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chunky_punks_kindle
"Love just is. It is born
with us. Just like the stars and oceans and forests, you
do not need to justify your existence. You are magic.
Be magic.”
What a beautifully tragic story. I love the way the story flowed and intertwined by the use of a single hair tie. So well put together. It really is such an easy read, I got through it in one sitting not even realising!
with us. Just like the stars and oceans and forests, you
do not need to justify your existence. You are magic.
Be magic.”
What a beautifully tragic story. I love the way the story flowed and intertwined by the use of a single hair tie. So well put together. It really is such an easy read, I got through it in one sitting not even realising!
Such a warm and cozy read. I enjoyed the character development and the journey of building, then rebuilding this beautiful cozy little coffee shop that I felt transported to as I read this book. Can't wait for the next one.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pan Macmillan.
After reading Legends and Lattes I really didn't think I could love and relate to Viv any more. But here we are, right at the start of her career. The book opens up mid battle, Viv slinging her sword, boasting her body count as she goes before suffering a near fatal leg injury. She is taken to the closest town of Murk. A quiet harbour town where she's left to rest and recover from her injury. Restless and bored she ventures out and discovers a quaint little bookshop, owned by a foul mouthed Ratkin. Here she discovers there are a hundred different worlds waiting to be discovered between the pages, first loves to be conquered and friends to bide her time with. With her arrival comes trouble for this sleepy little beach town, and a battle like they've never seen before.
I had such high expectations going into this book having read Legends and Lattes a few months ago, and I absolutely was not disappointed. I enjoyed seeing Viv as a young warrior, her eagerness and stubborness really resonated with me, her restlessness and constant desire to be somewhere else, somewhere more exciting had me full of empathy. The snippets of books that Viv was reading was a clever touch and really brought the whole thing together for me. What bookworm doesn't love a book and books after all?
I loved meeting Gallina for the first time, her feistiness clashing with Viv's more introverted nature. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, Viv's tolerance for the dwarf growing as the book went on. I also thought the way Baldree introduces Blackblood, Viv's beloved Greatsword and how she acquires it was exciting. I could feel the anticipation straight away, Viv's need to get into battle after discovering Blackblood and feeling its weight in her hands after so long waiting to recover. Not only is there that quiet romance of Viv's first love, we also have a slow build up to what should have been an epic battle. This was the only bit that was a bit lack luster for me, I expected more and was left a little disappointed. However, the way the book wraps up at the end and the little epilogue in the future left me desperate for the next chapter in Viv's story! I really hope we get more in this series.
If you've read Legends and Lattes and loved it, then you definitely need to read Bookshops & Bonedust. If you haven't then honestly you're missing out! Autum is the perfect time to curl up with these beautiful cozy books. If you love cozy fantasies then this duo definitely needs to be on your tbr immediately!
After reading Legends and Lattes I really didn't think I could love and relate to Viv any more. But here we are, right at the start of her career. The book opens up mid battle, Viv slinging her sword, boasting her body count as she goes before suffering a near fatal leg injury. She is taken to the closest town of Murk. A quiet harbour town where she's left to rest and recover from her injury. Restless and bored she ventures out and discovers a quaint little bookshop, owned by a foul mouthed Ratkin. Here she discovers there are a hundred different worlds waiting to be discovered between the pages, first loves to be conquered and friends to bide her time with. With her arrival comes trouble for this sleepy little beach town, and a battle like they've never seen before.
I had such high expectations going into this book having read Legends and Lattes a few months ago, and I absolutely was not disappointed. I enjoyed seeing Viv as a young warrior, her eagerness and stubborness really resonated with me, her restlessness and constant desire to be somewhere else, somewhere more exciting had me full of empathy. The snippets of books that Viv was reading was a clever touch and really brought the whole thing together for me. What bookworm doesn't love a book and books after all?
I loved meeting Gallina for the first time, her feistiness clashing with Viv's more introverted nature. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, Viv's tolerance for the dwarf growing as the book went on. I also thought the way Baldree introduces Blackblood, Viv's beloved Greatsword and how she acquires it was exciting. I could feel the anticipation straight away, Viv's need to get into battle after discovering Blackblood and feeling its weight in her hands after so long waiting to recover. Not only is there that quiet romance of Viv's first love, we also have a slow build up to what should have been an epic battle. This was the only bit that was a bit lack luster for me, I expected more and was left a little disappointed. However, the way the book wraps up at the end and the little epilogue in the future left me desperate for the next chapter in Viv's story! I really hope we get more in this series.
If you've read Legends and Lattes and loved it, then you definitely need to read Bookshops & Bonedust. If you haven't then honestly you're missing out! Autum is the perfect time to curl up with these beautiful cozy books. If you love cozy fantasies then this duo definitely needs to be on your tbr immediately!
You'd think the cover would have given it away but I was totally caught by surprise when I realised I was reading a dark romantic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I absolutely loved this short story, it's dark and mysterious, Judith's sadness and loneliness is palpable and I felt really empathetic towards her despite it being such a short read. Will definitely be looking to read more from SMG!
