January Wrap Up

I feel like I always do book hauls and To Be Read posts but never really wrap up the month. That said I thought it'd be a great idea to feature a wrap up of this month! January has been the first month of the year which also means that the Goodreads Book Challenge has been set in motion! In 2017 I'd like to read...

45 books! I know for myself that's not really ambitious, I'll get to that as each year. I usually set the bar low so I don't feel like I won't make it but during the year I do make the number bigger! My first year I did this challenge, also the year I became a bookjunky, I managed to read 69 of my goal of 40. In 2016 I managed to read 60 out of the 50 I wanted to read. 

Also now the new year has been set in, I think it's a good time to explain why I post my review so late in comparison with when I finish the book! My aim on my blog is to post very frequently. In the beginning of my blog I couldn't post frequently and consistent because I read but also had tons of work for school. Near September 2016, so almost a year of my blog, I finally got the routine in it and was able to build up to my aim.

When I finish a book, I write a review immediately and then I plan it in. At this moment I still have 18 posts that are planned. Each time I write a review I plan it after the last book I've planned. I'm already in May with the posts ready and set so when I'm done reading it's planned further in May. That's why my reviews are at times a few months away from when I actually read the book. I do one review a week so it's frequently, always on Wednesday at 12h00. In the future I might begin with two reviews a week but for now this system works and it makes sure I chase the goal of frequently posting a review on my blog. I just thought it might be a good thing to explain in 2017 because some reviews are still months away and I read the book now, I want you guys to know there's a whole system and reason behind it!

That said, January is also the month that I have exams. I'm in my first year of college and that means exams in the first month of the new year. I was really curious to how many books I was going to read this month and can I just say I was pretty surprised with the outcome? 

     Children of Eden
My first book I read this month was one to get me out of my reading slump! Yes, I was in a reading slump and that for over 2 weeks! I got into it during the break in December and got out eventually in the new year. Hallelujah! The book that helped me to overcome my slump was Children of Eden by Joey Graceffa and Laura L. Sullivan. This is what the book is about:

The world is dead. Humankind has destroyed it, even after all the warnings by Aaron Al-Baz. Luckily for the remaining population, Aaron also made a world after: Eden. A world where people are divided by circles and the elite is in the center of it all. A world where second children are not allowed. Rowan is one of those second children and has been hiding inside for 16 years. Sick of her captivity she decides that she should be allowed to going out. Desperately leaving her house, she also leaves with consequences for those actions. And finding a friend leads to a great tragedy with loss and new threats...

I don't know how to feel about the book. I didn't like it, I did like it, but then didn't again. I'm having a very mixed feeling about it because I couldn't connect with the character and I am left with so many unresolved questions and I can't deal with that. 

Of course there are good things too, the subject is amazing and it shines a light on how humankind treats nature or how it damaged it and what they have to do now. It's also a dystopian about lying to and being lied to, not finding trustworthy people. I'm all for that! There's also action and one amazing scene that I adore, but it wasn't enough to make me have a good feeling about the book.

It's also so fast paced, you can't think or feel because the next event is already there. New information they find out isn't always used and is left unresolved. It might just be me but I'm really left undecided about this book! That doesn't mean I don't recommend it, I bet a lot of people loved and will love the book, I'm just not sure I did. I mean... the cover is beautiful! But the story... as I said: undecided! 

REVIEW ON CHILDREN OF EDEN: COMING THE 29TH OF MARCH 2017

     Better Off Friends
A book I will not talk too much about is Better Off Friends by Elizabeht Eulberg. Why? Because it's for my Perfect Valentine's Read! I did already read it in January so the post would be up on the 14th of February, so stay tuned because what I can already say is that I really loved this read!

Macallan and Levi get best friends by a coincidence and ever since that coincidence, they're inseparable. They share jokes, they get together after school almost all the time, they help each other out when needed, they laugh all the time, they're just best friends. Yet not everyone seems to understand that, can't a boy and a girl be friends?
Macallan and Levi keep being asked if they're together while their relationship is pure platonic. And they're happy that way. That is until they realize that they're getting in each other's wat: boys won't ask Macallan out because of Leavi and Girls decide Levi is nothing when he hangs out with Macallan all the time. Both then ask themselves if maybe, just maybe they were supposed to be more than just platonic best friends or if that would endanger their friendship.

This book was really adorable, and yes a cliche but I'm okay with that from time to time! Also the fact that they're best friends and maybe might or might not become something more was really cute to see because of their relationship. This friendship will be facing a lot of ups and downs which was very appreciated by me because it shows how realistic this is and makes it also very relatable. Just the whole girl and guy are best friends is very relatable to many of us out there that suffer from comments like 'aren't you guys a couple?'. But more about this book later this month! 

Also can I just point out that I just read 1 of the 2 books I wanted to read in the new year? Check out my blog post about 3 books I want to read in 2017 to find out what the other two books are!

REVIEW ON BETTER OFF FRIENDS: COMING THE 14TH OF FEBRUARY 2017

     The LUX-series
Hello, New Year Book Resolutions. I'm not a big fan on re-reading books, mainly because I keep finding new books I want to read. Yet before 2017 started I was really thinking and watching my bookshelves in the process: why didn't I re-read books? And that's when I decided that books should get a re-reading. I'm holding on to my resolution because in the month of January, I have re-read the entire Lux-series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. From Obsidian to Opposition!

