Bookstagram (11)

I really enjoyed this Sense and Sensibility retelling with Dragons.

Of course I love Jane Austen

But I'm also a fan of Stephanie Burgis who writes some great middle grade reads as well. 

 

If You Like...

 Instead of creating a Book List today, I created an If You Like post...

Yesterday I talked about the Raven Heir and it reminded of several books I've read this year. So I made up a infographic. 

It reminded me a few a made previously. 

If you want to see more, check out my Pinterest page 

Review: Raven Heir

 

* Book 1 *

Cordelia and her siblings live deep in the woods, where no one can find them. There, they hone their magical skills and enjoy life. Until one day, strangers find their house. These strangers believe that one of the triplets is the heir to the throne. 

But no one wants the heir to sit on the throne. They simply want to control the throne. This bloody family war has been going on for decades.  When the army finally breaches the house, Cordelia's mother tells her and her triplet siblings to run.

They do. But they don't know where they are going or who to trust. Now Cordelia is hearing voices and seeing things - things that her magical didn't allow her to see previously. She knows something isn't right and she determined to bring her family back together - but she will have to make a sacrifice...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - but that's no surprise since I'm a huge fan of the author's books. I really loved the siblings and their relationship. I enjoyed Giles and his songs. I really loved Rosalind and her fierceness and how she protected her family (even when they underestimated her.) I enjoyed the banter between the siblings. I loved how Cordelia can turn into various animals. I enjoyed their moments of survival in the forest and their interactions with people - even when it didn't go so well. So many secrets! I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how things turn out.

Cover Thoughts: Really Neat

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your middle grade section

* You won't have to wait long for this book as it comes out on Tuesday!

Middle Grade Review: Girl with the Dragon Heart

*Book 2 in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series *

Silke loves working at the Chocolate Heart with her best friend, dragon turned human. And she's not above telling anyone who will listen. When her friend gets into a spot of trouble at the market, Silke saves her by spinning a tale that happens to involve the Crown Princess.

The next day, she's taken from her family's stall by soldiers of the Crown Princess. Silks isn't sure what's about to happen, but she's dumbfounded when she story becomes truth.

She's offered a position in the palace - in exchange for being eyes and ears during an upcoming royal visit. Silke can't say no to the request, but she also has personal reasons for wanting her first mission to go well. Can she uncover the truth about the fairies without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I Loved this book: from the spy moments, the learning etiquette, to family drama, to friendship, and to storytelling. I loved the chocolate moments. I loved Silke and her brother - even though their conversations were heartbreaking at times. I wanted Silke to find a home of her own. I liked learning more about her past - especially her parents. I enjoyed her moments trying to one up Princess Sofia. I loved the ending. Lots of action and danger and friendship. And of course it made my mouth water for something chocolate! It was great being back in this world and I hope there are more Tales from the Chocolate Heart series to come!

Cover Thoughts: Magical
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This one comes out tomorrow

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for both school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Middle Grade Reads of 2017 (so far)

This week is another freebie week, so I thought I'd continue with my lists of best books I've read so far this year. This week it's middle grade reads. Enjoy!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Bonus: 

I'm currently reading and loving these two:

Review: Dragon with the Chocolate Heart

Aventurine loves her dragon life, but she hates being cooped up in the caves waiting until her scales are hardened so she can escape danger. Annoyed at everyone, Aventurine  decides to take matters into her own hands and show her family that she can survive.

She escapes through a hole in the mountain case, hurting her wings as she maneuvers outside. But when she encounters a human, she's distracted by the smell of hot chocolate.

After she drinks the chocolate, her form changes into a human. Without her dragon form, Aventurine isn't sure what to do next, but she knows that she finally found her passion - chocolate. Armed with barest hint of knowledge, she makes her way towards the city to become an apprentice at a chocolate house. Can she survive in the city with her limited knowledge of humans?

