4½✨

Sanderson did it again.
This installment is much slower and less action packed than the previous two, but still ending on a high that leaves me wanting more.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#ChunksterChallenge2025 #ColossalChunkster @Amiable
#AllergicToChunksters @julieclair
#BookChain2025 #DifferentWorld #SameItem @TheAromaofBooks
#LitsyAtoZ #O @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #SecretSpaces @Lauredhel
#DoubleSpin (March) @TheAromaofBooks

I love stories about the ancient gods and their lives. So this tale about the Gaelic Goddess of Winter sounded right up my alley.
But I found it a little repetitive, and the lack of character growth in the first majority of the book got on my nerves.
The ending did somewhat compensate for the beginning and left me satisfied.

Back in 2011 I also jumped on the Hunger Games hype and read all 3 books in a matter of days.

I've decided to re-read them before jumping on the prequel bandwagon, just to have all these events fresh in my mind going into the lives of Snow and Haymitch.

These books are hyped for a reason, even though I knew exactly what would happen, I still couldn't put the book down.

I found this one excruciatingly slow and pleonastic.
I still appreciate the story and morals, but feel there's better adaptations out today.

#Classic
#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#LitsyAtoZ #S @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #Cocoa @Lauredhel

Surprisingly accurate.
I've read both Orange 75% and Red 70% and both feel so like me.

It bothers me a bit that the bottom 2 say A orange instead of AN. (I see the coding error there 😕)

Thanks @TheLudicReader for the link 🔗

https://www.readyourcolor.com/

Partly Informative, mostly unhelpful.

Yes I've learned a few things, but overall there's nothing here that I could actively add to reduce my problems.
I'm very happy for Hill that she can arrange her whole life around her period, but very few of us actually have this luxury.

#NonFiction
#LitsyAtoZ #P @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #PearSorbet @Lauredhel

2½
Lacked the action and thrill of the trilogy.
It did however answer some of the questions I had, but still not all of them. I'm hopeful that Fever code will answer my last questions.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #K @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #YellowJasper @Lauredhel

My edition of Oathbringer is split into two books, last night I finished part one.
I don't feel like reviewing only this part is fair as it's not even half the story... but so far it's a pick

This is my #DoubleSpin for March, hopefully I'll finish it in April @TheAromaofBooks
Also this is 1391 pages in total so #AllergicToChunksters @julieclair
#ChunksterChallenge2025 #CollosalChunkster @Amiable

April
#BookSpin - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
#DoubleSpin - The Winter Goddess by Megan Barnard

 @TheAromaofBooks

Michelle is such an inspiration!

Hopefull, informative and inspiring.

Not only did she offer a look at the Lady behind Michelle Obama, sharing her hopes, dreams and fears.
But she also encourages and inspire to do more, be more.

#NonFiction
#LitsyAtoZ #B @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #LimpetShell @Lauredhel

March #WrapUp

3 #OffTheShelf2025
1 #Chunkster
1 #FictionalTraveler
5 #SeriesLove2025
2 #BookChain2025
2 #LitsyAtoZ
#BookSpin
#DoubleSpin in progress
5 #Pantone2025
1 #Classic
1 #NonFiction

My April #BookSpin list

 @TheAromaofBooks

Fast paced, action packed, dark and tense; but the ending was a real disappointment.
And still so many unanswered questions...
I guess I need to read the other 2 books to get those answers.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #D @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #AiryBlue @Lauredhel

I couldn't find a second hand copy of Royal Assassin for our #RealmOfElderlings read along, so I got an illustrated e-book
And I'm so impressed with the illustrations 🤩
The map, 🗺️ so I don't spoil anything.

 @PuddleJumper

3½ ✨

I always feel bad rating memoirs low, because how do you judge someone's life story?
But there was just too much in this one that worked on my nerves, to name a few things:
There's so much mundane details, begin repeated over and over again. Eating habits for one.
Another thing was the duel narration, while I appreciate why Cher decided on doing it this way, the changeover always caught my ear and it broke the flow in my opinion.