I even read the 0.5 book, Shadows, it's a prequel novella. I have the Special Collector's Books because when I first found the series, they only sold the collector's books. In Opposition, the bonus for the readers was the prequel novella. I never read it, probably because I was too torn up on the ending on the series. Yet this time around I did read it, along with the rest of the series. Since this is a series, I'll give the synopsis of the first book: Obsidian.

Katy moves with her mother to a small town after what happened to her dad. Desperate to make her mother happy she goes next door to make contact with the neighbors. What she didn't expect was a boy, half-naked, and immediately hating her without knowing who the hell she was. His sister is at least very nice to her but that doesn't stop the guy to get under her skin and make comments. Yet the more Katy spends time with Dee and Daemon, the more weird things she starts to notice. What on earth is going on? Who are they, really?

And since this is a series, I also won't go into detail about everything too much so I don't spoil anything. But this series guys, it's mind blowing! If you have read Jennifer L. Armentrout's books before, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, I really recommend you do.

The whole Lux-series is very thrilling and very suspenseful and the first book in this series is also very mysterious. There'll be feels being spread all over the place such as shock, surprise, love, hatred, annoyance,... this entire book series is going to make you feel all emotions that possibly exist and that's amazing. Next to action, betrayal, lies and trust issues there's also space for romance but also loss and sadness. Really, there's nothing this series won't give you and I'm absolutely thrilled to have re-read this series and to feel every vibe of it again. This is one of those series I recommend to everyone! 

As for the prequel novella, Shadows. As told above I read it for the first time and I did really enjoy it. It was very fast paced but I was really happy to connect with the characters that'll have influences on the entire book series. It also shows a huge contrast with the Lux-series in content, in feels and in how the characters act but I still really enjoyed the book. This is a prequel, however I'm happy that I read it after the whole series because otherwise it'd tell us things that in the first book would be something the reader had yet to reveal. I rather live in suspense in the first book, Obsidian, than already know what's going on. But if you rather read it first, that's also an option!

More on each and every book in this series is in the month of April. The reviews have already been written and I didn't really know that I'd use the whole month of April for this series but be prepared! April is Luxen month on my blog, every review in that month is about this book series.

REVIEW ON SHADOWS: COMING THE 1ST OF APRIL 2017
REVIEW ON OBSIDIAN: COMING THE 5TH OF APRIL 2017
REVIEW ON ONYX: COMING THE 12TH OF APRIL 2017
REVIEW ON OPAL: COMING THE 19TH OF APRIL 2017
REVIEW ON ORIGIN: COMING THE 26TH OF APRIL 2017
REVIEW ON OPPOSITION: COMING THE 30TH OF APRIL 2017

     The Distance from Me to You
A book that's been on my TBR pile for a little while now was The Distance from Me to You by Marina Gessner. To be really honest, I never expected this book to be this good. It made me want to go hike and be one with nature, go on an adventure and walk 2000 miles. This book will inspire a lot of people I believe!

McKenna is sick of following the rules, after high school she's determined to do what her father has done when he was this young: do a hike. And not just any hike but a 2000 miles hikes from Maine to Georgia, together with her friend Courtney. Yet when Courtney cancels on the plans, McKenna is determined to go through with the plan and hike all miles and get that certificate at the end of it. With a friend or alone, she'll make it. Lying to her parents, McKenna leaves her town. Starting the trail she's surprised with who she finds walking alongside her...

These characters were also mind blowing and so well written! This book has a very strong female in the leading role that's full of determination and ready to show everyone who doubted her that she could and will walk from Maine to Georgia! McKenna is such an inspiration for all of us out there that want to do something but feel like they can't because people tell you you can't. Although she lied, McKenna is going for her goal and will walk those miles, together or by herself. The amount of strength she shows is something to really admire.

As for Sam, the other character in this book, he has had such a hard life that he'll also be an inspiration for people like him. He sets himself free and goes walking towards his new and better life. Although I really rooted for Sam, I often wondered why he became all hot and cold. I wish we got an answer on that because sometimes his mood switches so much without any indication.

As for the plot, waw. Just waw! The simplicity of walking and living through this adventure is just amazing. I'm amazed! So many might think there can't be anything great in this book because it's just walking. But the author takes so much time to make the surroundings and the noises visible for the reader that it really takes them onto this journey with the characters. Just amazingly written! And for the plot, not everything goes smooth... this is not your normal YA contemporary, there's so much more to this and I hope you want to discover it. It's a big recommendation!

REVIEW ON THE DISTANCE FROM YOU TO ME COMING IN MAY

     The Covenant series: Apollyon and Sentinel
Yes, the Lux-series wasn't the only book series I have read by one of my most loved authors! It's been a while since I read Deity in the Covenant series and for Christmas, I got the last part in the series! I have been putting reading the last two books off for a bit because well... they're the last two books in this series and I don't want it to really end? This month though I decided it was time to continue so I read Apollyon and Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout... I ADORED IT! Although I'm only going to talk about Apollyon here, the review on Sentinel is on its way!

Alexandria's one fear was to lose herself. Now she is awakened, she feels herself slip away. The gods are out on vengeance and they're starting with earth. The whole planet is being wiped with one catastrophe after the other to find Seth and his master, Lucien. And they are trying to reach Alex. Nobody is ready to let Alex slip away and become the source of Seth's rage onto the gods, and nobody is ready for Lucien taking the ultimate power. Nine of Deity island standing, they'll go to great lengths to save the ones they love and confront fate. Yet not all gods seem to be on the same side when it comes to power and they want Alex to stand by them...