Ok I'm ngl, I struggled with this one. I'm glad I chose to audiobook this one as I think it would have been a DNF if I'd actually read it. I love a dystopian novel and wanted so much to like this with it being such a classic of the genre, I did enjoy the concept of Big Brother and the 'Thought Police', the suppression of individuality and Winston's quiet rebellion against it was good, but I found the whole story between Winston and Julia quite 'clunky' if that's even the right word? It felt rushed and underwhelming. I feel like this relationship distracted from the overall idea of the book and spoilt it a little for me.
“That’s why we’re called the Luminaries, Winnie: we are lanterns the forest can never snuff out”
The world that Dennard has built in Hemlock Falls feels dangerous and cozy all at the same time, like Gilmore Girls meets Hunger Games, kind of.
At first I'll admit I was a little bit confused by the clans, but as the book progresses Dennard gives us details of each clan, of each estate, and some backstory to it all. The detail in these descriptions honestly made me feel like I was there, walking amongst these grand estates and campuses. I don't know if it's because I read this book in late Autumn, but I could feel the chill in the air as I read these chapters, and could feel the change in atmosphere each time our heroine entered the forest.
As someone who also feels at home in the forest, (although not a deadly one) it felt somewhat comforting for so much of the story to centre around the forest.
My main criticism of this book is how many times we are told what Jay smells like! I'm not wholly against romance, I just find I get bored when it develops in a book I wasn't expecting it to, and that is the case here. I would have preferred for Winnie to be a badass independent woman without the heartthrob bad boy to distract her. Also some big 'mysteries' that aren't really mysteries here, I think you'd have to be blind to not know who Jay & Erica/Erica's family are going to turn out to be.
Having said that, this is a YA and it may not be so obvious to younger readers. I'm just saying I won't be mega surprised when I read The Hunting Moon and discover who is a werewolf and who is a Diana......
The world that Dennard has built in Hemlock Falls feels dangerous and cozy all at the same time, like Gilmore Girls meets Hunger Games, kind of.
At first I'll admit I was a little bit confused by the clans, but as the book progresses Dennard gives us details of each clan, of each estate, and some backstory to it all. The detail in these descriptions honestly made me feel like I was there, walking amongst these grand estates and campuses. I don't know if it's because I read this book in late Autumn, but I could feel the chill in the air as I read these chapters, and could feel the change in atmosphere each time our heroine entered the forest.
As someone who also feels at home in the forest, (although not a deadly one) it felt somewhat comforting for so much of the story to centre around the forest.
My main criticism of this book is how many times we are told what Jay smells like! I'm not wholly against romance, I just find I get bored when it develops in a book I wasn't expecting it to, and that is the case here. I would have preferred for Winnie to be a badass independent woman without the heartthrob bad boy to distract her. Also some big 'mysteries' that aren't really mysteries here, I think you'd have to be blind to not know who Jay & Erica/Erica's family are going to turn out to be.
Having said that, this is a YA and it may not be so obvious to younger readers. I'm just saying I won't be mega surprised when I read The Hunting Moon and discover who is a werewolf and who is a Diana......
When I first started reading this I put it to one side as a DNF purely because I wasn't in the mood for a sunny/grumpy romance, it's usually not my vibe at all so I put it away until I wanted something a bit lighter to read. This happens a lot being a mood reader.
I eventually came back to it and finished it in a couple of days, it really is such a warm, heartfelt book about found families and learning to be loved.
I loved Mika's character, her attitude and general sunniness given her lonely isolated life. In a world where witches are hidden and forced to live in isolation due to the risk of exposure, she is adopted by an elder witch and raised by a string of nannies and caretakers, all of whom are removed an their memories wiped when they discover her power. She is manipulated and used for her magic by various people throughout her life and ultimately lives constantly on the move never staying long enough to draw attention or get close to anyone. Until she accepts a job at Nowhere House, and in it she finally finds a home.
I found the start a little slow, hence why I put it down initially, but as the relationships between Mika & the children, and Jamie developed I struggled to stop reading. I found the writing style between the characters well done, switching the narrative between Mika & Jamie so subtly but not at all confusing. I enjoyed the character development of Jamie especially, his backstory being just as tragic (if not more so) and the way he ultimately gets Mika to take the leap and let herself be loved by her new found family, and to stay and thrive. I'd love a follow up, or even just a short story about her tea & potion shop. I enjoyed the little twists and turns in this book, especially towards the end, the build up to them was so subtle I didn't see them coming at all.
Overall this book really does have everything. Strong well built characters, a beautiful cozy setting, found families and a wonderfully happy ending.
I eventually came back to it and finished it in a couple of days, it really is such a warm, heartfelt book about found families and learning to be loved.
