InstaReview: Soulless

[Caption] When reading this book, the first thing you should know is that it’s comedic🎭, then it’s romantic😚. Secondly, it’s set in a steampunk⚙️ world, but there isn’t a lot of talk about the technology in that world. Third, there are werewolves🐺 and vampires, and a mystery.

So, while the beginning of the novel makes it out to have a lot more action – and although there are a lot of action scenes – it’s important to note that this merely backdrops to the brewing attraction between Lord Maccon – werewolf and BUR officer – and Alexia 💏. Additionally, it’s meant to be lighthearted. Alexia was a strong woman, intelligent and with just enough insecurity to make her believable. Lord Maccon was gruff, bossy and pretty much a typical Alpha wolf.

The story takes an interesting turn when they unravel the who and the why of the mystery, while still maintaining it’s light and quick pace. A really fun read, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book.

InstaReview: Something New

[Caption] Though I’ve read graphic novels in the past, they were usually comic books or Manga, so reading this type – a true story in cartoon form – was only slightly foreign. Something New by Lucy Kinsley, tells the story of the planning of her wedding👰 and events leading up to the big day.

It’s such a well-written (and drawn) book, with lots of funny moments as she tries to unravel the complicated world of the wedding 🔔 business and do her own DIY wedding 💍. I loved the insert of pictures from the actual day that was scattered throughout the book and the magic that she was able to paint of her actual wedding day. 💒

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InstaReview: My Lady Jane

[Caption] ✨Take history🇬🇧, magic and just a bit of comedy, and you’ve got the formula for My Lady Jane. Written by three authors – Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows – the story is told from three different perspective – King Edward, Lady Jane and Lord Gifford (call him G🐎). There are shapeshifters (Eðians), a dastardly plot, a jealous older sister, a lot of blueberries, a trip to France🇫🇷, quite a few misunderstandings, a tad too much of Edward’s perspective, but at its core, a love story.

It sounds like a lot, and it is a rather long book, but it went by surprisingly fast. In addition to the layer of fantasy, it takes a lot of liberties with the actual storyline of Lady Jane Grey and of King Edward. 👑

On a whole, it’s highly comical. The most endearing part of the story is the relationship between Lady Jane and G, I wish I knew who wrote their perspectives because I’d go out and buy their novels right away – especially G’s!

A Year of Owl Crate

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Last year, I thought to try out a few book boxes because I wanted some good books to read. This month marks one year since I started Owl Crate.

Owl Crate sends a book a month in addition to a few bookish items. It’s introduced me to some wonderful new authors and bookish products, and it’s something to look out for every month.

It’s introduced me to a lovely tea shop – Adagio Teas – and the Wonderland Elixir tea blend from Riddle’s Tea Shoppe.

Great bookish jewellery – the Sleeping Beauty bracelet from The Geeky Cauldron fits in nicely with my Alex and Ani selection.

Lovely smelling candles with bookish themes.

And book page flags – which, I use all the time! I love these.

But one of my favourite boxes was this special print jacket of Heartless! I know it’s just white while the original is black, but there’s something gorgeous about this cover.

I’m really pleased with this subscription, and all the hard work the folks over at Owl Crate put into creating each one. An entire year of Owl Crate and I’m definitely looking forward to the second one.

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InstaReview: Dream On

The second book in the Silver Trilogy by Kerstin Gier, Dream On, continues with the dream travels of Liv and her new friends.

[Caption] From the author of my one of my favourite time-travel series, Dream On (book two in her Dream series) is a different type of travel – dream travel.
Continuing from the first book, (spoilers ahead!) Liv spends time in the dreams learning to manipulate her surroundings and self with Henry. This book is a little bit sinister mystery -who’s sharing Liv’s personal life with Secrecy, and why is her sister sleepwalking into dangerous situations? It’s also got that cheeky humour that I’m beginning to notice as Kerstin Gier’s style.
It keeps you tuned in and turning the pages (especially towards the end). However, it does leave quite a few loose ends which I’m assuming will be wrapped up in book three. Loved the idea of dream sharing, and very curious to see it all tied together in the last installment. ⭐⭐⭐⭐