This book, honestly it was amazing. I have to say every book in this Covenant series gave me a hard time getting into the first few pages but Apollyon didn't. This book is the best book yet in this series, I devoured it from page one as it came with such huge surprises! 

I'm really happy to tell that the romance part we've been seeing on and off over the few books will get a bigger spotlight onto them. I really loved to see how everyone was going with Alex being awakened and how they would really deal with it.

However the biggest surprise yet was Alex and her awakening! Not only did I expect something totally different, this character makes a very big change and becomes so mature! We know Alex as one of those act before you think characters but I was so shocked to see how much more different she acted to this drama as it all hit her. 

Also the plot, as always, was just filled with action and finding out certain things but I was most pleased with the fact that we got to see more of the gods. During the previous books we haven't really seen many gods or not for a long time, this book is a lot more about them! Now they know that a new power will strike them they're a little bit uneasy and start taking decisions. At first you'd think all gods want the same but the further you read the more you understand that something is luring with the gods and it's not good. Readers will be really pulled into this story and will be eager to find out what is going on and what needs to be done to stop this all. I can already tell it's the most shocking and revealing book in the whole series, I was amazed by it, I adored it and I absolutely can't wait to read Sentinel. 

Little update, I just finished Sentinel (we're two days later after I wrote what I wrote right above this paragraph!) and I was in tears because really... why? *standing ovation while crying* I'm ready to go die and work for Hades or something because this book is on the verge of me crying a new river in this world. I really loved it so much but I'm going to have a heartbreak for a week. Also, as this was the last book in the series I'm going to post the reviews on both Apollyon and Sentinel earlier than I normally plan. Instead of May, I'll post the reviews in February! Yey! I just thought it was a good thing to do, especially because it's been one year since I read Deity and I don't think I should wait another few months to share my crying-emotions with you guys about these books!

REVIEW ON HALF-BLOOD: HERE!
REVIEW ON PURE: HERE!
REVIEW ON DEITY: HERE!
REVIEW ON APOLLYON: COMING THE 12TH OF FEBRUARY!
REVIEW ON SENTINEL: COMING THE 15TH OF FEBRUART

     The Yesterdays of Tomorrow
A while back I had received a first in a duology to read for review. I really loved the story and the author had given me the second book in the duology to also read for review. In comparison to the first book I did have a hard time getting into the book and it's been laying around unfinished since November. This month I really wanted to give it another try and around page 80, I really got into the story and good thing because the rest of The Yesterdays of Tomorrow by Jessica Hernandez was actually fantastic!

A year later and the curse is still roaming over the lands. Kaia and the rest are doing everything they can to restore the lands and lift the curse. However, not all darkness has been gone and many secret plans are still around. It's getting harder and harder to know who to trust and who is lying to who. When the curse will be lifted, if it ever will be lifted, would everything be back to normal? Or is there new darkness coming their way? War is coming... Kaia and her friends will be going through tough times and desperate times ask for desperate measures.


This book really showed a very strong main character that really grew a lot since the first book. She's ready to fend for herself and save everyone, including her loved ones, from the curse. All characters have this amazing bond that really amazed me from beginning to end, especially because they're so loyal to each other.

Loyalty will be a main thing in this book as is lies, betrayal and trust issues. Compared to the first book in the series, I was really surprised with how this plot was turning out as I never had expected these words to be linked with it! The author also made space for a bit of romance that was subtle and very tender and I was really keen to see that as well. This book contained a lot of surprising aspects in different situations and I was really pleased to continue with the book.

The only remark I had was regarding the recapitulation of the first book in the second one. The author didn't make a lot of space to retell what was happening and I felt myself struggling with getting into the story since I didn't knew all details anymore. However, the rest of the book was absolutely surprising and fantastic! 

REVIEW ON CAPERING ON GLASS BRIDGES: HERE!
REVIEW ON THE YESTERDAYS OF TOMORROW: HERE!

     Bound
Lastly, I finished a book that I think is very underrated! I bought the book on a Book Fair, last summer, and haven't gotten around to reading this one until yesterday! I picked up Bound by Sarah Bryant and was actually really shocked that I didn't start reading this one first. Goodreads also showed me how underrated this book is as it only has 69 ratings. 

Sophie has been seeing strange things since she was a little kid. And those things have been scaring her and haunting her forever. Determined to never see the creatures again, she runs to the ends of the world. Or literally the pub "End of the World" where she starts working. Soon she finds out that coming here was a mistake as more creatures are haunting her and new creatures find their way to her. Above that, two strange boys she feels oddly connected to start acting extremely weird. There is more to the ends of the world than she had first thought...

This book was a mystery. A total mystery! Our main character Sophie doesn't know what's happening and she also doesn't know what she's seeing. Together with the reader we'll be on our way to find out what it is. I had an extremely good time with finding possibilities to the creatures she sees and ruling some out every step in this book. 

And then there were the two guys she felt oddly connected with that add more mystery and thrill to this book and make you very suspicious to what they exactly know and how they're involved. All of that will be fueled by the dreams Sophie starts having about a girl that only talks in cryptic messages. 

I think it's very easy to see that this book is a world of mystery and when the truth comes out I was actually very surprised to what a diverse world the author has created next to what these people/creatures actually are. The author really kept us thinking and thinking while the answer was actually really forthcoming if you had understood the clues from the beginning. A really good book! I devoured it so much because it really has that mystery that grabs at you. I really hope that this book becomes more popular because it really is a great story! 

One thing that I didn't think was well communicated on Goodreads by the author was that this book has a sequel, or well second in a series, Riven. The book did tell us at the ending that there is a next part in this but I wouldn't have known that as I never turn the page after the last one! But just know there is a second book in this series and believe me, you'll want to know that after that ending... ! 

