2019 ARC Reviews

Hello book world *waves* I am back with a pair of 2019 ARC reviews that I am very excited to share with you!


When I Was Summer by J.B. Howard 

4.5/5 stars

This story follows Nora, an adoptive daughter, a talented bass guitarist, and is currently in love with someone who is in love with someone else. Along with her fellow band mates, she's on a road trip across the state to not only play music (and maybe even get scouted), but to find out information on her biological mother. With three stops for three gigs, and three addresses of potential parents, it's going to be a hectic week!

In this contemporary adventure, Nora learns that love is not always a fairy tale, but also that she is stronger than she thought. Her development as a character was smooth but dynamic, and despite feeling more lost and confused than when she began, she never gave up. The writing style is easy to read, and the realistic challenges they face were well written too. 

Honestly, my favourite part of the book, beyond Nora's character, was the ending. While it could be bittersweet for some readers, I thought it was the perfect situation Nora needed to find herself, and her own perseverance to accomplish her dreams. Every contemporary novel does not need to have a 'happily ever after' ending, and I think this is a perfect example of how true friends will stick by you, no matter what.

* Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

What We Buried by Kate A. Boorman

4/5 stars

This novel follows Livy - a former beauty pageant queen and reality TV star, and her brother Jory - who was born with a partial facial paralysis, in alternating perspectives throughout a fast paced mystery. After suing her parents for emancipation, Livy is vying for justice against her parents. Jory is just trying to make it through without drawing too much attention, and then he can have some freedom. Neither expected to be road tripping through the desert in the middle of the night, especially as the situation gets darker with every twisting turn.

This novel really surprised me, it was fast-paced, dark and daring, and had a unique writing style. It might be a bit a confusing for readers at times when the writing flashes back to the past, but the shift only adds to the suspense. The characters were more developed than I expected, with deeper motives and aspirations that are revealed throughout the story. 

While the beginning was a bit slower paced, the second half picked up, and it ended with a bang. I liked that the plot twists kept coming, and it was exciting to see how the novel played out. For mystery, and even thriller, fans, I definitely recommend!

* Thank you Raincoast Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *

ARC Blog Tour: Courting Darkness

Good morning lovelies!

I am proud to share with you today's stop on the Courting Darkness Blog Tour, hosted by Raincoast Books. I read this one about a week ago, and it truly surprised me.

Tour Schedule:

Book Details:

Title: Courting Darkness
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: February 5th, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical


Synopsis:

Death wasn’t the end, it was only the beginning…

Sybella has always been the darkest of Death’s daughters, trained at the convent of Saint Mortain to serve as his justice. But she has a new mission now. In a desperate bid to keep her two youngest sisters safe from the family that nearly destroyed them all, she agrees to accompany the duchess to France, where they quickly find themselves surrounded by enemies. Their one ray of hope is Sybella’s fellow novitiates, disguised and hidden deep in the French court years ago by the convent—provided Sybella can find them.

Genevieve has been undercover for so many years, she struggles to remember who she is or what she’s supposed to be fighting for. Her only solace is a hidden prisoner who appears all but forgotten by his guards. When tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands—even if it means ignoring the long awaited orders from the convent.

As Sybella and Gen’s paths draw ever closer, the fate of everything they hold sacred rests on a knife’s edge. Will they find each other in time, or will their worlds collide, destroying everything they care about?


Q & A with Robin:

Kat: Would you like to see Courting Darkness as a movie? Why or Why not?

Robin: Oh absolutely! One of the coolest things as an author is seeing ANY artistic interpretation of one’s work, from cover art to fan art. So an entire movie—provided the creator was as passionate about the world and the characters as I am—would be amazing.

Although I think the His Fair Assassin trilogy should be made into one first. Actually, I suspect the books are better suited to a streaming series. And it would definitely hinge on finding someone who ‘got’ the world and the books and what I was trying to convey. Of course, I would want to be involved as a creative consultant, just to make sure. 🙂

My Review: 4.25/5 ⭐

This historical fantasy novel, the first in a bold new duology, was a pleasant surprise to me. The fictional world featured a variety of elements that I love, including royalty, a hint of romance, and underestimated heroines. It takes place in the same realm as her previous series, His Fair Assassin, which I cannot wait to read now.

The story is split between two female leads, each with their own story, woven together through a suspenseful writing style. I really liked Genevieve's determination, and how she never forgot where her roots and loyalties lie. Her daring character was engaging to read about and I liked the relationships she developed with other characters. However, Sybella was my personal favourite of the two women. I found her determination to protect her family, and the Duchess, to be exciting and easy to read.

This novel does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, which will keep readers anticipating the next book in the duo. I am hoping the next one starts off a bit quicker paced than this one, drawing the reader in right away. The size of the book might be intimidating, but the second half flew by, not feeling like it was dragging on at all.


Review on Goodreads

Bookish Shops Saturday

Hey guys! I just wanted to share some amazing shops that I am proud to be working with this season or just adore shopping at, and maybe you'll find a new bookish shop to support!


