First Lines Friday #22

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines? If you want to make your own post, feel free to use or edit the banner above, and follow the rules below:

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
Finally… reveal the book!

If you’re using Twitter, don’t forget to use #FirstLinesFridays!

Hello, reader!

We’ve arrived at the end of the week, which means it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy another First Lines Friday post! This time, I’m bringing you one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. It releases next Tuesday and I’m participating in a blog tour for it (hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours!) on Friday. I’m so excited to start this one this weekend cause I feel like I’m gonna love it.

That being said, let’s see if the first few lines can make me even more eager to read!

The Line(s):

“Once upon a time, on the coldest night of midwinter, in the darkest heart of the forest, Death and Fortune came to a crossroads.
They stood tall and unfathomable in the glass-smooth snow, Death in her shroud of pyre-smoke and shadows, and Fortune in her gown of gold and bones. More than that cannot be said, for no two souls see Death and Fortune the same way; yet we all know when we meet them.”

The Hints:

This is a dark retelling of The Goose Girl fairytale.

It is written by the author of The Merciful Crow duology.

The cover is giving me all the wintery folktale vibes and I’m LOVING IT!

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down the tbr hole

Down the TBR Hole #13

October 14, 2021October 14, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

It’s time for a new round of Down the TBR Hole! This is where I go through my Goodreads ‘Want to Read’ shelf and do a bit of cleaning up. If you want to see the full description of what this post is all about, check out my first round HERE.

Hello, reader!

Today, I’m doing another round of Down the TBR Hole! At the end of round twelve, my Goodreads Want to Read shelf had been (re)narrowed down to 654 books. Where am I standing currently? 655 books. Only one added! It’s some kind of miracle 😂

I think we’re diving into the part of my Goodreads TBR that I genuinely remember adding all the books I’m coming across. Which makes me wonder if the amount I remove is gonna start dropping. After all, if I remember adding the book, it’s probably because I added it for a good reason, right? Of course, I’m sure there will be some that I’m just no longer interested in after adding them years ago. We shall see!

Now, let’s get into round thirteen.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Though I remember adding this book, I certainly didn’t remember the synopsis! Upon reading, however, I know this one will be staying. A book about characters from all the plays acted on stage that are bound to a magical theater? And it more than likely has various references to the works of Shakespeare? Sign me up! This sounds absolutely magical.

Verdict: Keep

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

This is one of those books that I was interested in at one point, but the interest has waned. It sounds like it could be epic, featuring an courtesan assassin who discovers a plot that could change her entire world. But I’m really not looking to start yet another series and this book is… not small. She thicc. So, I might pick this up at some point in the distant future, but, for now…

Verdict: Remove

Around the World in Eighty Days with Michael Palin by Michael Palin

I love travel books.

And I love Michael Palin.

‘nough said!

Verdict: Keep

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www wednesday

WWW Wednesday: Oct 13, 2021

October 13, 2021October 13, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd2 Comments

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Current Reads

The Book of Uriel by Elyse Hoffman: I’m reading this book for a tour hosted by The Write Reads. It’s a historical fantasy set in Nazi occupied Poland. I can say that it doesn’t shy away from the brutality of WWII, that’s for sure. It’s dark and frightening, but I’m really enjoying what I’ve read of the story. It’s a quick read and the plot is interesting. I’m also loving all the references to Jewish culture. The writing can be a bit repetitive, but, so far, I’m having a good time.
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart: I have an embarrassing amount of books that I’m in the middle of reading, so I’ve made a decision that I need to get through them before starting anything new. Not including blog tour books, of course! This book is the oldest one I’ve started and had finished, which makes me sad, honestly. I was so hyped for this book and it’s just… so… slow! I’ve heard it gets better in the second half, so I’m gonna push through and see.

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book reviews

Book Review: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

October 12, 2021October 17, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd6 Comments

Title: Cemetery Boys

Author: Aiden Thomas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Source: Bought

Content/Trigger Warnings: For a list of potential content and trigger warnings, check out this book’s page on BookTriggerWarnings.com

Rating: ★★★★

Book Links:
Bookshop::TBD::B&N::Amazon::
Goodreads

One Sentence Synopsis

Yadriel, a young trans teen desperately trying to prove himself as a brujo, accidently summons the recently deceased spirit of the local bad boy, Julian, and must figure what is behind his sudden loss of corporeal form.

Favorite Quote

“Why do you have to prove anything to anyone?”
“It’s just how it is, how it’s always been. In order for them to let me be a brujo—”
“You don’t need anyone’s permission to be you, Yads”

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book tag

Fall Bucket List Book Tag

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd6 Comments

Hello, reader!