REVIEW ON BOUND COMING SOON ONTO MY BLOG!

I'm really surprised to how many books I have read in this month but also really pleased! It really means I'm out of my reading slump and that's a good thing because I love books and couldn't believe it took me until the beginning of January to get back into it. This also made sure that I have read 13 books and therefore am already at 29% of my reading challenge and 10 books ahead of schedule! What have you guys read this month and what are you planning on reading in February? 

The Yesterdays of Tomorrow

Time to review a book that's been sitting unfinished for a long, long while. The reason why I haven't finished it yet is because I haven't been able to really get into the book. I did decide to try once again to read the book and when I was around page 80, I finally felt really pulled into the story which was a good thing because the rest of the book... waw! This is a very nice end in this duology: The Yesterdays of Tomorrow by Jessica Hernandez! 

Note: this book is not a first in a series! It's the second and last book in this duology. I highly recommend not reading on since further developments and changes have been happening in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow. If you're interested in this series, I do have a review on the first book which was a great story! Review on Capering on Glass Bridges HERE!


A year later and the curse is still roaming over the lands. Kaia and the rest are doing everything they can to restore the lands and lift the curse. However, not all darkness has been gone and many secret plans are still around. It's getting harder and harder to know who to trust and who is lying to who. When the curse will be lifted, if it ever will be lifted, would everything be back to normal? Or is there new darkness coming their way? War is coming... Kaia and her friends will be going through tough times and desperate times ask for desperate measures.

First of all the characters because wow, do they know a development! Kaia has been really the most surprising. At the end of Capering on Glass Bridges, I already knew this character would have a lot of potential to grow further and to become a very strong woman as a character. And I was not surprised to see that indeed she did make this change!


Kaia will really get into the learning to fend for herself and defeat the ones that go against all that is wrong. I really loved to see how she grew to become a very strong and independent girl. Although I already thought she was very independent and mature of nature, she showed us in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow that she really can be even more and learns to fend for herself! 

What shocked me the most is what she'll do to lift this curse. I never thought she'd really go through with these drastic measures to lift the curse and to fight off all the darkness that comes with it. The desperate times that she'll meet will really ask a lot of her and when I thought she wouldn't go through with it she always went further and made many sacrifices. I really admire her for all she does in this story, for the people and for the lands because wow... she'll do things I had never in my life in this book had expected her to do! A very great character that knew a very big development!

As for the other characters in the book, I feel like this book was more about Kaia than the others as she will part ways at some points. However I did notice slight changes in each of the characters and also felt that family bonding they had going on once again. I'm really keen on the fact that the brothers slash princes, Kaia and her sister have such a strong bonding and work so well together. It really melts my heart. I also really adore the brothers, they sometimes bicker but I like that! Their connection to one another and what they'll do for one another is yet another thing to really admire in them!

This also means I still really enjoyed the bond between sisters! In my review on the first book, I had already told you how keen I was on the sisters. Even though this book concentrates on Kaia's quest and the sisters being a part for a while, they're still going strong and I still was a great fan of them when they were reunited. What a strong pair they are!

Also, can I just point out Kaia and Warren? Like in Capering on Glass Bridges I felt like they'd be such a great team and yes, this book will give us some more perspective on these two friends. I really adored seeing them together as I secretly hoped they'd be together. They were my OTP from the very first beginning in Capering on Glass Bridges but if something will ever come out of it is a question you should find the answer on by reading this book! 

Which actually brings us to the plot, talking about my OTP's I remember there be little to actually no romance in the first book in this duology. Did I regret that? No, it was a really new thing for me to have a book that doesn't contain some sort of love. I really was keen on seeing the strong build of the plot that wasn't about romance at all in Capering on Glass Bridges, however the second book will make a bit of space for romance and can I say I actually adored it?

It won't be a book filled with love but it'd be rather something subtle, raw and tender. The main focus will still be on solving the problems on the lands and do things for the greater good. Even though the focus wasn't on romance, I did really appreciate the little love being there and make it something oh so sweet! 

This plot was also a lot more surprising than I had first anticipated, I really had thought this would be about lifting the curse and problems with trying to reverse what has happened to make the curse come into place. Although there will be some things to be handled to help lift the curse, there's another thing that will be a greater concern!

What would happen after the curse is lifted? Will the curse ever be lifted? I really feel like I can't say a lot because I don't really want to go spoiling it since it really surprised me. What I really do want to say is that I was shocked by the amount of trust issues that will arise and the lies that will be told. All of a sudden things seem even more dangerous and it will make sure that our main character will have to make hard decisions.

People will be parted, reunited, re-found, there will be loss and love and tears. Really, tears. And I really had never anticipated for all of this to happen. These hard decisions will make sure that Kaia has to fight for the ones she loves when they're in need and also means she'll prepare for whatever is coming her way. I really can't say this enough but the suspense and the betrayal are real! I did have some suspicion to some characters in the first book but then my feeling told me: it's nothing! Waw, my feeling was right! 

But it's not only Kaia that will do whatever it takes to free the lands and fend for her family and friends. Many of the characters will make sacrifices that'll cause so much loss and heartbreak with the reader, like really I couldn't do this! But then BAM the author hits us with a plot twist and things seem lies and not what they once were, or were they? The reader will be pulled into the position of trying to figure out what is going on: lies or truths? Twisted truths? Especially because the characters will have mixed feelings. Some will think someone has betrayed them, others won't believe that someone would ever do that and so the game of truth and loyalty begins. 

