Book Haul

Ha! It's been a long, long time since I've done another book haul so I thought why not? In the past few months I've bought a total of 5 books and then of course there were all the books I got for my birthday which you can find on my post about my Birthday haul! 

The first load of books are books I bought on Amazon! As you might have read in an earlier post, I had a hard time finding out how to buy from Amazon, but found a loophole. Luckily! After my first time buying from Amazon, I ordered other books there as well.

Ceaseless and predestined by Abbi Glines
My first time ordering there I bought Existence by Abbi Glines. I could only find the series up there because it wasn't available anywhere else. I had my eyes on this series for a very, very long time and finally I could read them! After seeing if I was still interested in the series after I read the first book, I ordered the others! Here is the synopsis of the first book, Existence:


Pagan isn't any normal girl, aside from going to school and doing homework she sees things nobody else sees. And she shouldn't be able to see the things she sees:souls. None of the souls give her any attention, and she doesn't give them any attention either. One day, that all changes when one of them starts staring at her and eventually starts talking to her. Trying to ignore him, Pagan can't do anything else but start getting attached to the soul. But he is nowhere near a soul... 

I have to say that my expectations were really high and I was a little disappointed. Nonetheless I decided that I really wanted to read the rest of series and see if it gets any better. I've been waiting to read this series for such a long time so I wasn't ready to give it up! 

REVIEW ON EXISTENCE HERE!

The Struggle by Jennifer L. Armentrout
While I was ordering there I decided that I was going to pre-order 3rd book in the Titan-series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Many of you know by now how much I love Jennifer L. Armentrout and how in love I am with the Titan-series! So of course I pre-ordered this book! 

For everyone who doesn't know what the heck I'm talking about, the Titan-series is a sequel to the Covenant-series by Armentrout. It's a series that gives us a look in Seth's life and my god, do I love it! A short synopsis of the first book in the Titan-series The Return so I don't spoil you guys for book 3...

It's been a year since Seth made a deal with all Gods, getting on his knees and pledging his life to them. Now he's theirs, he gets all sorts of assignments but most are violent and bloody. Apollo now has something else in mind for him. This assignment will be more difficult for Seth because he has to keep his hands to himself. That's kind of difficult for a guy that doesn't understand the word 'restraint'. 

Josie on the other hand doesn't know what's going on. Her mother is sick and she's doing everything to understand how it all works. Hoping to help others and help them understand. That is until her world get's overthrown by the ancient myth. Starting with meeting the golden-eye, mysterious Seth she thinks is kind of attractive. 

Together they get dumped into a story of danger, discovery and even forgiveness and redemption. For Seth this journey will be challenging, for Josie this journey will be discovering. But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all. 

As far as I know this series has 4 books, the 4th coming in March 2018! I can't really say anything bad about this series. It contains everything to write a good book: feelings and action. The author makes sure that there are so many plot twists so every book still has this unique thing they concentrate on while fighting something on a bigger scale that comes to all books in the series. It's just such a big variety in situations that happen it really never gets boring. Then again who gets boring from Seth? Not me. 

This is really one of the series I absolutely recommend but I also recommend reading it after the Covenant-series since you'll spoil yourself if you read Seth's story first. Other than that: PICK THIS SERIES! You won't regret it.

REVIEW ON THE RETURN HERE!
REVIEW ON THE POWER HERE!
REVIEW ON THE STRUGGLE COMING SOON!

Tell me three things by Julie Buxbaum
The last book I bought on Amazon was Tell me three things by Julie Buxbaum. I never heard of this book before or saw it on Goodreads until I watched Jesse on Youtube. He had the book in a haul of his if I'm correct, and it really spoke to me. I just really needed it. 

In comparison to the other books I bought, this is a more realistic one and also one I already read and loved! This book doesn't have anything paranormal but it does have secrecy and really had me excited...