My Thoughts: I adored this novel. First for the dragons - I loved the family squabbles. I loved Aventurine learning more about the human world. Her limited knowledge made me laugh. The secondary characters brought life in to the story. Greta added humor. Marina added motherly affection. I adored Marina and her knowledge of chocolate. I liked that she feared success. Silke added friendship and sass. I love how she knew how to obtain information and how she pushed herself forward. I adored the two princesses and how Aventurine immediately understood their behavior based on her own siblings. I loved reading about the chocolate houses and the politics of the town. Of course, this book made me crave chocolate - how could it not? I was sad when it ended because I desperately wanted more - and there is more coming! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Date Released: May 30, 2017

Library Recommendation:Be sure to get this one for both your school and public library. It's so charming; readers will gobble this one up!

Books I'm Dying to Read: February Edition

By now, I'm getting tired of winter, especially if it's been a cold one. The nights are long and are the perfect time to snuggle in with a great book. So here's what I'm looking forward to reading.

Middle Grade:

YA:

Adult: 

Review: Courting Magic

Five years have passed, Kat's still the same as ever. She's still a bit wild. She's still a magical guardian. Most importantly, Kat's about to make her debut into society.

Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse.

There's a rogue magician using illusion magic to elevate himself into society to steal jewelry. Kat's been summoned along with Alexander and two other gentlemen to discover the identity. Can they find the culprit without ruining Kat's debut?

My Thoughts: I love Kat's stories and I'm so excited to read this novella. I've been wondering what happened to Kat as a teen for ages and this answers all my questions. I love that Kat's coming out and that in five years, she hasn't changed much. Although I did notice that her patience seems to be a little bit stronger when dealing with her family. I love her over-protective family, especially seeing Lucy again. The magical battles, the dancing, the garden moment were all perfection. Happy sigh. I love visiting characters again and this was a fabulous visit with Kat. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Sent for review

Stephanie Burgis's Courting Magic Cover Reveal

I'm happy to be revealing the cover for Courting Magic, I loved the Kat, Incorrigible series. I'm excited to see Kat when she's ready to enter society herself. I can't imagine the trouble she'll get into! 

Here's the blurb for the novella Courting Magic:

In Kat Stephenson's Regency England, magic is even more shocking than a stolen kiss. But now that she's eighteen, it's time for wild and magical Kat to be introduced to high society by her older sisters, whether she likes it or not...and to finally have a romance of her own!

Of course, her true love is hopelessly ineligible. But when has Kat ever let Society's opinion stop her from making up her own mind? Once she realizes she's found her perfect match, she's not going to let anything or anyone stand in their way - even if she does have to solve a magical mystery, matchmaker for an old friend, and break a few rules along the way!

Sounds good right? Here's the cover: Isn't it pretty?

Here are the details:

The book comes out August 14, 2014

Check out Stephanie's website for more info 

You can sign up for her newsletter for more notifications about the novella

Cover designer was Patrick Samphire, of 50 Seconds North 

Tween Tuesday Review: Stolen Magic

 * Book 3 in the Kat,Incorrigible trilogy- Kat, Incorrigible review and Renegade Magic review*

Kat's sister Angeline is finally able to get married and the whole family's traveling for the wedding. Kat can't wait to see her older married sister Elissa, who will join them there. Unfortunately, Angeline's soon to be mother-in-law is not excited about the match.

The family hopes to make a grand entrance at the estate but an accident with the carriage changes that. As they arrive with an old family friend, Mrs. Carlyle doesn't mince words. She doesn't give them an opportunity to freshen up from the road. She's sent Fredrick to fetch a cousin, whom she wishes he would marry instead of Angeline. She makes it perfectly clear that she's not behind the wedding and will do everything in her power to make Angeline's life miserable.

Kat's trying her best to behave, but during the conversation, she notices her nemesis Lady Fotherington outside. Kat rushes to greet her. She does not have good news - someone stole the magical portals. Without them, Kat will never become part of the Order.  Can Kat recover the missing portals thus saving England while helping her sister?