Loyalty will also be one of the main things in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow! Loyalty to your king, loyalty to your family and loyalty to your duties. I really loved to see how each of these loyalties were turning onto each other and how this would influence the story further on. Family will also be a very important thing in this story and you'd be amazed when you know who is tied to who. 

Also speaking of family, we'll get to see more of that as well. The princes' will turn towards their family as desperate times are heading their way into the lands. The sisters' family will also make a comeback and I also enjoyed that part. The best thing to this whole family thing though was the fact that Kaia finally gained some answers, as did the readers and I was really pleased to that as well!

If there's one thing I really want to point out is that I really missed the recapitulation in the beginning of the story. It might've been that that made sure I wasn't pulled into the story. Many things had been very deep in my mind on the first book as it had been a while since I read the first book before I started into the second book. So I would suggest to read these two books not too far away from each other, unless you have a much stronger brain than me and know the details even after a few weeks! 

As for the ending WAW, oh waw. I can't believe the author did this to us. When you read it you will know what I mean! I am shocked and lost for words but I really enjoyed the book and that ending made it a stunning ending to the whole duology.

Lastly I really want to thank Jessica Hernandez for granting me this opportunity to read her duology for review. I'm really pleased and happy that I could do this and am really happy she wanted to share the story with me! Thank you!

©Jessica Hernandez

<3 finally="" p="">Although I loved the story, I really had a very hard time to get into it. The author also doesn't take a lot of time to recapitulate what was happening, therefore I felt like I fell in a little void as it had been a while since I read the first book in the series! However, I really did enjoy the book when I reached page 80, the plot then really pulled me in and made me live in the world where the curse must be lifted. The characters will have a hard time and our main character goes through a huge development which I really appreciated! As for the plot, things were really heightened and I never had expected to see everything turn like this! The suspense, the thrill, the trust issues, the lies, the betrayal, the loss, it was ginormous and I devoured it eventually! This is a last in a series so the author has one end of a story ready for you and I was so shocked, a lot of things came as a huge surprise in this book. Even the end! I did enjoy the story, even though I didn't get into it very easily, and really recommend this series. The Yesterdays of Tomorrow is a thrilling and surprising end but oh so good!
<3 finally="" p="">
<3 finally="" p="">"We’ve won and lost."

Antwerp Book Fair 2016

A little while back, back in November, I visited the annual Book Fair in Antwerp. Normally, I don't go there simply because the books are mostly in Dutch and I rather read in English. And it's also very busy and crowded and I like my personal space a lot! Yet this year around, I just had to go. I'd defy the big crowd, the warmth and the Dutch books because one of my most favorite authors was in town...

For everyone who doesn't really get what happens there: the Antwerp Book Fair is in a massive building where publishers and bookstores get a spot and sell their books. Obviously! But there's more to it! Each year, the Book Fair let's authors from across the world come to the event to sign their books or to do an interview with or a quick chat and so on.

My first time going was in my 4th year of high school because of a task I had to do for my Dutch class. It was also then that I found a very interesting book that got me into reading. But that story is already explained in my blogpost 'How it all started, my book adventure'. Even back then, it was very crowded and I was glad to get out of the building! But I wasn't a reader at the time.

Obviously, because of that very interesting book I bought then, I became a proud book junkie. Yet I still couldn't make myself go to the Book Fair because of the same reasons listed in the introduction. I did check up on who would be signing each year. Yet there never was an author I read anything about. This year, that changed!

I posted the following picture on my Instagram a while back. Someone from the community had responded on the picture saying that Estelle Maskame was coming to the Antwerp Book Fair and if I knew? Well, thanks again @natulcien1980 for telling me because no, I didn't know! I was so enthusiastic about it that I couldn't wait for it.

Even though it fell in my midterm break, I did have exams the following week and I needed to study! But I promised that I would study well the first days of the break so I could go anyway. And guess who went? YES, me!

I read all her 3 books and I wanted them all signed so I brought them all. But my mother had another outstanding idea! Each Christmas, we exchange presents with my nieces and nephew. I remember that when I heard the book was translated in Dutch I wanted to give it to my niece because she loves reading (rather in Dutch though) and I knew it'd be something she'd enjoy. "Does she already have the book?" my mom had asked and I told her my plan for Christmas. "Maybe we could go get the book already and let it be signed?" That was the most amazing and crazy and fantastic idea I've ever heard! Before we went to the Book Fair, we bought the first book translated in Dutch and took it with us to the Book Fair.

Exactly as I remembered, the Book Fair was busy and I couldn't see one meter in front of me. It was absolutely PACKED! Which also concluded in people coming uninvited in my personal space, the whole building being a sauna on fire and people actually KICKED my BOOKS! I'm serious though! I had all those books with me, I had them in a bag that I carried around and people came so close and actually kicked the bag. Ever since then, I held them up on my shoulder to prevent more kicking my books.

Since we were early we went to one stand that had English books but the hall was so small, you couldn't cross others that were already standing there. This led to me going back out of it because I couldn't see anything anyway. Above that the books were actually very expensive. I could find them half their price on the site I always order my books.

It was two o'clock when I saw the first few people hanging out at the spot where Estelle Maskame was going to sign. So my mom and me decided to already wait too before the line got too long. We were second! SECOND! I was so happy to be in the beginning because she would only be signing one hour, then she had to go to the stage. We waited, and waited and waited and then suddenly she stood there and waw.

