princess, dukes and so on stuff, but it lacked a little, in my opinion. I was just expecting more during the whole novel and it failed to deliver. For example, why the Keepers? Three of the points of view involved Keepers, so can I know what it's all about? Nope apparently. Moreover, I found names like "Keepers" or "Performers" to be pretty conventional and unoriginal.

Finally, the plot *sigh*. From the synopsis, it's pretty obvious who the princess is, right? But the whole book is just spent trying to figure out this "mystery", and the identity of the princess is just revealed at the end. It was way too long to do just that, I thought it would be resolved in the first half of the book. Because of that, the Keepers' storyline was boring, while I like Johanna and Rafi's. If we didn't have the Keepers, it would have been the same I think…

Nevertheless, I did enjoy this book, since I read it until the end. The chapters were short so it was easy to read, at least. I have no interest reading the second book though. Also, I was wondering why did the author take such a long time to reveal the princess' identity when there are only two books?

Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1) by Alwyn Hamilton 
                                                                                    
Published: February 4th 2016 by Faber & Faber (will be published in the US March 8th)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Western

Goodreads summary: "Tell me that and we'll go. Right now. Save ourselves and leave this place to burn. Tell me that's how you want your story to go and we'll write it straight across the sand."

Dustwalk is Amani's home. The desert sand is in her bones. But she wants to escape. More than a want. A need. 

Then a foreigner with no name turns up to save her life, and with him the chance to run. But to where? The desert plains are full of danger. Sand and blood are swirling, and the Sultan's enemies are on the rise.

REVIEW

Funny enough, when I first heard about this book, there were almost only 5 stars reviews on Goodreads, but now I saw a lot of 3 stars, so I'm not in the minority, ha-ha! Don't get me wrong, it was one of my most anticipated debuts of the year, I tried so much to like it, but sadly it didn't work that much. I enjoyed it, but it's part of this 3 stars book category where you don't love it but don't hate it.

The first chapter was engaging and full of guns, so I was so pumped to continue. Alas, it turned into a journey-ing type of book soon after and I got bored. It took me 6 days to get through it, which is insane considering that I'm a fast reader. Right at the end, it picked up and became badass and interesting again, but I had lost most of my interest in it. I finished it because it was a physical copy, but had it been an e-book I'd have DNF. So yes, I had a huge issue with the pacing. Nevertheless, I'm happy I sticked with it until the end, because it got so much better.

I think this book tried to be a lot of things, but it didn't work for me. It was a mix of Western and Arabian setting but it didn't really worked together. I like both aspects, but I felt like it didn't do well together. I was so excited for the Arabian setting, with jinnis and magical horses, but I didn't get nearly enough. We saw the horses in the beginning, but not its fantastical capacities. The jinnis part was more at the end of the novel, so I liked it better but still. If I had been more interested in the story, I could have seen the plot twist coming but nope. And I didn't feel blown away.

I really enjoyed the world building though, from the stories to the desert. I wish you could have seen something else than the desert all. the. time. because it felt so frustrating. I hope that, if I continue with this series, we'll see the palace at some point.

The real reason I'm mad about this book is… The rebellion. This book is called Rebel of the Sands, but yet, the characters only get to the rebellion around p. 220 and it disappointed me so much, because it's what I had been expecting during the whole book! The title was so misleading in this way, ugh. When they got to the rebellion, I got what I wanted, which made me really happy, so I still liked it.

Have you read any of these books or do you want to? Did you feel the Storyspinner ended up to be a conventional and alas unoriginal story? Are you planning to continue with this series? Do you know other books with jinnis (except Exquisite Captive, ugh)?