I loved Mika's character, her attitude and general sunniness given her lonely isolated life. In a world where witches are hidden and forced to live in isolation due to the risk of exposure, she is adopted by an elder witch and raised by a string of nannies and caretakers, all of whom are removed an their memories wiped when they discover her power. She is manipulated and used for her magic by various people throughout her life and ultimately lives constantly on the move never staying long enough to draw attention or get close to anyone. Until she accepts a job at Nowhere House, and in it she finally finds a home.
I found the start a little slow, hence why I put it down initially, but as the relationships between Mika & the children, and Jamie developed I struggled to stop reading. I found the writing style between the characters well done, switching the narrative between Mika & Jamie so subtly but not at all confusing. I enjoyed the character development of Jamie especially, his backstory being just as tragic (if not more so) and the way he ultimately gets Mika to take the leap and let herself be loved by her new found family, and to stay and thrive. I'd love a follow up, or even just a short story about her tea & potion shop. I enjoyed the little twists and turns in this book, especially towards the end, the build up to them was so subtle I didn't see them coming at all.
Overall this book really does have everything. Strong well built characters, a beautiful cozy setting, found families and a wonderfully happy ending.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pan Macmillan.
After reading Legends and Lattes I really didn't think I could love and relate to Viv any more. But here we are, right at the start of her career. The book opens up mid battle, Viv slinging her sword, boasting her body count as she goes before suffering a near fatal leg injury. She is taken to the closest town of Murk. A quiet harbour town where she's left to rest and recover from her injury. Restless and bored she ventures out and discovers a quaint little bookshop, owned by a foul mouthed Ratkin. Here she discovers there are a hundred different worlds waiting to be discovered between the pages, first loves to be conquered and friends to bide her time with. With her arrival comes trouble for this sleepy little beach town, and a battle like they've never seen before.
I had such high expectations going into this book having read Legends and Lattes a few months ago, and I absolutely was not disappointed. I enjoyed seeing Viv as a young warrior, her eagerness and stubborness really resonated with me, her restlessness and constant desire to be somewhere else, somewhere more exciting had me full of empathy. The snippets of books that Viv was reading was a clever touch and really brought the whole thing together for me. What bookworm doesn't love a book and books after all?
I loved meeting Gallina for the first time, her feistiness clashing with Viv's more introverted nature. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, Viv's tolerance for the dwarf growing as the book went on. I also thought the way Baldree introduces Blackblood, Viv's beloved Greatsword and how she acquires it was exciting. I could feel the anticipation straight away, Viv's need to get into battle after discovering Blackblood and feeling its weight in her hands after so long waiting to recover. Not only is there that quiet romance of Viv's first love, we also have a slow build up to what should have been an epic battle. This was the only bit that was a bit lack luster for me, I expected more and was left a little disappointed. However, the way the book wraps up at the end and the little epilogue in the future left me desperate for the next chapter in Viv's story! I really hope we get more in this series.
If you've read Legends and Lattes and loved it, then you definitely need to read Bookshops & Bonedust. If you haven't then honestly you're missing out! Autumn is the perfect time to curl up with these beautiful cozy books. If you love cozy fantasies then this duo definitely needs to be on your tbr immediately!
After reading Legends and Lattes I really didn't think I could love and relate to Viv any more. But here we are, right at the start of her career. The book opens up mid battle, Viv slinging her sword, boasting her body count as she goes before suffering a near fatal leg injury. She is taken to the closest town of Murk. A quiet harbour town where she's left to rest and recover from her injury. Restless and bored she ventures out and discovers a quaint little bookshop, owned by a foul mouthed Ratkin. Here she discovers there are a hundred different worlds waiting to be discovered between the pages, first loves to be conquered and friends to bide her time with. With her arrival comes trouble for this sleepy little beach town, and a battle like they've never seen before.
I had such high expectations going into this book having read Legends and Lattes a few months ago, and I absolutely was not disappointed. I enjoyed seeing Viv as a young warrior, her eagerness and stubborness really resonated with me, her restlessness and constant desire to be somewhere else, somewhere more exciting had me full of empathy. The snippets of books that Viv was reading was a clever touch and really brought the whole thing together for me. What bookworm doesn't love a book and books after all?
I loved meeting Gallina for the first time, her feistiness clashing with Viv's more introverted nature. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, Viv's tolerance for the dwarf growing as the book went on. I also thought the way Baldree introduces Blackblood, Viv's beloved Greatsword and how she acquires it was exciting. I could feel the anticipation straight away, Viv's need to get into battle after discovering Blackblood and feeling its weight in her hands after so long waiting to recover. Not only is there that quiet romance of Viv's first love, we also have a slow build up to what should have been an epic battle. This was the only bit that was a bit lack luster for me, I expected more and was left a little disappointed. However, the way the book wraps up at the end and the little epilogue in the future left me desperate for the next chapter in Viv's story! I really hope we get more in this series.
If you've read Legends and Lattes and loved it, then you definitely need to read Bookshops & Bonedust. If you haven't then honestly you're missing out! Autumn is the perfect time to curl up with these beautiful cozy books. If you love cozy fantasies then this duo definitely needs to be on your tbr immediately!