She was really nice! Absolutely amazingly, fantastically sweet and she talked to you and asked questions. All the while I was standing there not being able to force anything out unless she asked me something! I was just so overwhelmed and I was so happy! So she first signed my three books and then I asked her to write a Christmas message in the book for my niece. And she was like "Of course" and glad that I asked. She's so friendly guys! I also took a picture with her because obviously, this was a one in a life time opportunity. Last year in June she was in the Netherlands and I wanted to go but I had exams and therefore couldn't go at all. I was really sad about it but look at it now: I got to meet her! She's also my first ever author to meet and sign my books so it's also a big achievement in my eyes!

When that was all done, I was absolutely satisfied! My mom and me had also subscribed for a YA goodiebag because that day, it was YA convention day at the Book Fair. I already had seen people walking around with these cool bags and I wanted one so badly! Some even had two! I had none... But eventually it turned out that the goodiebags had the same kind of bag other people walked around with so I was yet again satisfied.

tote bag says: "Reading is for awesome people."

And of course, it's a Book Fair, so who doesn't go home with books? ...Me! I actually didn't buy any books but I did buy a tote bag I wanted to have for such a long time. I tried to order it but they said I needed to buy them in a package of 20. Who needs 20 tote bags? So here they were all by themselves. First we didn't find the one I wanted so I was picking another one. Until my mother tried to shove a bag out of the way so she could get me the one I just had picked. IT WAS THE ONE I WANTED! Speaking of  a coincidence! I already had seen a few people walking around with the bag I wanted desperately, but I thought they were sold out. I was lucky!

That really concludes my trip to the Antwerp Book Fair. I didn't buy any books, surprisingly, I did get a goodiebag and a tote bag I really wanted. And above that, I met with the most amazing writer on this planet! Estelle Maskame made my day! Now I got three signed books and one amazing signed Christmas present. Thank you Estelle for being so friendly and being on the Antwerp Book Fair, you made my dream come true!

Review on: Did I Mention I Love You?
Review on: Did I Mention I Need You?
Review on: Did I Mention I Miss You?

"No te rindas"

Capering On Glass Bridges

A little while back, I received a YA Fantasy novel by a debut author for review. It's been a while since I've read a fantasy and I was glad to read this one! Although I do have a few remarks regarding the book, I did find it very unique and did enjoy it. Also the cover of Capering On Glass Bridges by Jessica Hernandez is absolutely stunning.

Send by the Utdrendans, a group of strong saviors is on their way to the dark lands of Mar. Normally, nobody would step foot in the land since it's full of dark creatures and danger, ready to kill you when the darkness falls over the land. This time around Kaia and the others will do anything to step foot on the lands of Mar and bring the most important message to the king: you can safe your kingdom. The curs that has fallen over Mar can be destroyed and the land can become one of the greatest again. But Kaia and the rest won't get through Mar that easily... where there is darkness, there is a great danger. Will Kaia and the others be prepared to leave everything they love behind and try to safe the kingdom of Mar?

Starting of with the characters: Kaia Stone! From the very beginning a mysterious vide hangs around Kaia. The land she's from has a pairing ceremony, this means that each of the citizens will receive a Canonipom. This is a mythical creature that complements its owner and is also a friend in times of loneliness. Kaia doesn't have a Canonipom, but the rest of her family does and this makes sure the reader already starts with forming questions and dig in further in the story. This was something I really did enjoy, and the best thing about it is that our questions will be answered if you're really reading attentively.

Kaia not being paired brings a few of her characteristics to the surface, for instance Kaia is a bit doubtful about herself because she doesn't understand why she's not being paired. And a bit of jealousy will tip at the corners of this character. I loved to see this side of Kaia, especially because it makes her sensible! This isn't the only side we'll get to see of her...

Kaia is send by the Utdrendans, another population in this book, to bring a message to the King of Mar, the cursed land. This does make sure that the character feels like she has a purpose in life and isn't 'the girl who wasn't paired'. It also brings the wise and strong, more confident side out of Kaia. This characters has so many qualities that it's hard not to love her! 

As for her sisters, those were amazingly written too! Although Elania was the one that got my attention most. She's the eldest of the family and when Kaia leaves for Mar, she's the one to join her. Elania seems like a very supportive character in this book and doesn't want her sister to be stuck alone in Mar if the curse isn't lifted. That's what I really appreciated about this character! Especially because she's willing to do anything for her sister and that's a beautiful side to her. 

Other characters that were important to the story were Aylin, the princes and Pelliab. As for Aylin and the princes, they were a very nice addition to the group going to Mar because they brought a certain happy, family vibe to the group and that lifted everyone's mood including the one of the reader's. As for Pelliab, here's another character that has a very mysterious vibe hanging around him.

Pelliab is also one of the chosen ones to deliver the message to the king in Mar but he's a very introverted person. This also means that he doesn't talk a lot and is very composed! That won't stop the reader from getting suspicious about him and this will also be an asset to the story because Pelliab does have some things in store for us near the end of the book. 

Other things regarding the characters are the mythical creatures that lure around all the lands. As I already said before we have the Canonipom but there are also the turned ones in Mar, the Flirds and many more to come across in this book. These sure were a great asset to the book because they made sure you used your full imagination and also made the story more interesting and enjoyable because you're totally into the fantasy novel. 

The little remark I have about the characters was that in the beginning I was quiet confused with who everyone was and what their connection was to one another. It wasn't totally clear in the beginning and did brought a bit of confusion with me, but the further you go in the story the more you'll begin to understand. 