Moving across the country, Jessie has to adjust to a new lifestyle of rich snobs and high expectations. Not feeling like she belongs anywhere, Jessie eats all by herself on the new school, and getting support from her new stepbrother is nothing she needs to wait on. It isn't until an unexpected mail that Jessie understands someone has been watching her very closely. Calling himself SN, he guides Jessie in school situations while keeping his anonymity. She finds herself swooning for him very soon as SN is starting to become bigger part of her life and someone she feels comfortable with and can relate to. But then there's Ethan Marks who made a very good first impression on her... Fighting against the feelings she has, Jessie will have to pick. Before deciding anything she thinks it's time for her and the famous SN to finally meet... 

This. Book. It has so much suspicion I read the first 200 pages in one day! I needed to know who this SN person was and I needed to know it fast. This book is a real page turner because it'll keep giving information about the person and you won't be able to contain yourself! The will to find out who it is, is very strong!

Next to the fact that you want (no, need) to know who this SN person is, you'll really be able to enjoy reading this book because of how Jessie is now growing and trying to adjust to her new lifestyle that also contains bullies. I absolutely loved having this suspicious SN part in the book as well as seeing her handle new things while she's feeling homesick. The main character really was to die for and I absolutely loved reading this book so much. 

The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the fact that I felt it was a bit predictable. And I'm talking about the SN part, reading the first 200 pages of course you built a list of who it might be. However I really knew who it was as well halfway through the book, a little disappointed that it was so predictable but nonetheless I really loved reading this book and enjoyed every feeling in it! 

REVIEW ON TELL ME THREE THINGS COMING SOON!

Hidden by Marianne Curley
At the end of June there's also this big book feast in Ghent. In the previous years on my blog, I talked about this before as well as posted the book hauls from it! This year I went again but I didn't really find a lot of books that I wanted. Some I even had already! I did find a lot of children's books which was a good thing, but for YA and English reads I didn't find a lot.

In fact I only found one book! I was doubting if I should take it but after running around the place once again, my mind kept going back to it! Of course this is an Angel-themed book, I can already guess it which is also why I couldn't leave it behind. Everyone who's been around here for a while knows how much I love books that have angels in them and so I took this beauty with me!

For as long as Ebony can remember, she's been sheltered. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled by her protective parents, and limited to a small circle of close friends. It's as if she's being hidden. But something is changing in Ebony. Something that can't be concealed. She's growing more beautiful by the day, she's freakishly strong, and then there's the fact that she's glowing.

On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan and she's intensely drawn to him. It's as if something explodes inside of her--something that can be seen from the heavens. Ebony still doesn't know that she's a stolen angel, but now that the heavens have found her, they want her back.

I don't know a lot about the book or author, never read a book by her before. I did find out through Goodreads that it's a series of 3 and yes, maybe I couldn't contain myself to read the synopsis of the second book... and third. Although it's only a 3,46 on Goodreads, I'm having high expectations to find out how much I'll enjoy this book! 

And that concludes my book haul featuring all the books I recently bought! Of all the books I bought I already read two of them and those reviews will be posted online in the next few weeks, so stay tuned...

Bound

Finally it's time to review a book that's been on my TBR pile for a very long time. I bought this book on the annual Book Feast last summer and I don't know why I have prolonged reading this one so long... I really don't know why and I don't approve of my behavior! A book that should be read by a lot more people: Bound by Sarah Bryant.

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...

Wow, to this book. I remember scanning the rows of Young Adult on the Book Feast and being really happy because FINALLY there were English YA books this time. My eyes had scanned this one, picked it up, read the back and felt over it, but I wasn't entirely convinced and put it back. But sometimes, your little reader's heart tells you to go back and take it before you regret it. And boy oh boy am I one lucky girl to have picked it up and taken it with me because this book was a surprise!

First and foremost our main character: Sophie. She's what the mystery is all around, when she was a very small kid she saw one of the Revenants. Strange creatures that came towards her, were drawn to her and absolutely scared the living crap out of her. So Sophie decides to run to the ends of the world and hope to outrun them there. When she arrives on a little island somewhere near Scotland, we finally get glimpses of her personality. She's very determined and composed, very witty with comments and also very curious of nature. Although her curiosity seems to be suppressed by her anxiety of these creatures. 