BOOK BOXES:


Beacon Book Box

Based in Michigan, USA, this family run business is celebrating their one year anniversary in February! They're so much fun to be apart of, and very interactive with friends and followers (weekly live videos, YouTube channel, Book Club, etc.). I cannot wait for my first box, the January one, which ships next week! Their February DANGEROUS DESTINIES box is still available, in case you'd like to join the Beacon Family 💙

code: LIBRARY5


Uppercase Box


If you're a fan of new YA releases, but want to reduce the goodies (and the cost) of a normal box, I highly recommend Uppercase Box. With a SIGNED new YA release hardcover in every box, along with a small variety of goodies, it is the perfect box for book lovers on a budget. Every month also allows the reader exclusive author and story content on their website.


Totally Booked Crate

Another one of my favourite full size book boxes is American based Totally Booked Crate. Each month they offer fun themes, with the option to choose a YA Contemporary or YA Fantasy new release to be included in your box. There is also always a candle and snack (perfect for a night of reading)!

code: TBCPRETTY10



BOOK SLEEVES:


Love You More Studios

This family run book sleeve is one of my new favourite bookish shops! Ran by Katie and her mom, these sweet ladies create handmade book sleeves and snuggles in a variety of fun, festive, or bookish patterns. The fabrics are high quality and I cannot wait to see them grow! Their most recent released sleeves celebrate PINK WEEK, in prep for Valentine's (or Galentine's) Day 💟 and adorable animal patterned sleeves (including llamas and foxes)!

code: PRETTY10



CANDLES:


Until the Very End Co.

For fans of wood wick candles, I adore Tara's candles. She has bookish, traditional, and movie based candles, some of her candles are featured on my IG feed and highlights if you want to take a look. She also has a fresh new website, so check it out!

code: PRETTY15


Lacuna Candle Co.

This is a UK based, sister-owned candle shop, and these ladies are so sweet. With a variety of bookish and movie candles, plus some new products coming soon, you won't want to miss out!

code: PRETTY10


My Wick of Tea

I am also a huge fan of supporting local shops, such as fellow Canadian Raquel's shop. Based only a few hours from me, her beautiful scents are perfect for any book lover. I personally recommend the Shadowhunters series haha.

code: PRETTY15


Wick & Fable

Being chosen as a rep for Wick & Fable was one of my highlights of the month! Jess's candles are from a variety of bookish fandoms, along with epic monthly candle boxes. The theme for the February box will be released very soon! She also currently has free US shipping on orders of $100 USD or more.

code: PRETTY10


Elysian Shop of Wonders

For those of you who know me, you know I loved the book box Cushy Crate. And while Deanna does not do monthly boxes anymore, in March she is opening up her new candle shop - as well as creating occasional special edition boxes! She is based in British Columbia, Canada, and you can check her out on IG for all the info!


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I hope you enjoyed reading - and found some new bookish businesses to support!

QOTD: who are your favourite bookish shops?

2019 ARC Reviews

Good morning lovelies! I finished these two ARCs this week, and could not wait to share my reviews with you.

TITLE: We Rule the Night
PUBLISH DATE: April 2, 2019
RATING: 4/5 ⭐


This novel was very different than I expected, and had a much stronger feminism representation than I thought it would - BUT that aspect was written very well. Female empowerment was a strong element of the story, and both Linne and Revna are strong believers in this notion. As their all-female military unit prepares to fly in the war for the first time, betrayal, secrets, and conflict occur, but nothing will stop these ladies from doing their part.

I liked the variety of characters that readers got to know, the differing perspectives were engaging. Revna is determined to prove herself worthy of being in the unit - especially to keep her family safe, while Linne wants to demonstrate that she can be more than just a pretty face in society. The arguments and lies are bold, but the tentative friendship is worth it.

There is also a unique magical element in this fantasy world. I found it a bit confusing at first, but it improved as the story continued. It played a vital role in the plot, and it is exciting to see the story unfold. I did find it a bit hard to connect to the characters at the beginning, but I am sure many readers will be excited for this release!

* Thank you to HBG Canada for the review copy in exchange for an honest review *

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TITLE: The Similars
PUBLISH DATE: January 1, 2019
RATING: 4.5/5 ⭐

This novel follows Emma, a junior at Darkwood Academy, and her experiences at her prestige private school after the addition of six clones in her school. It is an adjustment for many of her classmates as well as herself, especially when one of them happens to be a clone of her best friend who died in the summer.

I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and it's unique sci-fi elements. I liked Emma's curious nature, and how she never gives up on a challenge, especially when searching for the truth. Her perspective towards the clones is not as apprehensive as some of the other students which is refreshing to read about.

What I liked most about the novel were the plot twists that kept coming. Nothing was clear cut in this novel, and it was suspenseful and engaging. The secrets and betrayals throughout make Emma, and readers, question who is telling the truth, and how the clones tie into it all. While the ending brought some closure, the cliffhanger was intense, leaving readers anxious for the sequel.

Overall, I am happy with this read (read it in under 12 hours!), and very excited for the next in the series.

* Thank you Raincoast Books for the review copy in exchange for an honest review *

January TBR

Good afternoon lovelies!

While everyone is freaking out over the release of the Wicked King by Holly Black (can't wait to hear all your thoughts haha), I thought I would share my belated January TBR:

As this is a little behind, I have already completed Archenemies and Little White Lies which were some of my Christmas presents (both were great)! My current read is We Rule the Night, and so far it is interesting!

➤ Links to Archenemies and Little White Lies  reviews on Goodreads

Hope everyone has a great day, and stay warm!