This list contains spoilers for all FairyLoot boxes!
I got the idea for this post from The Bookerina Book Blog. I've been using her Master List to keep up with the FairyLoot tarot cards, and for help identifying who certain people are.
I've been getting these cards since 2018 (although I don't have a FairyLoot subscription)! That's a long time. I try to find them online after a new box comes out, and I think I've just been really lucky so far. *knocks on wood* Typical tarot decks have 78 cards, so I'm assuming that's what FairyLoot plans on doing - having a full deck at the end.
I plan on creating a tab at the top of my blog that will be updated regularly.
JUSTICE - Amren (A Court of Thorns and Roses) December 2018
CHARIOT - Cassian (A Court of Thorns and Roses) December 2018
STRENGTH - Azriel (A Court of Thorns and Roses) January 2019
EMPRESS - Feyre Archeron (A Court of Thorns and Roses) January 2019
That's everything that's been released so far! If this is something you want to keep up with, check back at the end of each month to see what's new. I'll add a tab at the top so it will be easy to find. 😁
Synopsis (via Goodreads): This is a story about a grouchy croissant who is angry with his friends.
He uses the mindful magic of breath to get his butter back.
I received a copy of this book from Red Clover Digitalin exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm really glad I read The Grumpy Frumpy Croissant on my own and not with my kids. This book was ridiculously impractical and failed to covey anything even remotely similar to a story. The only thing I liked about this book - and why it received two stars on Goodreads instead of one - were the coloring pages included at the end. I think it's great when books have activities for children (this one also contained a recipe for croissants), and believe they have the potential to solidify the information shared within a book.
Why was this book nonsensical? Because it implied that the characters (Croissant, Toast & Scone) were repeatedly placed on a plate - like it was their daily routine or something - which simply wasn't feasible. Croissant starts acting angry and "grumpy" when Toast and Scone are plated first, which left him hanging off the edge. Uh, hello? Does anyone else know how food works? Once food is on a plate, it's usually consumed or tossed in the garbage. There is no do over the next day, especially not with the same items (unless they were leftovers and reheated). The story implied that this was what the characters did every day, which felt a little morbid since they should've been eaten and killed off based on their setting and what they were. If the author had chosen a different setting, maybe I could have suspended my disbelief, but a plate really didn't work for this book.
I also didn't like how Croissant's anger was addressed. It felt like the breathing techniques they used were tossed in to make this book seem more informative than it actually was. Yes, breathing is important when you're angry, but it wasn't something the author explained. They simply said you should "drink milk and breathe," whenever you're feeling upset. Also, Milk was one of their friends, so it was super weird that they were drinking him. It's not like he has a limitless supply of himself at his disposal. It felt slightly cannibalistic, to be honest.
The illustrations were also somewhat suggestive, and I really hope that wasn't intentional. Croissant leaking his "butter" and the flow of Milk's "milk" are two instances that immediately come to mind. (★⋆☆☆☆)
*I received compensation for my review of this book
Synopsis (via Goodreads): A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins's The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.
Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.
But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.
Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?
With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Everything about this book was fast! The story, the characters (wink-wink, if you know what I mean), the revelations - it was a rollercoaster from start to finish. The Wife Upstairs had me hooked from the very first page, and I'm still thinking about it days later. Nice job, Rachel Hawkins! I loved the Hex Hall series (and I think she's hilarious on Twitter), so I had high hopes for this book from the start. Thankfully, it was a blast to read! This was also the first book I read in 2021, so hopefully it sets a precedent for the rest of the year.
I both loved and hated how open-ended the conclusion was. It fits with the rest of the story, but I like resolution when I finish a book. However, I did like the ending we were given for the story that was written. It made sense, was completely believable, and I thought it really worked for the book. I just like knowing - definitively and without lingering questions. Hawkins has successfully left me wanting more, even though I don't think I would've liked the book as much had I gotten what I wanted. I clearly have very complicated feelings about this book!