What I also really loved about this character next to her curiosity and determination, and her witty comments because they were funny, were her feelings towards her being seen as a mad person. People she told about the creatures thought she was just crazy and stupid while she's actually a very wise character. She picks up on all tricks by other characters, she picks up on the slightest details and this wise side of her will come in handy when the time comes. I really enjoyed seeing a girl being very wise in a story and she really shows us that part in Bound. She'll never forget anything, even if it has sunken to her deepest state of consciousness...

As for other characters in the book first of all I want to talk about the two guys that are actually pretty strange! Sam and Lucas, when our main character Sophie finds out about them there this weird vibe about them. They're both rich, they're both very isolated from the other townspeople which makes them rather weird youngsters. Soon Sophie also finds out they're very weird and feels a very odd connection to them but she doesn't know what it is exactly. 

I like Sam because well, he's all that I had expected: he's the hot guy in town. Yet Sam has this very mysterious side that makes you really want to get to know him but also not get to know him. He'll really have a strange vibe which makes us doubt if we should actually trust him or not. As for Lucas, he's the introverted one, the opposite of Sam which I thought was a nice addition to the characters because it gave a lot of diversity. 

Then there is Michael, I really adore this old man. He was a bit strange maybe but he was very friendly towards Sophie and open. He's also very wise and knows when to come to rescue in awkward situations so I really liked this character although I had hoped to know him a bit better than we do now. I feel like he'd also have a very unique background which I wished to see more of.

Lastly, there's Ailsa! I really loved this character as well because she was very open and also very girly! She's all you'd expect from a character that becomes friends with Sophie: more eccentric than Sophie; who's more composed. Ailsa made sure that the book had a very outgoing taste and really helps to build up the story! 

Now the plot! The first few things you'll notice is the big mystery. Sophie decides to hold back on us in the beginning and we don't really know who or what she's talking about until she comes forward with it. When she does though, not all mystery is resolved because this book is just one big mystery read! Characters will have weird conversations where Sophie and the reader eavesdrop, weird circumstances, strange dreams. This book is one mystery for both reader and main character which I found a very great thing in Bound. Both the reader and Sophie are out on a very deep secret and we'll have to discover it together which makes Sophie a very relatable character because you will connect with her through it all.


But it's not only weird circumstances or conversations, it's also the townspeople. As I already said before, the characters will show a wide diversity of personalities and the author will make use of that. Some characters are holding something back and you'll notice but what is it exactly is still part of the bigger plot. You might think it lies in their diversity but what if that isn't true? This really made it a nice read as well because all the little things are connected to something big but you can't put your finger onto it because you need to know everything in order to discover. 

And of course there're also the mysterious creatures that are following Sophie everywhere that we know nothing about. First there were only the Revenants, but as soon as Sophie sets foot on the little island a lot more creatures will come her way. I was really pleased with this because these creatures opened up a very wide world of diversity in the paranormal aspect but will still surprise you with what's actually roaming around! 

The paranormal activity does give the reader a very nice opportunity to guess what they are and rule it out during the plot. I for instance first thought there were ghosts but then something happens and I'd say they weren't ghosts but reincarnations maybe or mythological creatures. It's a great asset to the book because you'll be searching for the answers and those answers lie in those creatures as well!

Lastly there are the dreams Sophie has. I must say I was very surprised by these dreams because I had never expected dreams to have any part in this. Yet I was very pleased with them because there's a girl in those dreams and she only talks in riddles and cryptic messages. It did add more to the mystery as well as the thrill and suspense to what is actually going on.