Now the plot, the plot is something very intriguing and unique! I haven't read a fantasy that describes the scenery as this one so you're in for a whole new world that's described fantastically. 

Also, as I already mentioned before, they're send with a mission: to help lift the curse. It's pretty soon we find out that our character Kaia is determined to help out and act on her purpose, that's also why she's such a strong character but her parents aren't okay with it at all. Well, her father isn't. This will also make sure the plot will take a turn to how she's going to do what she wants to do without hurting her family too much. 

When Kaia is on her way to the land and is together with the rest of the savior party, the plot has a lot in store for them. It isn't a secret that the land of Mar holds dark creatures and is very dangerous. It therefore doesn't take them all too long before having a first obstacle. And the plot will keep surprising you with these kind of things before they can get to the king.

I think this was something amazing about the plot, the author had enough imagination and fantasy to create a lot of hard obstacles and problems the characters needed to overcome or get through so they could do what they came to do. You're in store for so much and it's also not predictable at all, there is a high level of surprise each time something happens and I was fond of that!

Even when they arrive and want to talk to the king, we see that their adventure isn't quiet over and there were already so many things that had happened before! Also after they spoke and delivered the message the plot has things in store for us, as well as a very big secret that will be revealed. I have to say, I was shocked at that point!

An asset to the story were the few tales or legends that we got during the book. We get to know the land of Kaia and how it was created but we also learn more about the mythical creatures and how or why they were created. 

The remarks I have concerning the plot were the fact that I often missed details. At certain moments during the book, I was lacking who was saying what. There was a huge conversation which was entertaining but I couldn't make out who was talking at that moment and this led to some confusion on my part. I also had a few scenes where I loved to have some more scene setting to add to my imagination and also so I could understand it more properly. 

The ending left me a bit disappointed because it was incomplete. Although it does make sure that the readers will be eager to read the second part, The Yesterdays Of Tomorrow, due to its ending, I wasn't that satisfied with it. 

©Jessica Hernandez

Although I lacked the scene setting at times and details to who was talking, I did enjoy this book. It will make up for the confusion I had during the book by using a lot of my imagination but also because of its strong characters. Each character is very unique and determined to act on the purpose they were send for and this will add to the story. If that doesn't lure you in yet, the mythical creates are also a very intriguing side to the story and the land of Mar has a lot in store for you. Capering On Glass Bridges is very unique and intriguing book with the surprising element each time the group experiences the darkness of the cursed land during their quest to safe the people. Also, I want to thank Jessica Hernandez for giving me this opportunity to read her book so thanks a lot!

"No darkness, no turned ones"

Melody's Key

A week ago, I was asked to read for review by an author, he send me the synopsis of his first published book and can I just say that I was sold the moment I read it? Only by reading the synopsis, I was convinced that this book had a lot in store for me and god, were my instincts right! If you're looking for a very sweet romance and a book full of passion then Melody's Key by Dallas Coryell is the book you absolutely need!

Tegan Lockwood was stuck in life. All the opportunities that were given to her she declined because of her duty towards her family. They had been having a very hard time lately and were in debts, they couldn't lose the extra power. They wouldn't survive without her help. And that's why Tegan gave in, because they needed her. Struggling with past events, Tegan has a hard time giving her life some color and find things that make her truly happy. That is until a new visitor comes around in Lockwood Holiday and it sure brings some sparks in her life...

This book got me upside down everyone! Just truly upside down! You'd start to get depressed because your life never turned out like theirs. This book will absolutely give you feels like this and I'm totally loving it! Before I go further about the plot, I will discuss the characters starting with Tegan. 

Tegan, which by the way has a beautiful meaning you'll discover yourselves, is actually a pretty tough girl. She'll stand her ground when she has to and she'll do what she has to do to make sure her loved ones are okay and happy. Even if it means declining certain things that would make her dreams come true. I really appreciated that in this character because it really showed her love and affection for her family and how caring she really is. Even though Tegan shows a lot of her sarcastic and tough side, deep down she isn't that tough.

Tegan has been dragging a tragic and hard event with her for a very long time now and it's really making her feel bad. Throughout Melody's Key you'll feel how pained she is and how much she closes herself of for the world, for people. Also, because of these past events, she is determined that love is not real. Tegan's set on not letting anyone in that could hurt her and she absolutely shows her insecurities throughout the book. This really showed the realistic to this character and I was really keen on seeing that because it made sure we all could relate to her. 

Another thing that I discovered about Tegan was her passion. She loves to be a part of music and art and really loses herself in it. This was one of the things that really accentuated that part of her and it showed you how much she needs these things to escape from reality and just to be able to forget what has happened to her. 

Next up, I want to discuss her family because I was so keen on them, really each and every one of them. It's been a while since I read a book where the parents weren't the evilest of the evil. Her parents are very caring and really try to make their kids lives amazing and that makes them really amazing. Although they have a hard time with Lockwood Holiday, their business, they try to make a lot of time to have that great family bond. This creates such a happy feeling with the reader when they read about it, but more about that later in the plot!

Tegan also has 3 brothers: Joe, Noah and Michael which are also amazing characters because they were really funny. We don't see that much about their personalities, which I did love to see more, but when we did see them they were always making comments about each other or trying to trick each other and this led to moments were you could really enjoy them and even laugh with them. 