Normally, I don't re-read suspenseful books or mysteries, but I can see myself re-reading this one in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed the Alabama setting and the southern references (being from Texas, I could relate), although the rich people problems were new-to-me (hah). Seriously, how are they not bored the majority of the time? They don't work themselves, yet they need someone to walk their dog once a week? Also, why would you only have your dog walked once a week when they need daily exercise? But I digress (something I've always wanted to say, haha). Did that make me sound posh? 🤣
If you like suspenseful books that keep you on your toes, The Wife Upstairs delivers a satisfying story with interesting characters. I felt like I had a good handle on what was going on and where I was being led, so I was always pleasantly surprised when something or someone threw a wrench in my imaginings. I would be thinking it was the butler with a lamp in the parlor, but then Hawkins would have them do something that made me question everything I thought I knew - especially when we get snippets from Bea's POV.
Also, Jane isn't a particularly likable character, and her veiled (oh-so-slowly revealed) past was always hovering over her shoulder, but I could relate to most of her actions and understand her choices. She's always had to look out for herself, so that's what she does. She makes sure she's going to be okay, and if that means molding herself to be what someone else wants, at least she'll have a warm bed to sleep in at night. I also didn't hate Eddie, but thought his immediate interest in Jane was suspicious. He's much older than her, his wife had disappeared less than a year ago (more like half a year), and he knew nothing about her when he decided to buy a dog and employ her services. It all happened so quickly, and I still can't figure out why. Jane's motives made sense - she wanted to be taken care of and kept safe. Eddie? What did he gain from that relationship? Especially with everything else going on in his life...
The Wife Upstairs is easily one of my favorite reads, so keep this book in mind when you're looking for something to grab this year! I have a feeling we're going to need ALL the good books in 2021. (★★★★☆)
Halito! Welcome to the next stop on the Dream It & Do It blog tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. This book has a really unique concept, so I cannot wait to finish reading it with my monsters! We've really enjoyed what we've read so far. Thanks for stopping by today, and don't forget to check out the giveaway at the bottom! For the full tour schedule, please visit the Rockstar Book Tours website.
Welcome to the world of real possibility! Our best-selling children’s book is packed with adventure, inspiration, and interests that will get your 4th and 5th grade child ready to take on the world. Written for both boys and girls, our bedtime stories style role-model book will introduce your kids to the gamechangers in the world that they want to emulate as they get older.
This must-have real-life adventure book will introduce your child to over 100 different career possibilities and interests through 100 real-life role-models. Each story will showcase different careers, professions, struggles, and challenges, covering business, art, math, science, and technology. These real stories about real people and the adversity they faced (racism, sexism, homophobia) will show your child that they can persevere no matter what they believe.
As a hands-on and immersive kind of bedtime book that will motivate your child to be a trailblazer, we’ve included an activity with each story that will help spark your child’s innate interests. All you need to do is sit back, read the stories out loud with your kids, and watch their eyes light up in wonder and awe.
Hardcover available on author's website.
Also available in smaller volumes.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Starting the book with Dr. Seuss was a great way to grab my children's attention! They love The Cat and the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street (just to name a few favorites),and really enjoyed learning more about the author. There were a lot of interesting facts - most of them new to me - and even the simple illustrations were wonderful. They were cartoonish yet realistic depictions of people, which helped keep the children's interest, while also conveying what someone really looked like.
My favorite entry (so far) was the one on Judy Burke and Christine French Cully. I loved, loved, loved getting the Highlights magazine as a child, so it was fun for me to learn about how the two of them were involved and what that entailed. "It takes nearly a year to plan out what will go in each issue, which is delivered every month." That's amazing! It means they have to plan and prepare multiple issues simultaneously, which seems like it would be a very hectic endeavor.
We haven't gotten very far into the book, but we've enjoyed what we've read so far and cannot wait to see what other interesting people have been included. (★★★★☆)
Sharp spent the bulk of her career in new product development—dreaming up intuitive ideas from how to kill bugs to new ice cream forms to hit grocery shelves. A self-proclaimed problem-solver, she loves to think about the things that the world needs and figuring out how to make those things come to life. “Knowing in high school what I wanted to do with my life set me up for the right path. I wanted the same for my child and searched for books to guide her, but came up short,” Sharp said. “That’s when I thought, ‘why not write the book for my child that she needs and that will also help others?”Giveaway Details:
1 winner will win a signed copy of the DREAM IT & DO IT, US Only.Giveaway Details:
1 winner will win a signed copy of the DREAM IT & DO IT, US Only.
Giveaway Details:
1 winner will win a signed copy of the DREAM IT & DO IT, US Only.
“Dream It & Do It by Holly Sharp is a perfect book for young kids who want to find their place in this world and what they would like to be when they are older”- Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
"I am thrilled to share my story about the power of science. The journey to discovery itself is so interesting, but then to witness how it can improve people's lives is a thrill beyond description. “Holly Sharp has done such a beautiful service to society in inspiring children to work hard and follow their passions.”- Jean Bennett (geneticist helping reverse blindness)
“Your work is very very important for kids. There is no wonder that you received a pre-launch 5 star review from "Readers’ Favorite"– Majd Mashharawi (Founder of Materials Engineering Startup)
“This helps children to create their own serendipity”–Gianna Gaudinin (Google event planner)
“Reading is for everyone and can help you achieve your own dream it and do it dreams--whatever they might be!”- Dawn Wacek librarian featured on Ted Talk®
"I believe that young girls need to see role models in all professions, and young boys need to see women in these roles as well. While growing up, I wish I had the advice and vision this book offers to young people"- Rochelle Jones (one of FDNY’s first female firefighters)
DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I disliked about a book might be something you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!
Tarnsman of Gor (Gor, #1) by John Norman
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Tarl Cabot has always believed himself to be a citizen of Earth. He has no inkling that his destiny is far greater than the small planet he has inhabited for the first twenty-odd years of his life. One frosty winter night in the New England woods, he finds himself transported to the planet of Gor, also known as Counter-Earth, where everything is dramatically different from anything he has ever experienced. It emerges that Tarl is to be trained as a Tarnsman, one of the most honored positions in the rigid, caste-bound Gorean society. He is disciplined by the best teachers and warriors that Gor has to offer…but to what end?
This is the first book of John Norman's popular and controversial Gorean Saga, a series of novels the author began in 1967 with Tarnsman of Gor and are now considered cult classics.
DNF at 56%
I was interested in reading this one since it's considered a cult classic, but the story was unbelievably boring. Like, it was could-not-keep-my-eyes-open dull. The writing style, the story, the characters - all of it was snooze-worthy. I was somewhat interested in the world building, but based on how the "less intelligent" people were treated - not to mention the women in this book - it's clear the author has unrealistic expectations and offensive opinions.
Now, before you come at me with spears and pitchforks; yes, I know this is fiction. HOWEVER, I do think authors write a little bit of themselves - or at least their experiences - into their stories, and I also believe how a main character reacts to classism, racism, sexism (and all of the other isms), says a lot about the writer's personal views. The "hero" in this story quickly accepted aspects of Gor that he initially questioned (mentally and only on the surface), and I think he should have tried to help others instead of simply joining the ranks of the "elite". (★★☆☆☆)
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To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Narrated by Jennifer Hale
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds. Now she's awakened a nightmare. During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she's delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move.
As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn't at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human.
While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity's greatest and final hope...
DNF at 25%
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
First of all, I listened to 8 hours and 20 minutes of this book - it's a BEAST. I believe it's like 32 hours and 29 minutes total, which is simply too much for this story. I think Paolini wanted to be descriptive and really explain the world he's created (an amazingly complex universe), but I also think certain aspects of the book could have been condensed. I also wasn't 100% sold on certain parts of the story, and wish character development had been more of a priority (especially at the start), rather than extensive descriptions of planets and alien life.
Unfortunately, that's not what ruined this book for me. Oh, it's much worse than that... the main character, Kira, vomited into her alien spacesuit - where it had nowhere to go - so she basically ate and then choked on her puke. The author follows that by going into GREAT detail about how her barf then goes up her nose when she inhales (basically suffocating AND drowning on her own upchuck), and I just could not anymore with this book. That was too much, Paolini. Too. Much. 🤢
I also thought the author based a lot of the "alien" on Venom and the other Klyntar from Marvel. There were SO MANY similarities. How the alien attaches to her skin, how the alien can feel the pieces of itself that are no longer connected, how it functions to protect its host, how it communicates - the backstories were too alike to be coincidental. I wish Paolini's alien had been unique and something unrecognizable. I'm actually really curious if anyone else has made this connection, so let me know if you had similar thoughts while reading this one. Additionally, Kira called the alien "Soft Blade," but I always heard "Soft GLADE," which lessened the appeal for me. Neither name worked, to be honest.
Audiobook review: The narrator was PHENOMENAL. There are a ton of characters in this book, and she had a different voice for everyone. It was easy to keep the characters separate in my head, and I'm looking forward to listening to more books read by her in the future. (★★☆☆☆)
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Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
Narrated by Rebecca Soler
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Chronic overachiever Prudence Daniels is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, during a night out with her friends, she slips on a spilled drink and hits her head, only to wake up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to karaoke hecklers, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire — Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner and all-around mortal enemy.
Over the course of a summer, Pru begins to uncover truths about Quint, her peers, and even herself that reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed... love and hate.
In this young adult contemporary romance, a girl is suddenly gifted with the ability to cast instant karma on those around her—both good and bad.
DNF at 46%
I really wanted to like this one - especially since it's narrated by Rebecca Soler - but Prudence was the worst. I have a hard time enjoying books with unlikable main characters, which is why I think I struggled so much with Instant Karma. Pru is unbelievably selfish and self-absorbed, and she really only cares about herself and her twin (Jude). She's super judgmental, thinks she can do no wrong, and even when she's doing something nice there's an ulterior motive.
I stopped reading this one when she refused to play with her younger sister, and actually considered "using her powers" against her family because they were annoying her. We've all been driven insane by family members, but Pru knew her powers could've had serious consequences. I can't believe she entertained the idea even for a second. I understand that she's a focused and determined person, but I read nearly half of this book without seeing much character growth.
The Lunar Chroniclesis one of my all-time favorite series, so I hate that this one didn't work for me. I honestly think Prudence was just too angsty, too self-righteous, and too UGH. She wasn't someone I wanted to root for, and I never felt compelled to continue reading her story. I wish she'd had some major epiphanies early on, or at least had something happen to make her question how she treated others. (★★☆☆☆)
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They Threw Us Away (The Teddies Saga, #1) by Daniel Kraus, Rovina Cai (Illustrator)
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Welcome to The Teddies Saga, a gripping new middle grade trilogy from New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus.
When Buddy wakes up in the middle of a garbage dump, filled with a certain awareness: he’s a teddy bear; he spent time at a Store waiting for his future to begin; and he is meant for the loving arms of a child. Now he knows one more thing: Something has gone terribly wrong.
Soon he finds other discarded teddies―Horace, Sugar, Sunny, and Reginald. Though they aren’t sure how their luck soured, they all agree that they need to get back to the Store if they’re ever to fulfill their destinies. So, they embark on a perilous trek across the dump and into the outer world. With ravenous rats, screeching gulls, and a menacing world in front of them, the teddies will need to overcome insurmountable challenges to find their way home.
Equal parts Toy Story and Lord of the Flies, They Threw Us Away is the unforgettable start of a captivating series.
DNF at 49%
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I was really intrigued by the concept for They Threw Us Away, and thought it would be an interesting book to read with my son, but I was WRONG. This book is morbid. It's not just creepy and disturbing, but seriously screwed up. I honestly don't think anyone should read this to their child, or let their child read it on their own. Maybe once they're older... MAYBE. If an author wants to address mental health in a book, I support that 100%. Unfortunately, it felt like the author was going for shock value instead of representing a character's mental illness in a way that children would understand.
If you've read this book, you know I'm talking about Sugar. Her box was damaged somehow which resulted in her head being dented on one side. The damage wasn't just physical, but also mental. She very clearly struggled during conversations, and the other bears had to prevent her from getting hurt, and occasionally stop her from hurting herself (which she does in a VERY disturbing way). My husband and I try to be honest with our kids about everything (even when we have to simplify it for their ages), but there was no good way for me to explain to my son why she *highlight to view spoiler*ripped her fucking eyes out.Sugar's self-harm may have been the worst part of this book, but there were a lot of other scenarios that required lengthy explanations on my part. It simply wasn't worth the effort, so we moved on to something else.
The story also wasn't believable. The bears could smell and see, but they couldn't feel when they were being devoured by ants? Why were they sentient? What were the rules? Where were the explanations? There were too many questions and not enough answers. You would really have to suspend your disbelief to get through most of this book, and just ignore all of the inconsistencies and contradictions. I wish the author had developed the story more, so the bears being alive made sense. Side note: the concept of "forever sleep" was disturbing, and I have no idea why the bears wanted it to happen. (★★☆☆☆)
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Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it’s not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.
What she doesn’t plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.
Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is…
DNF at 57%
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
Linkin Park sums up my experience with this book perfectly. Jenn Bennett is normally my jam, but I just could not get into Chasing Lucky. I disliked Josie from the start, which made it hard for me to really enjoy this book. I have to like the main character or a book just won't work for me. Her general attitude was sour and uncaring, but her cowardice was the worst. I don't know why Lucky did what he did for Josie, but regardless of his reasons, she shouldn't have let him take the fall for something stupid she did. I'm sure it worked itself out later on, but the longer she stayed quiet, the more I started to resent her. It made me not want to pick up the book, because I couldn't stand to see Lucky care about Josie when she only cared about herself.
I've kept this book on my bedside table for months, and I've probably picked it up a handful of times without making much progress. I think I was trying to force myself to like a book because I like the author, but liking someone isn't a reason to make myself continue reading a story I'm not enjoying. (★★☆☆☆)
A lot of these books are ones I told myself I'd "get back to" eventually, but I don't want to start the New Year with book baggage.
*Share your DNF&Y post! Please leave the direct link to your DNF&Y post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!
My Weekly Pull is something I do every Wednesday to show which comics I had pulled for me that week! If you're into comics, or you're looking to start, please join me! If you decide to do your own post, there's a link-up at the bottom. I would love to stop by and check it out!
Werewolf by Night #3 by Taboo, Benjamin Jackendoff, Jeffrey Veregge, Mike McKone
Yes, I did buy two of the same comic (Amazing Spider-Man #55), because LOOK AT THEM. The main cover by Patrick Gleason is a work of art, and I couldn't turn down a LEGO variant. 😉 It's not even a comic I'm currently reading, haha.
The only one I'm getting this week is Werewolf by Night. It's written by Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. 🎶 I love that so many Indigenous voices are being represented right now.
Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature that's hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings. It highlights the upcoming releases we're really excited about reading! CWW is a spinoff of the feature Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), that was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.
Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko
Expected publication: August 10th 2021
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Perfect for fans of Small Spaces and Nightbooks, Ally Malinenko’s middle-grade debut is an empowering and triumphant ghost story—with spooky twists sure to give readers a few good goosebumps!
Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one.
It all starts with a dark and stormy night. When the skies clear, everything is different. People are missing. There’s a creepy new principal who seems to know everyone’s darkest dreams. And Zee is seeing frightening things: large, scary dogs that talk and maybe even . . . a ghost.
When she tells her classmates, only her best friend, Elijah, believes her. Worse, mean girl Nellie gives Zee a cruel nickname: Ghost Girl.
But whatever the storm washed up isn’t going away. Everyone’s most selfish wishes start coming true in creepy ways.
To fight for what’s right, Zee will have to embrace what makes her different and what makes her Ghost Girl. And all three of them—Zee, Elijah, and Nellie—will have to work together if they want to give their ghost story a happy ending.
*Share your My Weekly Pull post! Please leave the direct link to your My Weekly Pull post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!