Another #Afrikaans read for me...
I struggled a bit with the writing style and pacing of this one. At times nothing seems to happen, and the everything happens all at once.
I would however be interested in reading more of Venter's work, as it was so different form the usual Mystery/Romance I'm used to.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #S @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #Kashmir @Lauredhel

What an interesting, engaging story.
I enjoyed the amateur sleuthing and unraveling the mystery.
I do however feel that some relationships were a bit awkward; as in the switch from dislike, distrust and loath to "You're the only one" just didn't quite work.

#LitsyAtoZ #B @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #PassionFlower @Lauredhel

IT STARTED WITH THE CRY OF A BABY

Belladonna
Adalyn Grace

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

4½✨

Such beautiful, elegant writing.
Such a sad and heartbreaking tale.

Poor Gatsby, I feel he deserved better.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#FictionalTraveler #BigCity @julieclair
#LitsyAtoZ #G @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #AntiqueWhite @Lauredhel
#Classic

Absolutely superb!

What a conclusion. Never in a million years would I have guessed at the ending of this series. But that's been the theme through all these books... the most unexpected, unnerving twist and turns unfolding into the most exceptional story that will live in my heart forever.
Characters crafted with such emotional depth and complexity that I can't help but think of them as real.

My husband surprised me with an early birthday gift of learning to make my own Gin.
Such an amazing experience
Can't help but feel so abundantly blessed.

Delightful, cozy and sweet.
Friendships, fist-loves, and conquering evil in the most unexpected ways.
Baldree has stolen my heart through Viv and here friends, I can't wait for the next book.

#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #B @Texreader
#BookChain2025 #AuthorNameColor @TheAromaofBooks
#Pantone2025 #BlueGranite @Lauredhel
#BookSpin @TheAromaofBooks

#AudioPuzzling on vacation 🏖️

March
#BookSpin - Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
#DoubleSpin - Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

 @TheAromaofBooks

February #WrapUp

9 #OffTheShelf2025
1 #Chunkster
1 #FictionalTraveler
8 #SeriesLove2025
6 #BookChain2025
4 #LitsyAtoZ
#BookSpin & #DoubleSpin
7 #Pantone2025
1 #Classic
2 #NonFiction

These really are such quick reads.
Like with the first book I feel the characters lack emotional depth and they feel much too young.
But the gripping adventure/trial and the cliffhanger ending makes me want to read the next book.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #S @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #Orangeade @Lauredhel

3½✨
There's a lot of conflicting reviews about this one. But I quite enjoyed it.
Even with the slow start and Grady being a sulky, self-absorbed man-child.
The suspense and mystery of the Isle of Amberley kept me intrigued. It felt like a character on its own, with the residents being its moving parts.
And the twists.
I did not see it coming... at all.

Hobb created this world and these characters with so much love and care, that everything becomes real. This past week or so I've been living in Six Duchies, sharing in Fitz's journey from boy to man. And I'm more than ready to follow him into the next phase of his life.
If this is only the beginning I know I'm in for purely delightful adventure.

A friend suggested I read Between the World and Me, but it wasn't available, so I thought I'd get the next best thing.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book, It was thought-provoking and I found it very interesting, even learning a thing or two.
The second half I found a bit boring and laborers to get though. I'm not denying the importance of the subject matter, it was just that I didn't really feel a connection to it.

My March #BookSpin List!

🏡 Happy moving @TheAromaofBooks

This felt like a summary of a lot of books I've previously read.
There's a lot of useful information in bite size chunks you can use as needed for different areas of personal growth. But it doesn't do a deep dive into any one area. So if you know what you'd like to grow in I'd suggest finding a book that goes more in-depth.