Once we finally find out what this is all about, I was really surprised. I thought the book wouldn't be able to surprise me this much because it already gave so much to be surprised about. Yet this was something I hadn't even thought about, even though if I had paid closer attention I could have guessed it! Some more clever ones will get it a lot faster but I did really enjoy the fact that I could really search for the answers in my own imagination while checking in with the main character if she thought about this as well.

Lastly I'd like to point out that the plot doesn't really tell us everything at once, I felt like there were part of the truths we got to know along the way by circumstances and things that happened. Although you felt like you'd finally knew, the characters who influence the plot still hold back. They stayed quiet because they were bound to and this causes us to wait a little bit longer in suspense. But when you find out the truth a new world of mystery, secrets and people who want to harm them opens in front of you and it just gives so much tension to it all that I absolutely devoured the book. And then that ending! 

I do want to say that I sometimes was a bit confused because we didn't really have any truth to hold on to since our character was just dropped in all of this just like us. However I did still really enjoy it and can't wait for the sequel or well, next part, in the series: Riven.


To conclude this review I'd really like to point out how underrated this book is and how much I want it to change! This book was such a great one to read and I absolutely devoured it. At the start we're already confronted with the mystery around the main character and what she's exactly seeing. The fact that both reader and character didn't know what these creatures actually were made it a very pleasant read, because we get the possibility think for ourselves and come up with theories and rule them out along the way. Also the townspeople are a great asset to the book as they are also very strange and add to the mystery alongside the weird dreams Sophie has been having. The book really is one big mystery where everyone is bound to keep silent and this makes the reader frustrated as well as eager to find out what everything is about. When we finally realize what's going on and who we're dealing with, we're in for such a surprise and close to the ending that will leave you shivering in disbelieve!

"There are no such things as monsters, Sophie told herself. No demons, no witches, no ghosts..."

Children of Eden

Today I bring a book that has the most stunning cover of all times! And I know I say that a lot but honestly, I fell in love with the book because of the cover. I saw it on a friends bookstagram and I was sold. I wanted that book so badly and I didn't even know what it was about yet! I'm talking about Children of Eden by Joey Graceffa and Laura L. Sullivan! Also, Joey is a Youtuber, something I didn't know! 

 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...


Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this book. I went in with high expectations, the subject about a world after, the world being death but there's still something there that awaits the newborn word. It all sounds so good for a book but I've been left with a mixed feeling!

First of all, I found it really hard to connect with the main character, Rowan. She's a second child and her desperation to breath air from outside her house is totally understandable. At times she just seemed really too desperate and that made me back off a bit. What I did love about her is her determination, during the story she'll receive new information about her being the second child from her mother and this will set everything into motion. Although she loves her mother and her twin brother, Ash, she can't be bothered with staying inside anymore. Another thing that shows her determination is that she'll fight for her loved ones, even if it brings herself in danger.

I loved it that the character started deciding things for herself and that she took her life into her own hands, although I would've done it a bit more prepared! Rowan is more the thinking and directly doing which is a nice trait for a character but not something I can really relate with. Rowan hasn't got a clue to how people act, what to do herself and so on, yet she finds a friend of her bother who'll help her out. 

Which brings me to the next character: Lark. Lark is a friend of Ash and I did NOT like this character at all. She's too possessive, she feels like a know-it-all and as if she knows what's best. I just couldn't love this character at all, sure she has a big influence on the story but I just felt like she was a bit insane. Lark also comes into the story at times that I didn't think were very logical with the rest of the story and I just really couldn't appreciate this character. If all, she made things harder. 

There will be a few more characters coming and going and there's one very important one coming but I don't want to go too much into detail because that character was a surprise that I did see coming but still made this book better! 

As for the plot, now here were things that went completely wrong for me personally! The story builds up so rapidly, there was no time for making the events evolve and to make you feel it. I'm not a real fan of stories that go really fast but if you are, then this one is one you'll enjoy. I was just really bothered by how fast everything goes, there was no time to stop and think or feel what might happen next, because the following event was already happening. 