As we are firmly settling into the fall season, I thought this would the perfect time to do the Fall Bucket List Book Tag! Not only does it remind me of all the things I love about this season, but I get to talk about books at the same time. Win-win! This tag was created by Read With Tiffany and it looks like a lot of fun.

First, I have to say thank you to itsKoo Reviews for tagging me! Definitely go check out her blog when you get the chance. Not only is it beautiful (love the colors!), but there’s always something interesting to read.

Alright, let’s jump in!

Light a Scented Candle – A Book That’s Lighthearted

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell/Faith Erin Hicks (illustrator)

This works doubly because not only is it light-hearted, but the fall vibes are immaculate! It is set at a pumpkin patch, after all. This was such a cute, fun read that left me aching for a chill in the air and a warm drink in my hand. The end was fairly predictable, but I still found myself loving every moment of this. It helps that the art is gorgeous!

Drink Pumpkin Spiced Lattes – A Book That Has a Lot of Hype

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

The hype was real for this book. So much so that I was nervous going into it. Well… that and the fact that I had heard about how brutal this book could be. I was happy when this story not only lived up to the hype, but surpassed it! I still haven’t finished the series because I’m just not ready to part with these characters 😩 I also suspect it’s going to rip my heart out…

Go Apple Picking – A Book That Has Fun Friendships

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

I loved Cassidy’s relationship with her ghostly BFF, Jacob, in this book! And, once again, we have a read that fits well with the fall theme. It was spooky and atmospheric and incredible! The highlight, though, was definitely the friendship Cassidy and Jacob share and seeing how much they care about one another. That and the copious amount of ghosts.

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book reviews

Mini Reviews: Rivers of London Edition

October 10, 2021October 10, 2021 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

Hello, reader!

As you may or may not have picked up on, I’m participating in a relaxed readalong for the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. I had honestly never heard of this series before one of the TWR gang suggested this readalong, but the premise pulled me in. It’s a police procedural and a fantasy all wrapped up into one incredible package!

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series, but I’m woefully behind on my reviews. Which is why I’m doing another installment of my mini reviews! Let’s go ahead and dive in.

Title: Rivers of London (UK)/Midnight Riot (US)

Author: Ben Aaronovitch

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery

Source: Borrowed (library)

CW/TW: For a list of content and trigger warnings, please check out BookTriggerWarnings.com

Rating: ★★★★

Links:
Bookshop::TBD::B&N::Amazon::
Goodreads

The first book in the Rivers of London series was a great starter. I loved getting to know Peter Grant, our sarcastic main character who is a PC for the Metropolitan in London that discovers that magic is very real. Not only is magic real, but there’s an entire division of the Met that is dedicated to taking care of “the weird stuff”. I mean… there was only one person assigned to the unit before Peter, but it still exists! The build up of this world that is very like and unlike our own was wonderful and definitely got me invested in the series.

Though there is a lot of set up in this book, it still has a gripping plot that completely sucked me into the book. I also loved the characters though I will admit that I found Peter a tad frustrating in this first story. Not to the point where I thought he was annoying or anything. No, I was just worried about his reckless self, lol. Peter’s tone of voice makes this story such a fun and engaging read. And the magical elements gave it an ominous feel that I love!

As first books in a series go, this one was pretty stellar.

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www wednesday

WWW Wednesday: Oct 6, 2021

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd8 Comments

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Current Reads

Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie: That’s right, I’m finally reading the Poirot book I was supposed to read last month 😂 Our boy Hastings is in this one and I always tend to enjoy Poirot books more when he’s around. There were two different racial slurs on page 20, so that was a yikes, but I’m still having a good time. Will I guess whodunit? Probably not but I’m gonna enjoy the ride!
The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah: I remember when this book came out and was floating around in my periphery. I was intrigued, but ended up never picking it up. Now I’ve signed up for a blog tour for the second book, so I figured it was about time I read this one, right? I’m currently listening to the audiobook and loving it! The descriptions of this underwater London are otherworldly and so vivid, I can picture myself there. I’m eager to finish this one and move on to the next.

Continue reading →

5 on my tbr

#5OnMyTBR – Characters in Their 20s

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd3 Comments

#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook where you chose five books from your to-be-read pile that fit that week’s theme. If you’d like more info, head over to the announcement post!

Hello, reader!

It’s time for another 5 On My TBR though not on my usual day. I had a blog tour stop yesterday and I like those posts to have their own 24 hours on the blog before posting new stuff. Thus, the 5 On My TBR was pushed back to today! The theme for this week is books with characters in their 20s. Ngl, I had to look up a Goodreads list to see what books on my TBR featured 20 year olds 😂 And who knows how accurate it is, but I’m sticking with my choices!

That being said, let’s see what’s made the list!

#1. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

I’ve been meaning to read this book for quite awhile. Why haven’t I read it yet? Mostly because it’s in a genre that is very hit or miss for me. It takes a lot for me to really love a contemporary, but I think this book has what it takes! I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews, but I’m eager to follow Queenie’s journey as she tries to figure who she is and who she wants to be. Also, I freakin’ love the cover!

#2. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Sticking with the orange theme, here’s a book that has been on my TBR for a long time for a very different reason. I mean, she thicc and I’m scared. But, there are dragons, sooooo… I’ve heard so many great things about this book and I do love the fact that it’s a standalone. I have so many series going right now, y’all, I don’t need another one in my life. Still, I’m excited to get to this one once I can suck it up and get over the page count.

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blog tour · book reviews

Blog Tour: Shadow-Stained by Rachel Hobbs

October 4, 2021October 3, 2021 kerrimcbooknerd8 Comments

Hello, reader!

Welcome to another blog tour posted hosted by the ever fabulous The Write Reads! My tour stop today features a book that is perfect for this time of year. It features demons, an ancient artifact, and perhaps a touch of the end of the world as we know it. It’s a dark fantasy novel that doesn’t hold back on the gore… or the sexual tension: Shadow-Stained by Rachel Hobbs!

Now, before I jump into my stop and my review, I want to say thank you to Dave @ The Write Reads and the author for providing me with a free e-book in exchange for participation with this tour. It is, as always, much appreciated. All views written here are definitely my own!

Now, let’s get to the post.

Book Details

Title: Shadow-Stained
Author: Rachel Hobbs
Publication date: April 14th, 2020
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Age group: Adult
Content/Trigger Warnings: For a list of potential content and trigger warnings, check out this book’s page on BookTriggerWarnings.com

Book Links

Bookshop::TBD::B&N::Amazon::
Goodreads

Synopsis

“For her, it’s her late grandma’s legacy. For him, the mother of all black arts spoils, granting one demon the power of a God. Immortality.

When occult-magnet Ruby falls victim to Demon Lord Drayvex’s viperous allure, she loses a sentient dark relic to his light fingers and appetite for power. Like calls to like. But when Drayvex himself loses the relic to a traitor to the throne, Ruby coerces him – the tyrant king with a soft spot for humanity – into helping her save her pokey old world village from becoming a ground zero of mass demonic carnage.

Both invested in reclaiming the relic, the one thing Ruby and Drayvex agree on is that it’s in the wrong hands. Co-existing in a precarious arrangement between predator and prey, to save the planet they both love for different reasons, they must become a formidable double-team in the face of an apocalyptic takeover. Now, the fate of both human and demon alike rests with a killer that walks between worlds, and a woman with a curse in her bloodline.”

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book blogger hop

Book Blogger Hop: Oct 1 – 7

October 3, 2021October 3, 2021 kerrimcbooknerdLeave a comment

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Crazy-For-Books and is currently being hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer. Every Friday, a new question is posted for book bloggers to answer in the coming week. The purpose of the hop is connection and community. You can discover new blogs to follow, new books to read, and you may end up with some new followers, as well!

Hello, reader!

We’re on the cusp of a brand new week and I thought this would be a great time to check out the new Book Blogger Hop question! I’d forgotten how much I enjoy doing this meme because it’s a chance to just ramble about whatever bookish topic is on the table. And some people come up with the most interesting questions! The one we have this week is case in point…

This Week’s Question

Which book series make you crave chocolate?

Submitted by Julie @ Stepping Stones Book Reviews.

This is actually a tough one! There have been quite a few books that have made me crave food, but chocolate in particular? The obvious answer would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, but I’ve heard some dubious things about him lately, so I decided to dig a little deeper into my read books. And that’s when I remembered the wonderful book Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James!

Though this book doesn’t focus around a magical chocolate factory, it does take place in a magical bookstore. And that bookstore has a cafe that sells some incredible treats! The descriptions of the pastries that Tilly gets to sample honestly had me drooling. Why this book popped into my mind for this question, though, was the hot chocolate. The hot chocolate sounded so good! Just thinking about it right now makes me want a mug 😋

Now I haven’t continued this series, so I don’t know if the wonderful food descriptions are in the later books, but I certainly hope so! I love a book that has such descriptive writing that you can almost taste the brownies as they are described.

And now I want a brownie…

Are there any books or book series that make you crave some chocolate? Let me know in the comments!

And, as always, happy reading!