My Thoughts: I'm sad this trilogy is over, but it's a great ending. I've loved the blend of Regency England with magic. I love Kat's wild and crazy ways. I love her magical abilities, how she speaks her mind, and how she's always getting into trouble. She's a lovable character, the kind to always root for as she is strong, fierce, and loyal. I enjoyed watching Angeline battle Mrs. Carlyle, while Kat's family tried to be proper (but failed miserably . I loved the magical scenes. A delightful end to the trilogy, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Stephanie Burgis writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: For Review

Review: Renegade Magic

*Sequel to Kat, Incorrigible*

Kat and her family are getting ready for Elissa's big day. Kat doesn't want her sister getting married, not because she doesn't want her to be happy, but because everything will change. She's going to miss her sister and her scolding.

Kat and Angeline set up the decorations early in the morning, using magic to make everything perfect. However, the day's ruined when an uninvited guest interrupts the day with slander of magic against the family.

Elissa and her new husband hurry off on their honeymoon, leaving the rest of the family worried. The next day, according to Stepmama's plan they family heads off to Bath for Angeline's debut.

There, she will forced to find a suitable suitor. However, in light of the circumstances, Angeline has a plan of her own. Only Kat sees her devious smile. Kat knows it's up to her to make sure everything turns out right, but after her disgrace in front of the other guardians, she's not sure she's up to the task. When she stumbles upon a dangerous magical situation, her mentor refuses to believe her. Can Kat save her sister from making a foolish mistake and contain the magic situation without any major mishaps?

My Thoughts: I spent a semester in college in Bath and loved it. I loved walking down the streets again, looking at the familiar buildings along with Kat. Her wonder of the city made me smile and long to walk down the streets again myself.


I hated that Elissa's happy day was ruined, but what a scandal! Mrs Carylye reminds me of Lady Catherine. She's horrible, but entertaining too. I loved Angeline's horrific, but genius idea. She's very determined and willful.  I really liked Lucy. I felt bad for her stuck with her family as they were horrible. I liked how Kat's father came out of his books and into the story. He's a wonderful character.  I loved the moments in the baths, especially with the magic flowing. I cheered for Kat as she helped her sister, her cousin, and tried to stop the magic. Kat grew up when she reached for help from an unlikely source. However, she's still lying and still creating mini scandals with her wild schemes, which are so endearing.  


I can't wait to the next book to wrap up the trilogy!

Cover Thoughts: Amazingly cute! I love the magical lights
Source: my Library
Challenge: YA Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

Book of the Month: April

My favorite read last month was:

For it's magic, romance, and feisty heroine. When I finished reading it, I sighed with happiness. Check out my review. So ready for book 2:

I Love the cover!
However, it comes out April 2012...

Teen Tuesday Review: Kat Incorrigible

Kat's tired of being the odd sister out. Her two older sisters, five and seven years older, talk about things that she wouldn't understand. Her brother Charles has gambled away all the family money and her Stepmama is determined Elissa will make a fortune match and save the family.

Kat vows she won't allow her sister to ruin her happiness by marrying a man rumored to have murdered his first wife. Instead, she comes up with a plan to change everything. Unfortunately, her sister Angeline catches her before she put the plan into action.

Instead, Kat, her sisters, and their Stepmama attend a house party to Grantham Abbey to meet Sir Neville. Kat and Angeline attempt to persuade Elissa not to accept his hand in marriage - if he should ask.

When Kat discovers she is her mother's magical heir, she wonders if she can use magic to help her sisters deal with their romantic attachments.

My Thoughts: I've been wait for this book for roughly a year as it was published in the UK first. It was so cute- almost a novel from Sense and Sensibility (from Margaret - the youngest sister's perspective) with a magical adventure, a dangerous highwayman episode, and a romance plot. All of these combined make it absolutely entertaining, engrossing, and simply delightful. I LOVED Kat: she's unladylike, stubborn, smart, brave, resourceful, annoying (as only a youngest sister can be), and charming. I can't wait to the next book: Renegade Magic

The Cover: I Love the cover - it's super cute and I love how it wraps around to the back.

Source: My Library GoodReads