Secondly I like to say that I am left with too many questions to feel satisfied. During the plot we'll meet new characters that each have their own mission, we'll find out secrets about the founder of Eden, we get new details and nobody does anything with it. The ending did not give me answers on how they'll get around to that mission or what they'll do with that new information they have gathered. I know nothing and that really bothered me a lot. Also the end... oh god the ending! We know new information again yet again we will never know an answer! This is what they call an "open end" and I know that, but I hate open endings. And I hate this one most because on top of the open ending, I know nearly nothing about my other questions I thought I'd receive answers for. 

Of course I want to also add the things I did really enjoy and first of all that must be the theme. It's a dystopian about the world in the future, we destroyed and someone saved the last bit of humanity. For me that's a very interesting thing. Especially because also the people are being ranked! The poor live in the outer circles, the rich in the inner circles. I love it when books do that because it immediately sets off a vibe about that world. Also, just the thought of our world destroyed and a new place to wait for the world to be reborn is something I absolutely enjoyed. The nature being affected by us and the results of it will get a personal spot and we'll see consequences and everything put into perspective. How they have resolved everything will also be explained well and I was keen on that part. I know this book is fictitious but I also like to say that what happens to nature and humankind in the book is not something that I don't see in the near future. All is possible. 

Also another great thing is: everybody lies to everybody and nobody is trustworthy! When a book gives off that vibe, I can't do anything but feel happy. Rowan is a second child, she should not trust anybody and she should be aware of being lied to. Yet Rowan also has never been outside her house, she doesn't know the outer world and how people work. This sets off a nice contrast between knowing how everything goes and not knowing. She's a bit on an exploring adventure and makes mistakes everyone in her position would make: trust people. Especially in a world where second children aren't allowed or will be murdered, where the poor don't get anything and the inner circle everything, trust is not a word you should use. Lies will be everywhere in this book and trustworthy people will be so hard find and I really wish the book would have gone further on it and provide more buildup around this but it all stayed fairly superficial. 

What are we missing in this world? Action, but no worries there is going to be so much! First of all, Rowan will have to escape that's the first action we see. Then she comes across greenshirts, these are authority figures, police really and they know she's a second child so she needs to escape once again! Now she's known, her family will be in danger and this makes sure there's going to be a rescue party. That rescue party, ladies and gentlemen, was the best part filled with action because it was so good. There was so much surprise in this part and I was so excited when they went to rescue the family. It was great! For action you'll be good in this book, but as I said before it comes together way too fast in my opinion.

Lastly, what  is a book without a bit of romance. Now this romance was... I don't know. I was ready to pull out all of my hair! I was so frustrated! Probably because I shipped Rowan with one of them and not the other one, but she just kept giving signs to that other person I don't like! Still with me? No? There's a love triangle people and it's amazing that it makes you so frustrated! Especially if you have a ship and disgust the other character! Yet I wonder if it's really about romance. 

Rowan gives us signs throughout the book that she doesn't know how this works. She doesn't know anything about people and she thinks it's normal yet she doesn't know what these feelings she feels mean. It might be pure platonic then, or it might be love. This is something a bit confusing and also nothing we'll get any answers on.

I don't really know what to think about this book. I loved it but at the same time I didn't. It might be the fact that I didn't find it easy to connect with the main character, at the same time I was left with an ending that I didn't really love at all. Many things remain unresolved and that makes me not like the book. I did really enjoy the dystopian world that's created in this book and lies to its population that's been ranked. Everyone lies to everyone and trusting someone can be a mistake and I love it when a book give you that vibe. 

Also the whole concept about the world being destroyed by us is a very interesting subject and also gets a nice light onto it! However the book builds up fairly rapid and leaves me disappointed because I didn't receive the answers I was looking for. To conclude this I just like to say that I don't think it's bad but also don't think it's the best and I am left undecided. I do recommend reading the book because it's possible you'll love it, especially if you're into books that create a dystopian about the future and if you don't mind a rapid buildup.

“But alone is good. Alone is safe.” 

