{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~
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code

Song Recommendation:

2018 Poetry Novel Reviews {#1-3}

Hey, guys!

2018 seems to be the year of graphic novels, but I've definitely read way more poetry collections and novels than last year. I've discovered a couple of new favorite poets and I've also come to terms with disliking different forms of poetry. Lots of revelations -- all the time. Anyway, here are three poetry novels and collections that I've read so far this year. I originally had four, but I realized I had DNF’d it. Three doesn’t seem like a lot, but compared to the last couple years, I’ve read a lot of poetry! 

Algedonic by R.H. Sin

Page Count: 128
Published on: December 12, 2017
Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Poetry
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Bestselling poet r.h. Sin, author of the Whiskey, Words, & a Shovel series, presents a poetry collection that illuminates the transformative power of emotional pain.

Algedonic is an aesthetic outlook on pain and pleasure. Complex emotions simplified into poetic interludes as only r.h. Sin can express. With his trademark of giving simplicity to some of the hardest of emotions, Sin reminds us all that there are often two sides to an emotional story and sometimes the pain transforms into something beautiful, something less problematic and maybe something that reignites a feeling of pleasure.

~~~

My best friend, Maddie, lent me her copy of this book at the beginning of the year. I absolutely fell in love with R.H. Sin's writing style and the overall theme in this poetry book. His poems are so beautifully written and I can't wait to read more of his work. Maddie and I actually convinced my mom to read Algedonic and she just hardcore related to this book. I'm so glad that she could find poetry to connect to and I'm so excited that I got bond over Sin's poetry with her. 

~~~

The Sun & Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

Page Count: 256
Published on: October 3, 2017
Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Poetry, Feminism, Nonfiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

From Rupi Kaur, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey, comes her long-awaited second collection of poetry. A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself.

Divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.

this is the recipe of life
said my mother
as she held me in her arms as i wept
think of those flowers you plant
in the garden each year
they will teach you
that people too
must wilt
fall
root
rise
in order to bloom 

~~~

My friend group and I have been passing this book around all year and I honestly was really disappointed by this poetry book. I just don't think that Rupi Kaur's style vibes with me. I don't enjoy how she formats her poems and I don't particularly like how she formats the different "themes". I felt like most of her sections weren't cohesive and some of the poems just didn't fit in their section. I don't think I'll be reading more of Kaur's work. I might listen to her poetry, but i definitely do not enjoy reading it. 

~~~

A Good Cry by Nikki Giovanni

Page Count: 128
Published on: October 24, 2017
Published by: William Morrow
Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Cultural, African American, Autobiography, Memoir
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

One of America’s most celebrated poets looks inward in this powerful collection, a rumination on her life and the people who have shaped her.

The poetry of Nikki Giovanni has spurred movements, turned hearts and informed generations. She’s been hailed as a firebrand, a radical, a healer, and a sage; a wise and courageous voice who has spoken out on the sensitive issues, including race and gender, that touch our national consciousness.

As energetic and relevant as ever, Nikki now offers us an intimate, affecting, and illuminating look at her personal history and the mysteries of her own heart. In A Good Cry, she takes us into her confidence, describing the joy and peril of aging and recalling the violence that permeated her parents’ marriage and her early life. She pays homage to the people who have given her life meaning and joy: her grandparents, who took her in and saved her life; the poets and thinkers who have influenced her; and the students who have surrounded her. Nikki also celebrates her good friend, Maya Angelou, and the many years of friendship, poetry, and kitchen-table laughter they shared before Angelou’s death in 2014.

~~~

This was one of the first books that I read this year. My favorite professor is actually friends with Nikki Giovanni. I think that it is so freaking cool. I really enjoyed Giovanni's work, but I felt like it the right poetry for me. I found quite a few poems that I absolutely adored, but I wasn't completely wow'd by the whole book. 

What is your favorite poetry novel? Comment down below!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code

{Review} Whichwood (Furthermore #2) by Tahereh Mafi

Page Count: 368

Published on: November 14, 2017

Published by: Dutton Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House

Genre(s): Fantasy, Childrens, Middle Grade, Young Adult

Source: ARC/Hardcover -- Provided by Penguin

Age Rating: 10+

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A new adventure about a girl who is fated to wash the bodies of the dead in this companion to Furthermore.

Our story begins on a frosty night…

Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way). Before she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days washing the bodies of the dead and preparing their souls for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore the way her hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair, and her own ever-increasing loneliness and fear.

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appears, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship.

~~~

This book was sent to me for an honest review. 

Hey, guys!

      Penguin contacted me a few weeks ago about being on the blogger tour for Whichwood and holy cow was I excited. This book was absolutely fantastic. I think I actually enjoyed this more than I enjoyed Furthermore. This book was whimsical, magical, morbid, and so beautifully written. I adored the connections to Furthermore and the new characters we got to meet. This Persian folk tale was absolutely stunning. 

     I adored how dark this book is, however, I do not think kids as young as 10 years old would actually appreciate this book for what it was. I think some kids would even get terrified of this book. This book became really dark towards the end and I honestly do not think that my 9-year-old sister would be able to handle it. I, as a 20-year-old, really appreciated this book. The whole theme and message behind it were just fantastic. I adore the characters, especially Laylee.

