March Wrap Up (2021)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And tonight I'm back with my March Wrap Up! 

After only reading 4 books (even though they were significantly larger than usual) I'd like to say I definitely redeemed myself this month, because I read a total of 10 books! 

Enjoy! 

1. The FlatShare, by Beth O' Leary 

I was gifted this for Valentine's Day and unfortunately wasn't able to get to in February. Naturally it was rolled over to this month. This book is about two people that share a flat- but have never met. Leon is a nurse, taking the night shifts, which means that Tiffany has the run of the flat in the evenings. But between crazy exes, about a million notes and wrongly imprisoned brothers, they have plenty to be getting on with. I honestly didn't enjoy reading from one perspective other the other. Both were engaging, entertaining and enthralling by themselves, but together they told an amazing tale of two people sharing a flat, finally meeting, (which was exciting in itself) and eventually turning into something else. This was a book that was sweet, funny at times, realistic tale and I can't wait to read more of Beth's books in the future. 

2. The Switch, by Beth O' Leary 

This is a high-wired, extremely energetic book about a twenty-something girl, completely switching lives with her pushing-eightees grandmother. They switch phones, houses, responsibilities, everything, and this book genuinely makes me want to try something similar. It's such a breath of fresh air, because I honestly don't think many people my age would be able to attempt something like this today. I loved how the two women switched lives, but still seemed presently there by the people around them. The book did have some more serious subjects, as most fiction novels do, and although they weren't the main focus, they certainly contributed towards the story. The Switch was a well-balanced, enjoyable read that I'd love to read again soon. 

3. My Dark Vanessa, by Kate Elizabeth Russell

I have a review for this if you want to see my in-depth thoughts, but here's my general impression. 

For a debut novel, this sure was ambitious, complicated, brilliant, hard to decipher. You name it, it was everything a good book can be. Though is it wrong to call it good when it's main theme is abuse? Even I'm trying to figure that out. My Dark Vanessa follows, well Vanessa, from two points in her life: when she's 15, and decades later, when the teacher she had a secret relationship is accused of sexually assaulting a student. This is incescently graphic, so I recommend taking a think about whether this book is for you before picking it up if you have any triggers about rape, abuse, manipulation, just to name a few. Such a raw book. 

4. The Falling in Love Montage, by Ciara Smyth 

This has been the best YA romance/contemporary I've read this year. Although it isn't the best of all time, I'm glad I read it when I did. It was the relief I needed after My Dark Vanessa, and although I wish the characters had been more in-depth, I got enough of their characters, to love them as a couple and want this book to have a happy ending for them. Aside from that, it was the source I needed to want to seek out all the greatest rom-coms! 

5. We Are Okay, by Nina LaCour 

Short and heartfelt, I knew I needed to be in the right mindset to pick this up. I didn't know if I was, to tell the truth, but I wanted to pick this up, and I did. Honestly, the length was the best part for me. It didn't feel too long or too short, it felt just right. This felt like a theraputic book for me to read, it's about a girl called Marin who ran away to college following the death of her grandfather, processing everything she's supressed in the three months since she left home. There are some sensitive themes surrounding this book, but if you feel you can handle those kinds of themes, I'd recommend giving this a try. 

6. Girl A. by Abigail Dean 

Unfortunately, this just didn't gel well with me. It if had been any longer, I most likely would have been in danger of DNF'ing it. I was expecting something similar to My Dark Vanessa, and although it was similar in a lot of ways to that book, I failed to be drawn in by the characters' inner monologues. The font was large, the page count was short, and although I relatively liked some of the characters, I just didn't feel engaged at all, for a good portion of the novel. I hate to post a negative review, especially as most people who read this tend to take away so much from it, but I just wasn't able to take away the same. This will undoubtedly be on my unhaul pile soon.

7. Romanov, by Nadine Brandes

I do have a review linked to the title, so if you want to, you can see all my in-depth thoughts there. But in short, I thoroughly enjoyed this. A little clasp of magic sprinkled in; violence, hardship, the love a family can have for eachother, romance, and war, are just a few of the themes that are included in this tale about the Romanov family- this is a retelling of Anastacia, the Pixar classic. I love these kinds of books, the ones that make me curious enough to go and research the actual historical events, to find out 1) how accurate the story is, and 2) what kind of history would eventually lead to a book this magic. After devouring this book in approximately 3 days, I'm eager for more books about the Romanov family and/or any other books that have been written by Nadine Brandes. Anybody know of any? Comment down below.

8. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson #1), by Rick Riorda. 

9. Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson #2), by Rick Riordan 

10. Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson #3), by Rick Riordan 

When I had a week left in the month and having finished what I'd put on my monthly TBR, I knew I wanted to start what would be the second series on my 2021 TBR. The Percy Jackson series. Because, if I wanted to get caught up with all the Rick Riordan series', I knew I'd have to start at the beginning. Now, with only one book standing before me until the finale, I'm so glad I did. Amazing, fleshed out characters, tempremental gods, fast-paced adventures and friendships that I think will last a lifetime (if they don't die fighting some huge uprising), I'm thoroughly enjoying this series so far. I'm severely anxious for these characters, especially as they're all so young, they seem like babies to me, but I'm rooting for them so much, I can't believe how attached I've become to these characters! Loving this series so far! 

Okay! That's my March Wrap Up (2021)! I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to comment what you read in the comments, so we can talk about it! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon with my April TBR (2021)! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Romanov, by Nadine Brandes

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And today I'm back with a review of Romanov, by Nadine Brandes. 

I finished this a few days ago, and I an very excited to share my thoughts on this book with you all! 

Enjoy! 

Title: Romanov 

Author: Nadine Brandes 

Genre: Historical fiction, fantasy. 

Status: Standalone

Pages: 338

Blurb: "The history books say I died. They don't know the half of it. 

Anastacia "Nastya" Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her

suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family's only salvation. But the leader of 

the Bolshevik army is after them, and he's hunted Romanov before. 

Nastya's only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal 

with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn't act like 

the average Bolshevik. Nsstya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn't frighten her half as 

much as her growing attraction with Zash. She likes him, She thinks he might even like her. 

That is, until she's on one side of the firing squad... and he's on the other." 

My Thoughts 

I have so many points for this, I'm wondering where to start. 

...Okay. 

I was hesitant, going into this. Romanov had been a book that had been on my radar, ever since I heard about it, I don't know, a few years back. It was only when I re-watched Anastasia that I finally bit the bullet and ordered it. But anyway, after reading a few of the non-spoiler reviews on Goodreads, I wasn't sure what I was going to think. Some people that had read this thought that because it was centred around the Romanov family, about their family dynamics and their relationships, that not much happened plot wise. I was very cautious in the opening chapters of this book, checking so much for any disinterest, any reason why I might want to put the book down, but thankfully, there was none. 

Honestly, those people are exactly right. The Romanov family is the foundation of this story. The love that they have for one another sells the story, and it's really refreshing to see, as so many of the books I read never seem to have a complete family at it's core. The pacing is a little slower than most fantasy novels, but it was just perfect for a historical fiction fantasy, in my opinion. 

Of course, I completely disagree with the opinion that not much happened. A lot did happen, it just took a bit for it to get going. But there was never a time when I considered DNF'ing. 

Romanov appealed to me because I heard it was an Anastasia retelling, and I loved the film so much, (and I've always been fascinated by Russian history). But when I started reading I realised that it's actually more based on their actual historical events that surrounded the family during their part of history, as opposed to the classic Pixar film. Romanov takes place around the time of the family's exile sentencing, and then at the Ipatiev House- so it is pretty accurate (though there are more aspects to the story- romance, friendship, magic etc). 

Speaking of, I really liked the way magic was woven into the story. It would have been easy just to have written a historical fiction novel about the Romanov family, but the fantasy elements were written in just enough for them to be noticeable, but never be the most driving theme. Nastya was mostly trying to 1) smuggle out the spell that could potentially be her family's salvation and 2) trying to figure it out and trying not to be caught with it by the harsh Bolshevik guards. 

The best part of the novel, however, was the characters, and the bond that the Romanov family have, as well as with a few others. They felt so realistic, they felt like real people. From a writer's perspective, it would have been hard to create characters off of people that genuinely existed. But Brandes actually does a really good job of it. 

Some of my favourite relationships are: 

-Nastya and her father- the love and trust that they share, even when Nastya has no idea what her father is planning- unrelenting trust. 

-Nastya and Alexei- the bond between these two is so endearing and caring, I fell in love with this duo as soon as I read about them. 

Nastya and Maria- two sisters! It was wonderful to read a story where two sisters get along (all the Romanov siblings did, but these two just stood out amongst all the Romanov sisters.)  

Maria and Ivan- these two genuinely made me cry- I had a sneaky suspicion what was going to happen, but I really hoped it wouldn't be the case. 

Nastya and Zash- Thank Iisus. 