Confess

This is the second book I read by this author and it's the best book I've read by this author. Honestly, I can't remember the last time a book moved me this much by only feels! And I also feel like I should give a standing ovation to the author because this book is a masterpiece: Confess by Colleen Hoover. I rated this book 5 stunning stars! If I could give more stars to books on Goodreads, I'd give this one the whole damn galaxy!

Note: Be prepared to love this book. 

Caused by certain circumstances, Auburn is forced to move to Dallas. Fighting to keep her head above water, she's in desperate need of finding a second job. Luckily for her, Fate is on her side that day and she finds a second job with an artist in the art gallery: Confess. His work is inspired by confessions people submit at his place. Before she knows it Auburn finds herself really interested in all that has to do with Owen, the artist. What they both don't realize is that they each have their own confessions to admit before this might become something serious. And even then the question is if Fate will support their decisions...

First thing: the characters. I can't describe how it went down but I confess: I fell in love with them on the first page they entered the book. They each have a part where you can just absolutely relate to them. One of them is really confident but inside doesn't always feel too confident and the other just isn't confident at all. But that's not all there is to relate to them!

Auburn was a very shy girl at the start but once they got to know each other a bit better, she ended up going all crazy and laughing at stupid jokes. This is something I'm sure many of us can relate to. Even though she isn't that confidence, she'll always try to show the best things she got and try hard for what she really wants in life. I really appreciated that in this character, especially when you hear what her confessions are. She's a very strong, independent girl and that really adorns her a lot because it shows her determination mixed with her uncertainty and shyness about herself. 

As for Owen, I loved him more and more while reading the book. My reasons for this are reasons I cannot confess at all because then it ruins everything. Let's just say it was as surprising as it was exactly what I would have expected from him. He radiates confidence that isn't arrogance and I really loved that because it's something different from the books I've read before this. Where the guy is so confident they become assholes but really are teddy bears? Yep. He's also a teddy bear but doesn't piss the girl off because he's blunt with his confidence. So a real keeper! Especially because he's so kind and sweet and tries to make Auburn and other character feel and be at ease even if that makes sure he'll be in trouble. Big time. 

Another character I love to discuss in this review is Emory. She's the roommate of Auburn and although we don't see her much in the book I fell in love with her! She actually made this book even funnier when she was around. She's so good at eavesdropping it's just hilarious to read and her social skills might not be in the top 3... or 100 for that matter, but this creates such a nice and funny vibe in the book I'm really grateful she was around. And believe me, I am really grateful! I did wish to see her a bit more, only because I just loved her so much!

What I loved about the characters, mainly Owen and Auburn, was that there were things we didn't know about them until way past in the book. The title is Confess and be ready to confess your own sins or whatever you really want to confess. For instance: I adore this book please give me more of them. I really felt like a priest sitting in one of those chambers where people come to to confess everything. It was hilarious at time but some confessions were also really serious and worrying which I appreciated. It shows that the author won't make this all a happy romance but also shows the real deal in life. Their confessions also gave us a whole new perspective on the characters and I loved it that the author made us wait and have patience before we really knew them inside and out! 

Also this book doesn't only use confessions that are made up for the characters, it uses confessions that are real. A note from the author: "The confessions you read within this novel are true confessions, submitted anonymously by readers. This book is dedicated to all of you who found the courage to share them." this might be one of the many things a reader can adore about a book. I won't lie, some of the confessions were really heavy and emotional but that doesn't take away the originality of it in the book AND as the author says the courage they needed to confess these. It really shows how strong they are and that is reflected into the characters too. There's a nice link between it and readers can be really keen on this. 

This also made sure we are into the plot and while we're there, I'd like to just take a moment and talk about the fact that this book is full of art. And I mean really... art. We're in Dallas, where there's an art gallery searching for an employee. And then there's Auburn filling in that job and then there's us being able to devour that art inside that book. Really. The author made sure that in her book the art is displayed for our eyes to see and it's absolutely wonderful. A great asset to this book because it was visualized!