     Laylee, our main character, is a mordeshoor. She and her ancestors before her were in charge of ensuring safe passage to the underworld for the dead. Laylee washes the bodies of the dead. How rad is that! After her mother dies and her father leaves to find Death, Laylee is left alone to was the dead of Whichwood. Laylee was such a relatable and complex character. She goes through so much growth and self-discovery in this book. I loved how she grew closer to Alice and Oliver. Their friendship was so sweet and I love how they became so close. 

Let's talk about Ben. He is such a sweet and interesting character as well. I loved his relationship with the bugs an how he used his abilities to help, rather than to terrorize those who rebuked him. His mother is such a cool lady too. She was probably one of my favorite characters too. She and Ben are the greatest. I love how they became closer to Laylee, Alice, and Oliver.  

     The magic system that develops throughout this book is just fantastically and wonderfully done. I cannot believe how mind-blowingly magnificent this book was. I adored how the magical aspects of Furthermore intertwined with Laylee's mordeshoor magic. It just created the perfect story. I cannot wait to reread this duology. 

Tahereh Mafi's writing has just gotten better and better. She has this magical ability to create fantastic worlds and stories that you cannot help but devour. 

Tahereh Mafi Reviews:

• Shatter Me review {click}
• Unravel Me review {click}
• Ignite Me review {click}
• Unite Me review {click}
• Furthermore {click here}

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository

@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

{Q&A/Review With Bailey} Jorie & the Gold Key by A.H. Richardson

Page Count: 247

Published in: 2015

Published by: Serano Press

Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Childrens, Middle Grade
Source: Paperback -- provided by author/publishing house

Age Rating: middle grade

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Bailey's Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

When Jorie and Rufus planned another summer of adventuring, they didn’t plan on sharing it with a snooty, stuck-up, bossy 10-year-old Nigel. When the Wizard Grootmonya calls on Jorie to remedy another disaster in Cabrynthius — the theft of the Magic Stones, Jorie grabs the Gold Key and the three children descend to the enchanted land beneath the Tarn. There they find more extraordinary adventures that bring them face to face again with the wicked Lord Fodomalk and his evil butterfly. Their troubles grow as the fiendish dragon not only snatches Nigel, but confines him to a cold dank cell with the illusive Professor Schrinch (yes, he’s still alive and as sneaky as ever). Jorie and Rufus — and the persnickety Nigel — are joined by all their old friends in this rollicking tale of magic, strange impersonations, and hair-raising exploits. They help Master Nigel with his confusion of the world beneath the Tarn and discover strengths in their new friend that even he didn’t know he had. Aside from spurts of jealousy from Rufus and impatience from Jorie, Nigel learns about bravery and friendship as he struggles with belief and enchantment. Follow this feisty threesome back to the evil, dark world of Shyloxia and the beautiful, bright world of Cabrynthius, where live all manner of creatures, naughty and nice. Do they recover the Magic Stones? What does that Gold Key open for them? Do they survive the shadowy world of nasty characters? Do Jorie and Rufus accept Nigel into their world? And what about Chook — that beloved baby dragon? And if you want to know how Jorie and Rufus survived their first summer adventures, pick up your copy of Jorie and the Magic Stones.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Bailey's been asked by Serano Press to review the next book in the Jorie series and she's finally able to write a review! I hope you all enjoy it. She has a fun time reading and reviewing for LtBN blog. Here are her thoughts on Jorie 

& the Gold Key! 

Bailey's Review for Jorie & the Magic Stones: {click here}

~~~

Q: What is Jorie & the Gold Key about? Can you summarize it a bit?

A: This book is about Jorie when she's called back to Cabrynthius to find the Magic Stones. She has to go to a place called the Cave of Fire and she has to unlock a door to find a magic blanket. By then, a boy named Nigel is captured by the evil wizard Lord Fodomalk. They go on the magic blanket to meet up with the great wizard Grootmonya and save Nigel.

Q: What would you rate this book? Why?

A: 4.5 stars. Because it was a really good book. I really liked the plot. I like the drawing style of the cover. 

Q: What did you like about this book? What did you dislike?

A: That even though the evil wizard is evil, he has a daughter (Anwyn) who is really cool and who was in love with Greddan. I like the magic stuff too.

I just didn't like the name Rufus on a person. It makes them sound like a dog. 

Q: Are you going to continue with the series?

A: Yes if there are more books.

Q: Do you have anything else to say to the people reading this?

A: No.

Other Reviews By Bailey: {click here}

Enjoy!

Happy reading!

Olivia & Bailey

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository

@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

{Review} The Tailor (Shadow & Bone #1.5) by Leigh Bardugo

Page Count: 18

Published on: May 23, 2013

Published by: Holt/Macmillan

Genre(s): short story/novella, fantasy, high fantasy, young adult

Source: Paperback - via publisher 

Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

New scene from Shadow and Bone told from Genya's point of view.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Julia had lent me her copy of Siege & Storm and her copy featured the awesome novella: The Tailor. This novella consists of a scene from Genya's perspective that took place between Shadow & Bone and Siege & Storm. 

This was such a great novella. I didn't realize that I needed this scene until I read this novella. This really revealed an influential key part of Genya's character. I was so sad about her character change back in the day, but after reading this bit, I kind of understood why she did what she did. I just hope she has a fantastic character arc. 

I can't reveal much about this novella, but I highly recommend it. If you've read the other Grisha books then, this is pretty important for the character arcs and the development of the story (in my opinion).

I cannot wait to read Ruin & Rising! I need it in my life!

My Bardugo Reviews:

• Six of Crows: {click here}
• Shadow & Bone: {click here}
• Siege & Storm: {click here}

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository @LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

{Review} Siege & Storm(The Grisha #2) by Leigh Barudgo

Page Count: 435

Published on: June 4, 2013

Published by: Henry Holt & Company

Genre(s): Fantasy, YA, Romance

Source: Paperback - borrowed from Julia

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Twitter: @Lbardugo

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. 