#LitsyAtoZ #W @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #Orangeade @Lauredhel
#NonFiction

3½ ✨
This was a very quick read. A bit young, and the characters lack emotional depth. But the story did grab me.
I'm definitely reading the rest of the series.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#BookChain2025 #PersonOnCover @TheAromaofBooks
#LitsyAtoZ #M @Texreader
#DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks #Pantone2025 #WhiteGrape @Lauredhel

I read this in my native language, and really enjoyed it! Can't remember the last time I read Afrikaans.
Meyer has this gripping writing style with a lot of tension, drama and politics. Combined with very broken characters, only ever trying their best.
Adding to that; all of his books are set in one of my favourite places: Cape Town.
My only complaint is the fowl language.
#Afrikaans

These books always feel like coming home.
I've always loved books with doors and quests. And McGuire gives me a place to go each year that fills the door-shape hole in me that needs filling.
Somehow I've missed this one last year, so I have two doors to go through this year.
I love how each book continues on the previous books, but always have their own adventures in new unknowns.

Happy Valentine's day 💌

Why do I do this to myself?
I'm not a Romance person, I hate the tropes and can tell from the first chapter who the love interest will be.
But still once a year I try a Romance novel.
So please know that it's not the book reflected in my rating, but my personal feelings towards Romances in general.
I should just stop torturing myself.

#LitsyAtoZ #B @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #YellowJasper @Lauredhel

3½✨

This is a typical Hero's journey with all the usual tropes you'd expect. Nothing earth shattering or different. Still I enjoyed visiting the world of Alagaësia and getting to meet all the characters. I'm intrigued to see where the series will take me.
I have my suspicions and would like to confirm them.

Visited the 2nd-hand bookstore this morning to ready myself for the #RealmOfElderlings read along
I think I made a good start. 😁

@PuddleJumper

Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that would change the world.

#FirstLineFriday
@ShyBookOwl

Such a delightful, uplifting little story. It felt like an unexpected huge that I didn't know I needed.

Who'd thought opening a coffee shop could turn into an adventure?

#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#LitsyAtoZ #L @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #Curds_Whey @Lauredhel

Some of the magic from the previous books eluded me in this one.
It was still incredibly tense, distressing, and harrowing.
However, most of the twists I foresaw this time around. I wasn't as taken aback by the events as I was with the previous two books.
Still, I'm anxiously trying to make time to read the next book.

I felt so drained after finishing this book I couldn't even begin to think how to review it.

I really enjoyed Plath's writing, its lyrical, captivating, and unique. I'll be on the lookout for her poetry.

👇🏻 continue below 👇🏻

I feel I might have over committed for this month 🤪

My February #BookSpin: Eragon
& #DoubleSpin: The Maze Runner

@TheAromaofBooks

I did pretty well for #Jumpstart2025
Only missed my gaol page count on two days.

This really helped me get to read every day for #StoryGraph #PageChalleng2025

Thanks for hosting @Lizpixie

January #WrapUp

4 books #OffTheShelf2025
1 #Chunkster
1 #FictionalTraveler
5 #SeriesLove2025
4 #BookChain2025
7 #LitsyAtoZ
#BookSpin & #DoubleSpin
9 #Pantone2025
1 #Classic
1 #NonFiction

I must confess the size of this book always scared me a little - I mean could one person truly be so interesting that I would want to read about him for almost a thousand pages?
The answer I'm glad to report is: Yes!
I quickly found myself so interested in the life of David Copperfield that I just couldn't put the book down.

👇🏻 continue 👇🏻

3½ ✨

I just flew through this one.
It focus on how Darin and Spiro met, and how Laia became her grandfather's apprentice.
It's not as action packed as the first one, and started off a bit slow.
My book order finally arrived and I'll start A Reaper at the Gate tonight, but in the meantime I needed a quick fix to get me in the right mindset, and this hit the exact right spot.
I'm now super stoked to get on with the series.

I've been reading really hard on this Chunkster, tugging away at it in 20 pages at a time. With some intervals going up to 100 pages a day when the story grabbed me and the time permitted.

And now I have 107 pages left... I'm so close 🤩

Thanks @julieclair for setting up #AllergicToChunksters it's really helping me chop away at these big books.

I love the inspiring message of this book, but it had just a tad too many YA tropes for my liking.
I think if I read this as a teenager I would have been much more impressed.

#OffTheShelf2025 @Librariana
#BookChain2025 #5YearsOlder
@TheAromaofBooks
#LitsyAtoZ #D @Texreader
#Pantone2025 #PearSorbet @Lauredhel