Confess also makes a very nice plot arrangement. In the beginning it's all sweet and innocent, the both meet and they get to know each other. It's as if there's nothing wrong and they're just two people meeting in Dallas and really getting along. But the sooner we get to Owen's part in the book the faster we realize there's so much more to the story. 

Owen talks weird as if he already knows her and that just makes it creepier. Yet things still stay really innocent and sweet, both are shy around each other but really get along. This is also the part where the author made sure the feelings are getting over the top with yourself. Your heart might as well be beating out of your chest already because this story pulls you into a sweet romance... or not?

Soon both characters will have to confess and this causes the plot to just change immediately. Things turn darker and heavy and we don't know what it's caused by. That might be the thing that interests the readers most in this story: the fact that we don't know anything. We only touch surfaces hoping they'll pull us into the deep but we'll have to be patient. 

This plot isn't about the innocent romance anymore, it's time for some action and action it is. Confess is filled with confessions that'll make your heart beat fast but also with lies being fed to one another and betrayal and deep secrets we wish we knew from the start. The thing we'll ask most to ourselves is how this will play out and who will still be standing after all is over and done. I can tell you there'll be a mix of characters that each come with hard things to bump into another character to make changes to yet another character. Still following? 

Let's keep it short and summarized: The plot is amazing, from an innocent, sweet and new romance we'll be catapulted into a story that's about confessing to one another and trust the right persons. It'll give feelings that makes sure you stop reading for a few seconds so you can breath and gather yourself back together. There's action, lies, betrayal and also Fate will be involved in it all. Who will score a heart? Who will break a heart? Who will be there in the end? You'll question the plot and the characters once you get to now more and more about them and it's beautiful. Things don't stay innocent and sweet but the bond between Owen and Auburn will be tested by others and by their own confessions they need to make.

Did I just mention Fate? Mark my words, fellow booklovers, fate has a hand in here and you'll be shocked and moved by it once you learn the truth. But you'll have to be patient with this too because the hand of fate will be revealed at the end of the book. So hang in there, once you get there... it's going to be stunning. (and emotional, this book brought me to tears)

This book honestly is a master piece, not only because it contains beautiful art but also because of it's amazing characters that find their way to your heart from page one. With fate in the background these characters will become their strongest self and surprise you with their actions you first didn't know the reason behind. The plot isn't what you'd first expect either, which makes it a great asset to the book. If you think this is going to be a sweet romance, forget about it! It contains much more: action, lies, betrayal, secrets and sweet confessions you'll devour like your favorite candy. This is a recommendation I recommend to everyone really, it pulls at your heart in more than one way. This will not leave you untouched!

"I'll love you forever. Even when I can't."

Birthday Haul

So last Sunday it was my 19th birthday and what presents to give a book junkie? Books of course! First of all I want to thank everyone for the gifts and for the books because: I love book so now I love all you guys because you gave me more books! I hope that explained it all :) Let's jump into the birthday haul!

Reboot by Amy Tintera
A book that was in the 3 books I want to read in 2017 post and lucky me, because now I have it right here! That also means I will absolutely read this book in 2017 and accomplish that goal. It's a book that I've had in my hands a few times in Dutch but I'm an English reader so now I can read it! This is what the back of the book says:

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

I mean I can't say no to a book like this, can I?!

Ascend by Amanda Hocking
I read the first two book in a course of almost two years and I think it's about time to finish this series. It's also the first series I've read by this author and I really love her writing style. Above that what this book is about really surprised me as I had expected something entirely else! I'm not going to post the back of this book as it's the 3rd one and I don't want to spoil... But here's what the first book, Switched, is about:

Wendy Everly was only six-years-old when her mother tried to kill her. She was so convinced that Wendy wasn't hers, that she was a monster and that she'll only mean trouble. Ever since that day her older brother Matt and her aunt Maggie have been taking care of her. Making sure their mother can't lay one finger on Wendy ever again. 

It isn't until years later that Wendy finds out that her mother might've been right all along. Together with Finn Holmes, Wendy tries to find out exactly who she is in a world she never knew existed. But she's not sure she wants to be a part of it...

Once again we'll end a series and it's sad but I'm actually really curious how the last book is going to turn out. I also wrote a review on the first two books so go check does out if you're interested!

REVIEW ON SWITCHED: HERE

REVIEW ON TORN: HERE

Found and First & Forever by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Finally I'm going to finish this series as well! I remember reading the first two books of the Crescent Chronicles during the exams when I was in high school. I read these book I think 2 years ago so who think it's time to go on and read the rest? YES, that would be me! Also here I'll give the back of the first book, Flight, so I can't spoil!

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Also those covers are really pretty, it's what partially sold me to read the first book! A review on the first book can be find here:

REVIEW ON FLIGHT: HERE
Apparently I didn't write a review on the second book so that gives me a good opportunity to read the series again to refresh the memory! 

Raveling you by Jessica Sorensen
One of my favorite authors and it's also about time that I read a book by her again. Last year for my English exam we could pick a book and I picked the first book in this series. Almost a year later, it's about time to continue the series by reading Raveling you.

I can't believe that I went so long without reading Jessica Sorensen as she actually was one of the authors that kept me reading. This series also has a lot of thrill and mystery in it which actually quiet surprised me because I felt like this was rather new in comparison to her other series I read! Here the synopsis of the first book, Unraveling You, so I don't spoil anything:

Lyric has everything in life to be happy. She has music to keep her buys, she loves singing, she has friends and she has both her parents. For her new neighbor, Ayden, this is different. He's been going from home to home without any support. He's been through so much, if only he could remember what exactly. His past has been so rough and dark that he doesn't remember anything, his memories are blocked. 
Slowly Ayden starts to feel comfortable around his new family and around the all optimistic Lyric. Together they can go anywhere they want and do anything. And soon the lines between friendship and romance are blurring. That is until Ayden's past decides to pay a visit...

REVIEW ON UNRAVELING YOU: HERE

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
This is a book that's been on my list for a long while now and I'm really excited to finally have it. I can't wait to read this one as I feel this is something very close to a genre I actually really enjoy. Also that cover it looks so bright and simple but I feel like a deeper story is behind it. Did anyone read it? And if so, what did you think about it? 

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

I just read it's going to become a movie! That means I should read it like right now and then wait anticipated on the movie... This is huge news, I really didn't know! 

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
And once again there's one of my most beloved authors. I feel like Jessica Sorensen and Jennifer L. Armentrout are the authors I have most books of and I'm pretty proud on that. Also, the 3rd book in the Titan Series is almost released! I already pre-ordered it so while awaiting that one, I'll be reading this one. It's actually my first stand-alone by Jennifer L. Armentrout and probably also the most realistic one I've read by her. All the series I have by her are pretty paranormal... I'm curious to where this one will lead! What the back says:

For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

It also has great scores on Goodread (4.01 stars) but I didn't expect anything less by this author to be honest! 

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski 
And yet another book on my 3 books I want to read in 2017 list, which actually makes this one the last book in the 3 I wanted to read this year. Also that cover... I can't! It's actually pretty stunning and fabulous and dramatic and it's just all I want right now and I just need a gap year to read all the books I want to read... yep, that's basically what I should do. 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Let's repeat some of my words I wrote in the post about the 3 books I wanted to read in 2017: I just want to underscore that this book sounds amazing and thrilling and suspenseful. I mean "a story of deadly games"? YES! Kestrel hiding her growing love? HELL YES! And him having secrets? I can only imagine how this will go...

Those were all the books I got for my birthday and I wish I could read all of them right away! But I have school and it's asking a lot of attention. Hmm, I guess I should do a gap week instead ha! Thanks again for all the books, I'm really looking forward to reading them all very soon!

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."