~~~

Hey, guys!

     I read this book a couple months ago back when I actually had time to read and it was one of my favorite books that I read. I desperately miss the Grishaverse and I cannot wait to read more after this semester ends. Siege & Storm follows Alina and Mal after the end of Shadow & Bone and continues on with their magical and politically driven adventure. I absolutely loved this book. Leigh Bardugo has such a magical ability to create such an interesting and addicting world and amazing characters that I can't help but love. 

     Once again, I'll sound like a broken record when it comes to Bardugo's books. Her writing style is so addicting to read. She has such fantastic ability to create a rich, dark, and intriguing world and magic system that I want to know more about. I just adore every element of this book. It was a bit slower than Shadow & Bone, but there was so much tension as the book progressed, so that is probably why.

      I loved the new character, Nikolai, that was introduced. He is so dreamy and I hope he doesn't end up to be an ass. He's so complex and interesting and I cannot wait for the series that is being developed about him. I need it tomorrow. I still cannot help but love the Darkling. He's such a fantastic villain. I need more about him. I (not-so) secretly hope for a great character arc. He and Alina are just a massive ship for me. I want it. Mal can choke. I still cannot stand him. He's no good for Alina. No thank you. Alina is so complicated and fantastically written. I adore her character.

Okay you're going to hate me for using the world "complex" again, but it's my go-to for this review, I suppose. 

The political aspects of this book are so rich and complex and I just get so caught up in the politics of the war. I need more and I cannot wait to read more about it. The issues that these characters are facing are so fascinating and I cannot wait to finish this series, but yet I don't want to at all! Ah this will be so bitter sweet!

My Review of Shadow & Bone: {click here}
My Review of Six of Crows: {click here}

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository @LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

{Review} Night Shift by Debi Gliori

Page Count: 32

Published on: January 12, 2017

Published by: Hot Key Books

Genre(s): Sequential Art, Graphic Novel, Children's, Picture Book, Mental Health

Source: Hardback - via publisher

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Twitter: @

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

'Debi Gliori is amazing. Her pictures offer people an insight into depression that words often struggle to reach. She makes visible the invisible. And I for one want to thank her for that.'
- Matt Haig, bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive

A groundbreaking picture book on depression with stunning illustrations.

With stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori examines how depression affects one's whole outlook upon life, and shows that there can be an escape - it may not be easy to find, but it is there. Drawn from Debi's own experiences and with a moving testimony at the end of the book explaining how depression has affected her and how she continues to cope, Debi hopes that by sharing her own experience she can help others who suffer from depression, and to find that subtle shift that will show the way out.

'I have used dragons to represent depression. This is partly because of their legendary ability to turn a once fertile realm into a blackened, smoking ruin and partly because popular mythology shows them as monstrous opponents with a tendency to pick fights with smaller creatures. I'm not particularly brave or resourceful, and after so many years battling my beasts, I have to admit to a certain weariness, but I will arm-wrestle dragons for eternity if it means that I can help anyone going through a similar struggle.' 

~~~

Hey, guys!

      I was sent this stunning picture book for an honest review from Hot Key Books and I'm so glad that they contacted me to read this. This book is so inspirational and it revolves around such an important topic that should be discussed with all age groups. 

      Night Shift is a gorgeous picture book about the author, Deb Gliori's, struggle with depression. Throughout the book, Gliori's illustrations and story personify her struggles in order to explain the impact that depression can have on a person. Through her art and her testimony at the end of the book, Gliori captures how mental illness can impact a person psychologically, physically, and emotionally. 

     I really thought this book was beautiful. Gliori's illustrations were not only beautiful, they were impactful and inspiring. As someone who does not have depression and has never experienced the full impact of what it can do, I thought this book really informed me of what others face everyday. Her journey through her hardships really spoke to me and her message of hope and healing was so beautiful.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. This revolves around such an important topic that I think children of all ages are capable of understanding. I'm so excited to share this book with everyone. 

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository @LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino