{Review} Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith

Page Count: 384

Published On: March 12, 2019

Published By: HMH Books For Young Readers

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA

Source: paperback ARC - provided by HMH 
Age Rating: 16

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

Aurelia is the first princess born to the Renalten crown in two hundred years, destined to fulfill a treaty by journeying to marry Valentin, the prince of Achelva – Renalt’s greatest enemy. Rumors of an unwell, cruel prince abound, and the only thing that eclipses Aurelia’s apprehension of her impending marriage is her fear of those who’d kill her to prevent it.

When an assassination attempt forces Aurelia to use forbidden magic to save a stranger, she is driven from Renalt by the witch-hunting Tribunal and a mob out for blood. But before she can claim asylum in the court of her betrothed, her travel party turns on her, forcing her to trade places with her treacherous lady-in-waiting, Lisette.

Now penniless in Achleva and bereft of her identity, Aurelia must decide if she wants to surrender to her new life or fight for her old one, all while navigating the complicated ties binding her to the enigmatic prince, the unquiet ghost of an ancient queen, and a poisonous plant called bloodleaf.

Aurelia is a pawn in a centuries-long game of love, power, and war— and if she can’t extricate herself from it before Lisette marries Valentin in her stead, she may face losses far more devastating than her crown.

~~~

Hey, guys!

    I was sent this beautiful ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own. Thank you HMH Teen for sending me the promotional package!

Trigger Warnings for rape, self-harm, war, intense violence

    If you guys have followed me for a while, you'll recognize that I am a massive fan of high fantasy novels with a focus on politics, magic, intense characterization, and fast-paced plots. I'm always jazzed to read a fantasy book that revolves around an arranged marriage -- I'm not sure why. I guess I'm just fascinated by the actions of the two people and how they respond to what they're being ordered to do. Marriage is such a special and sacred bond to me. I just love how girls/women respond to those situations, especially. Bring on the feminism! 

    Anyway, this book is pitched as a Goose Girl retelling, but I honestly haven't read that fairy tale. I read a minor synopsis after writing this review, but I think that this book absolutely stands on its own. The plot is so fantastically original and the characters and magic are so engaging. I loved it so much. 

    The book automatically drops us into the action and the political intrigue and discourse of Achleva and Renalt. I honestly loved the clash of the two kingdoms. The conflict wasn't particularly intense or complex, but it was still so much fun to read about. The characters really drove this book rather than the actual plot. Don't get me wrong, the plot was lovely and solid, but the characters really took the cake for me. I cannot wait to read the next two books to see what happens. This was just a fantastic introduction to a trilogy and a fantastic glimpse into Crystal Smith's writing capabilities. 

    This book was just so entertaining and fun to read. There were times where I would laugh out loud, and I totally cried toward the end. I need need need the sequel to this book. I'm so excited for everyone to get their hands on this book because they will be so pleased. 

Thank you, again, HMH for sending me an ARC copy!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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Song Recommendation:

February 2019 Book Haul

Hey, guys!

This is probably going to be one of my last mega book hauls. I'm planning on spending my book "budget" on...book boxes. It's wild. I hope you guys enjoy this book haul. I really don't plan on buying any extra books in the next few months. I really should not buy anything else. Let's hope!

Enjoy my wild book haul!

Gifts & Twitter Trades

• The Annotated Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, edited by John Matteson
• This book was gifted to me by my BEAUTIFUL boyfriend, Alex, for Valentines Day! He knows me too well! I'm so excited to dive into this massive tome!
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Mallory was unhauling this gem, so of course, I snatched it up for a potential giveaway?? Or I'm just being excessive and adding it to my own collection? I'm not sure yet???
• (TT) The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
• Thank you @curlybookowl on Twitter!
• (TT) Seafire by Natalie C. Parker
• Thank you @curlybookowl on Twitter!
• On Thin Ice by Julie Cross
• Thank you, Entangled Teen!

Pre-orders

• 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
• A Curse So Dark & Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
• The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
• On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
• via Book of the Month

Personal Excessive Purchases

• Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
• Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
• More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer
• Mammoth by Jill Baguchinsky [ARC - found at a library sale for $0.25!]
• The Martian by Andy Weir ($0.50 at the library sale!)
• One Plus One by Jojo Moyes [mass market paperback for $0.25 from the library sale!)
• Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau

e-Books & e-ARCs

• Waiting For Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey
• Release Date: June 11, 2019
• Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett
• Release Date: April 16, 2019
• Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
• Release Date: May 7, 2019
• The Perfect Date by Evelyn Lozada & Holly Lorincz
• Release Date: June 11, 2019
• Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
• Release Date: April 2, 2019
• The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
• 4.5 stars!
• Release date: May 7, 2019
• Meet Cute (Extended Preview) by Helena Hunting
• So far, 4.5 stars! I cannot wait to read this!
• Release date: April 9, 2019
• Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Free for Kindle!

Number of Books Read: 8

Did you buy books this month? Which books? What are your favorites? Let's chat in the comments!

Happy reading, friends!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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February 2019 Reading Wrap Up + My Current Reads!

Hey, guys!

This past month has been sooo freaking busy. I'm so sorry that I haven't been updating you all. I'm finding that the junior years of high school and college are definitely the hardest years so far. I've managed to read much more than I anticipated and the books that I did read were so fantastic! Here are the books that I read this month (+mini reviews - for now!)

A Curse So Dark & Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

~ 5 stars ~

      I had the pleasure of reading this book a week early, but I became so busy that I was unable to read it completely beforehand. I managed to finish the book the day after it was published and WOW-OH-WOW! I was so pleased with this book. It's definitely a new favorite and I'm unashamed to say that I bought two more of Brigid's books this month post-Curse. This book was the perfect blend of diversity, a new fantastical world, alternate universe crossing, romance, friendship, action, retelling elements, and immersive writing. I love this book so fracking much. I'm honestly still not sure how to describe why I love it so much. I'm still collecting my thoughts and I honestly want to reread the novel so that I can read a finished copy. I cannot wait for A Heart So Fierce & Broken. I already know it's going to be epic and beautiful. Bring it on, Brigid!

Shoutout to Good Choice Reading for the amazing virtual signing for Curse!

Bloom by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau

~ 5 stars ~

       Another beautifully written story that I cannot get enough of. This book is also a new favorite that I instantly bought soon after reading it. I had been eagerly yet quietly anticipating this book for a month now and when one of the librarians pointed out the new graphic novels in our collection, I had to read it ASAP. I procrastinated my homework and binge-read the first 3/4 before the library closed and basically swallowed the last 1/4 after I got home. This story is just so beautiful, sweet, and wholesome. I absolutely love Ari and Hector. They are the soft, beautiful baking boys of my heart. I cannot wait to read more from Kevin and Savanna. This graphic novel deserves all of the stars!

Bingo Love Volume 1: Jackpot Edition by Tee Franklin, Marguerite Bennett, Gail Simone, Shawn Pryor, Jenn St. Onge, Sara Alfageeh, Paulina Ganucheau, Beverly Johnson, and Ariela Kristantina

~ 4 stars ~

I also picked this beautiful book up from my university's library (along with Be Prepared and Bloom). I've been eyeing this story since it came to our shelves and I am so glad that I read this lovely story. The story of Hazel and Mari is so beautiful, inspiring, and heartwrenching. I am, for real, so blessed to have read this book. This book follows Hazel and Mari as they fall in love in the 1960s, but are driven apart by the hands of their conservative families. Decades later, they find each other again and realize that their love is still very much alive. They take control of their lives and live the rest of their lives together. The journeys that these women face is so eye-opening and inspiring. This graphic novel needs to go viral and get into the hands of anyone and everyone. 

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

~ 3 stars ~

     I've been following Vera as an artist for a hot minute, but I have never really read any of her published work. I'll see clips or bits and pieces online, but I've never really picked up her work before Be Prepared. One of her other graphic novels, Anya's Ghost, was very popular when it first came out in 2011, but I haven't picked that one up either (I will soon, though because it's at the library!). Be Prepared follows Vera in a semi-autobiographical story about how she goes to a Russian summer camp. Throughout the story, Vera is trying to make friends, find herself in her culture, and to learn more about herself as a person. Though I enjoyed this story, I really didn't connect with Vera like I would have hoped. Maybe it's because I'm not nine or Russian, but I just didn't like her that much. I just didn't think there was a hopeful message at the end. It just fell flat. However, I really did enjoy the story, the illustrations, and color schemes. This is perfect for younger readers. I just didn't connect as much as I thought I would. 

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

~ 5 stars ~

Another new favorite contemporary! February has been a fantastic month for finding new faves. It's crazy how much I enjoyed Radio Silence. I started listening to this glorious book via Hoopla over a weekend and I could not put this book down! Not only was the audio narrator fantastic (Aysha Kala), the story was absolutely enthralling. I absolutely love the characters, their stories, the diversity, the whole vibe...everything was perfect! There was never a dull moment in this book. I've never really chosen to lay in bed and finish an audiobook, but I stayed up til 2am to finish this one. This book was everything I could have asked for. I need more Alice Oseman! I recommend this book to everyone! It has everything you could want: platonic boy/girl relationships, beautiful soft boys, diverse characters, a podcast with fantasy/dystopia elements, different social media, road trips, school drama, mystery, and more! This book is too wonderful to explain. I wish I had more. I need more!

image was taken from www.goodreads.com

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

~ 4.5 stars ~

This book was everything I could have hoped for. Not only was it just as deliciously romantic as The Kiss Quotient, the characters were also just so engaging and the plot was just so wonderfully done. I had the pleasure of reading and e-ARC from NetGalley and this book just made me sooo excited for more work from Helen Hoang. I absolutely adore her writing style, her methods of characterization, and the way she develops relationships and incorporates diverse characters and topics. I cannot wait to read the next book in this little universe. I was so thrilled to have gotten to see Stella and Michael in this book too. Their little cameo was perfect and I literally yelled when I realized that it was them. Ugh, I love Helen's characters. I cannot wait to get my hands on my preordered finished copy. 

Release Date: May 7, 2019

My Current Reads

I've also managed to have quite a few books on the back burner this month. I'm currently reading 3 books alongside the books I'm reading for school. I'm really excited to finish these awesome books and let you all know what I think of them. Keep an eye on my Goodreads and Instagram stories to know about my current reading progress!

Roomies by Christina Lauren

(via physical paperback)

As I am typing up this blog post, I'm pretty positive that I'm going to be finishing this book after I finish writing up my wrap up and book haul. This book is so much fun. I love the writing style of the authors. Their dialogue is so funny and the premises of their books are so ridiculous, but so well executed and addicting to read. I love love love Holland and Calvin's personalities. They absolutely crack me up. I cannot wait to see how the second half of this book will go. I honestly hope that I cry.

I'm currently 40% through this book.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer

(via physical hardback)

This book is also SO GOOD! Joanna's writing style is so beautiful and I cannot wait to see how this book turns out. I've been putting off finishing this book because I don't want it to end. I love the elements that she's taken from Russian folklore and culture and the basic bits from the legend of East O' the Sun West O' the Moon. It's probably tied with Beauty and the Beast as my favorite fairy tale/folk story. I cannot wait to pick up Joanna's other book, Beneath the Haunting Sea. Joanna pitches it as "Jane Eyre meets The Silmarillion" I think I need that in my life! Yes, please!

I'm currently 60% through this book.

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

(via audiobook through Hoopla)

I quickly picked started this audiobook after listening to Radio Silence, hoping for a story that was just as engaging and entertaining as RD. Unfortunately, Solitaire isn't as good as RD, but I'm still quite enjoying it. I'm not sure how I like the main character, Tori, or the audio narrator; but I really enjoy the side characters and the mystery of the plot. I'm eager to pick up more of Oseman's work after this. I love her writing style and characterization techniques. 

I'm currently 36% through this book. 

What are you guys currently reading? Let's chat in the comments!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{Graphic Novel Series Review #34-38} Full Graphic Novels

Hey, guys!

This batch of mini-reviews has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share my thoughts on these lovely graphic novels. They're an eclectic mix, so I hope you benefit from my thoughts and opinions.

All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Enjoy!

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

Page Count: 208

Published On: July 15, 2014

Published By: Margaret K. McElderberry Books

Genre(s): graphic novels,  horror, fantasy, short stories, 

YA, fiction, comics, sequential art

Source: paperback - borrowed from the library

Age Rating: Gory and creepy - cannot determine

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars

I don't usually enjoy horror stories or stories that are on the creepier side, but I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Emily Carroll is such a wonderful writer and the illustrations were so stunning. I have a few books with covers designed and illustrated by her and I'm so in love with her art style. I definitely recommend this graphic novel for those who love a great ghost story and thoroughly creepy illustrations to go along with them. 

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Page Count: 525

Published On: March 2007

Published By: Scholastic Press

Genre(s): historical, historical fiction, fiction, YA, children's

Source: hardback- borrowed from the library

Age Rating: middle grade

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 2.5 stars

I've never really been a historical fiction nut, but I usually like it in graphic novels. Unfortunately, I was just bored throughout this book. I've seen the movie so many times, and I'm pretty entertained, but this book was just so drawn out to me. I really did not care about any of the characters and the plot just dragged on. Granted, the illustrations were STUNNING, but I do not think I will read this ever again. I'm glad I checked it out from the library. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll probably like this, but it wasn't for me.

Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson & Emily Carroll

Page Count: 374

Published On: February 6, 2018

Published By: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (Byr)

Genre(s): graphic novel, YA, realistic fiction, Fiction

Source: hardback- borrowed from the library

Age Rating: middle grade

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

I've never read the original story, but I'm glad that I picked up this adaption. I absolutely adore Emily Carrol's work and Laurie Halse Anderson is such a major figure in the YA community that I'm glad I've had a sort of taste for what she has written. I'm not sure when I didn't know about the original Speak, but I've never really found the need to read it. While this graphic novel was fairly interesting, I felt like it just wasn't for me. It's an inspiring and a story worth reading, but I think I've read books that center on similar themes. I just wasn't connected to the characters.

Persepolis 1 & 2 by Marjane Satrapi

Page Count: 341

Published On: October 30, 2007

Published By: Pantheon Books

Genre(s): graphic novel, comics, nonfiction, autobiography, memoir

Source: paperback

Age Rating: middle grade

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars

Persepolis has been so iconic and acclaimed that I had to pick up the two volumes during a Half Priced Books trip with Courtney and Mallory. During a readathon this past summer, I picked up the two volumes and read them quickly and eagerly. Marjane's story is just so compelling and interesting that I couldn't stop reading. While I really enjoyed the first volume, I felt the second lagged just a tad. The story was just so addicting and educational. I'm definitely a fan. I recommend this to everyone!

Favorite of the Bunch: Through the Woods

Least Favorite: Speak the Graphic Novel

Happy reading, everyone!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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January 2019 Book Haul

(I am currently rearranging everything, so I probably missed a couple of books that are listed below)

Preorders

1. Stain by A.G. Howard
2. Famous In A Small Town by Emma Mills
3. Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer
4. The Wicked King (x3) by Holly Black
5. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
6. The Severed Moon by Leigh Bardugo

If you are familiar with my 2019 Most Anticipated Releases or you follow my ravings on IG, you'll know about my major excitment for all of the January releases. January is one of the best months for 2019 releases. I'm so excited to read all of the books I picked up this month. It's going to be so much fun. I've already read the majority of A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer, The Wicked King by Holly Black, and a couple other 2019 releases. This year is going to fantastic!

Purchases

1. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
2. The Summer Palace by C.S. Pacat (not pictured)
3. The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
4. The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini and Angela Paolini
5. Tentacle & Wing by Sarah Porter
6. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