As for Tegan's sister, she was my favorite in the Lockwood family. She and Tegan always pranked each other which showed us how good their bond really was. Yet Ryleigh has a very caring side and also a very understanding side. Throughout Melody's Key we'll see her laugh with her sister and trick her all you want, but when her sister is in trouble or doubting herself, Ryleigh will be there to catch her from falling and give her a good piece of sisterly advice. She's a very supporting character that can be very mature at times when its needed and that was something I really appreciated in her. 

That sums up everyone in the family and to conclude that, I'd like to underscore how much I was a fan of them. There are no words for how close they are and how amazing each and every one of them is described by Dallas Coryell. Their bond is very realistic and relatable but also has this unique side that makes you want to be a part of their family too. 

Two more characters I want to discuss, first off: Mason. Tegan hates him the first time he comes around. He's a jerk, he's mean, he seemed angry and someone who would just sleep with a different woman each and every night. Yet these are some of her, and maybe even some of the reader's, superficial judgments. The first few things we get to know about this character might lead us to think about him like that but Mason will come to surprise us more than once in this book. 

This character is not who you expect him to be and it was amazing how we discovered him together with Tegan and see that, even though a lot of people like him, he is just a normal person with normal problems. I loved to see this character because he did show many changes himself but also made sure that we could see other characters in the book change in a positive manner. 

Dallas Coryell, the author

Lastly, there is Simon. And can I just tell you guys the following: I need a Simon in my life! He's absolutely adorable and has the same side as Ryleigh: the caring and understanding, the supportive side. He's such a great person but has always been a victim of bullying which you'll find out more about in the book itself. Also this character will show major changes by make a stand even if things might not end up the way you'd want them to be. We will see him struggle with his identity and how people react on his identity but I can honestly say that he's just an amazing character! Simon has an amazing personality and I really wish he was real because I heart Simon, okay? Okay!

This concludes everything about the characters. They're very well written and will take you down under in this book. They'll create this loving and caring atmosphere and really make you feel the feels of the book! 

Secondly, the plot! To my opinion, it tended to build up a little slow but, we also know by now that I'm just a very impatient person and I just really wanted to know who the secret, mysterious visitor was! What I did absolutely adored in the beginning was how descriptive it was. We're surrounded by nature and you'd think there isn't much to describe about it but the author made sure you'd be able to visualize everything. From the air hanging there to the flowers that grow there and I absolutely loved it. If you're someone that wants to use your imagination to the fullest than these descriptions will make sure of it. I, myself, am a huge fan of visualizing the environment and I was absolutely not disappointing. 

Another thing you might enjoy then is the background about the family. There will be parts in the book where you get a little history about the family, about how they met each other, about new characters coming along and it was really nice to read. You knew the family was having a hard time but you also would go back to where the problems started which made sure you'd understand it to the fullest. 

The plot has a very sweet atmosphere that really takes you into the story. You'll be put in weird positions that are awkward because Tegan drooled over a boy, but you'll also experience the cozy moments. As I said before, the parents of Tegan will really try to make time to have a nice moment with the family and you'll be totally part of that. These were the moments I, as a reader, really lived up to because of the atmosphere that was created. 

There is, for example, Sunday Pancakes, where her dad feels like he's the king of the kitchen and just makes amazing pancakes while others drool over the food and make some jokes. Or there is the moment they decide to go to the lake and go picnicking. These were the moments that broke through the doubts and insecurities the main character, Tegan, was having and made her relaxed. 

Which brings me to the feels in this book because there are many! You won't only relax, you'll also laugh and feel awkward it makes you smile and you'll fall in love. This book is filled with feels, as well as romantic ones and friendship ones. It's really amazing to read and to experience. Especially the romantic feels! We know how our main characters thinks about love, she think it's not real and her believe for it will be tested in the story.

Something that was a great asset to the book were the letters Tegan reads. How she got them and why she reads them will all be answered in the book, but I loved the way they were presented! Also, it boosted the theme and gave an extra to the atmosphere the book already created. The letters have this history clinging to them together with a good portion of romance which gave a nice break from the story from time to time.

Melody's Key will also focus on the development of the characters and how you can grow from being closed off to become more open to new people. To turn your bad judgement into an apology and so on. But it'll also focus on the artistic side! Tegan has a passion for music and art and these things will return to her when she grows more open towards people which is a great development to see. The author also made use of song lyrics that are also an asset to the book because you can really read them. It's not just one sentence where they say "They now make lyrics", you can really read it and see what they created. 

It does sound like it's all sunshine and roses but the plot will take multiple bumps in the road and cause the characters to be confronted with their insecurities and believes. Also the family's huge problem will take a very interesting turn, as well as Tegan and her ability to let people in and to believe in love. The plot really then focuses on how certain characters will react and how they solve this problem. Of course, this leads to more feels you'll experience while reading which is only a good thing. But it also accentuated how realistic the story is because life is not a smooth sail and you will be confronted with difficulties. 

For short, the plot focuses on a very realistic side of life and will really pull you down under in it. You'll just live next to the characters and see them live up to your expectations. If that's not enough, you'll also feel what they feel and go on a very exciting journey of falling in love, opening up to your feelings and to people, grow into your strong self no matter the past and feel passion! The characters are also unique and have such a strong bond you can't do anything else but love them and want them in real life. Sure, I might've thought the build up was a bit slow and I wanted to see some more of the brothers but I do absolutely recommend this book! It's a great conclusion to my summer holiday because it also it set in summer and really made me feel excited and all warm inside! Also a very big thank you to the author, Dallas Coryell to give me this opportunity to review this book! It was a great pleasure and I really enjoyed it! I hope you'll write more books, because this one was outstanding and a great first published book! Thanks again!

"Lost without you."