As always, I buy too many books because I have very little self-control around sales. One of my goals for the next few months is to just save my money and only buy the books I'm SO EXCITED for. Time to be a real adult, eh?

ARCs/eARCs

1. [eARC] The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
• Thank you, NetGalley, Quirk Books, and Ashley!
2. [eARC] A Curse So Dark & Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
• Thank you, NetGalley, Bloomsbury, and Brigid!
3. [ARC] Lost Boys by Riley Quinn
• Thank you, Riley!
4. [eARC] Stolen by Marlena Frank
• Thank you, Marlena! I will be reading this very soon!

Thank you thank you thank you so much to the publishers, authors, and other bookish people who contributed to my bookish buying/acquiring habits. I am so blessed. 

Here's to another month of reading, writing, and consuming bookish media!

Happy reading, everyone!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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January 2019 Reading Wrap Up

Hey, guys!

This is going up much later than I anticipated, but the beginning of February really snuck up on me. I can't believe how fast this month went by. I also cannot believe how much I read this month. I'm so ahead on my reading goal for the year. I think Goodreads says I'm 11 books ahead of schedule. I am so pleased with myself. I hope I can keep it up. We will see what happens in the future!

  

This month, I read 7 full books, 5 graphic novels/comics, and 5 short stories. Of course, if they are individually on Goodreads, I will usually count them as (1) piece of literature, so of course, the short stories are counted.  Who wouldn't count them? (The boyfriend wouldn't haha)

Here are the books I read in January!

Full-Length Novels

• Prince's Gambit (Captive Prince #2) by C.S. Pacat
• 3 stars
• The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Gods of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan
• 5 stars
• King's Rising (Captive Prince #3) by C.S. Pacat
• 3 stars
• Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
• 4 stars
• The Wicked King by Holly Black
• 5 stars
• The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
• 5 stars
• Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith
• 4.75 stars
• Review coming soon!

Graphic Novels/Comics/Single Issues

• Steven Universe Volume 1 by Rebecca Sugar, Jeremy Sorese, Coleman Engle
• 5 stars
• Steven Universe Volume 2 by Jeremy Sorese
• 5 stars
• Steven Universe Volume 3 by Grace Kraft, Rebecca Sugar, Rii Abrego
• 4 stars
• Steven Universe Warp Tour Volume 1 by Melanie Gillman, Rebecca Sugar, Katy Farina, Whitney Cogar
• 5 stars
• Steven Universe (2017-) #6 by Grace Kraft, Rii Abrego
• 4 stars

Novellas/Short Stories

• Green But For A Season (Captive Prince #2.5) by C.S. Pacat
• 3 stars
• Pet (Captive Prince #1.5) by C.S. Pacat
• 4 stars
• The Adventures of Charls the Veretian Cloth Merchant (Captive Prince #3.6) by C.S. Pacat
• 3 stars
• The Summer Palace (Captive Prince #3.5) by C.S. Pacat
• 4 stars
• Galatea by Madeline Miller
• 4.5 stars

Upcoming Reviews & Blog Posts:

• {FULL SERIES REVIEW} The Captive Prince series by C.S. Pacat
• {Short Story Review} Galatea by Madeline Miller
• {TV Show/Comic Discussion} Steven Universe by Rebecca Sugar
• A *Discussion Post* on PR in Publishing (for a class, but still relevant for my blog! Yay!)
• {Re-read Review} The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan & East by Edith Pattou
• {Review} Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
• {SJM reviews to be written [SO DAUNTING]}: ACOFAS, Kingdom of Ash, Tower of Dawn
• LONG OVERDUE REVIEWS: Mirage by Somaiya Daud, Ruin & Rising by Leigh Bardugo, City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, And I Darken by Kiersten White, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• {Collective Series Re-Read Review} The Shatter Me series (#1-3 +novellas) by Tahereh Mafi
• {New Adult Joint Reviews} The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and Josh & Hazel's Guide to Dating by Christina Lauren

This probably sounds like a lot of upcoming content...it is! I'm currently in the busiest semester of my college career, so bear with me while I try to figure out my current groove. I'm still working on understanding my homework schedule and meeting schedule for online class meetings and internship meetings ALONG WITH my two jobs and the responsibilities that they entail.

Thank you so much for your patience as I continue my education. I'm doing my best to make sure that I have consistent content on this blog. If you'd like a day-by-day connection with my bookish shenanigans, check out my Instagram!

I tend to go on rants about my current reads, I change up my shelves live on my page, and I share the books I unhaul and haul as they are happening. 

Thank you all so much! I absolutely adore this reading community! You guys are the absolute best! Thank you for reading my reviews and reading my nerdy comments and ideas. 

Thank you for sticking with me! 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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