Another part I absolutely loved- was the cover! 

I can't not mention the cover. Such a gorgeous design- regal colours: red and gold that basically shimmered, the cover was unlike nothing I've seen before- it was the reason why I couldn't let it go from the back of my mind until I had finished it. 

All in all, Romanov was a wonderful story about hope, family love and dynamics, romance, magic, and Russian history. It wasn't all perfume and roses, the Romanov went through so much during their exile, but it was the love for eachother that made this such a wonderful story. Their family was their hope. They believed that if they stayed united, never gave up, that one day, they would see happiness again. 

Okay! That's my review of Romanov, by Nadine Brandes. I hope you enjoyed it, I certainly did, and I had a lot more thoughts than I thought I was going to have! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you next week for my wrap up! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

Anticipated Releases (April-June 2021)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And today I'm back with my Anticipated Releases for the next three months! I look forward to talking about all my anticipated every three months and somehow I never end up reading them! 

I swear, one month, all I'll be reading will be some of my past anticipated releases, because it's embarrasing how little I pick them up after they've been released! 

Hopefully these will be different, though at this point, I'm not very confident. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy. 

April Releases

1. Dead or Alive (Skulduggery Pleasant #14), by Derek Landy (1/4/21)

I've been following the Skulduggery Pleasant series for at least ten years now, so it should be a given that I will be anticipating this from the moment that it was announced. I am actually fairly nervous about this book being released though, because there will only be one other book after this in the Skulduggery Pleasant universe, so Derek Landy is sure to have started setting up what is going to happen in the final book. I've loved this series since I was a tiny 11 year old at secondary school and that hasn't changed over the years. I can't wait to jump back into this world. 

2. Between the Bliss and Me, by Lizzy Mason ((6/4/21) 

Between the Bliss and Me follows Syndey, when she decides to attend NYU, leaving her overprotective Mother devastated. She was hoping she could transfer to Rutgers, instead of off to the Big City, where guitar prodigy (and definitely not single) Grayson is attending Julliard. But while dreams of NYU fill her head, Syndey discovers a truth that blows her world apart: that her father- who left when she was little due to a drug addiction- that he has Schizophrenia and is currently living off the streets in New York. She seizes the chance to get to know him, to understand more about who he is, and what might be in store for her too, if she is diagnosed. But a question is still unanswered: should she stay close to her mother and the life she knows, or leave for NYU for a chance to discover who she is? 

This book feels like so many good themes thrown together that I wonder what it is I'm getting into with this. I don't think I've read any books that discuss Schizophrenia and I'm truly excited that there are books that are going to be released that discuss these kinds of themes. I don't know when I'll get my hands on a copy of this as it might just be out on Hardback at first, but I'm very excited about picking it up. 

3. House of Hollow, by Krystal Sutherland (6/4/21) 

If this cover isn't enough to draw my attention to this book, the blurb certainly is. House of Hollows follows the third Hollow sisters, Grey, Vivy and Iris, who went mysteriously missing as children, and couldn't remember a thing when they returned home a month later, with nothing to show for it but a scar across each of their faces. They've since gone their seperate ways, but when Grey goes missing, the two remaining Hollow sisters go off in search of her, even if it means stepping back into the terrifying past that could expose the truth of what happened to them, once and for all. 

Although this comes out next month, this sounds very much like a Halloween-ish book, kind of like The Call and The Chronicles of Alice duology. I'll most likely save it for October, but it certainly sounds like a book that will be a hit for readers. 

4. Between Perfect and Real, by Ray Stoeve (13/4/21) 

I'm kind of anxiously anticipating the release of this and also bursting at the seams to read it too because it feels like it's going to make me cry both happy and sad tears. Between Perfect and Real follows Dean Foster, who everyone thinks is a lesbian, but is actually Trans. Even his girlfriend and his thatre director, who has cast him as a "nontraditional Romeo". He wonders as for whether it'll be easier to come out when he's in college, but as he plays Romeo everyday in rehearsals, Dean starts to want everyone to know the person he is now- not just on stage, whilst playing a part. Dean knows what he needs to do. Can playing a part help Dean to show his true self? 

This sounds like such a simple concept, but it sounds like such an incredible novel, which really packs an emotional punch. Looking forward to reading this. 

5. Malice, by Heather Walter (13/4/21) 

A Sleeping Beauty retelling! If you've been following my blog for the past year, you know that these are my kryptonite. I read a Sleeping Beauty retelling late last year, and this is my second one to go on these anticipated releases post this year. From the blurb, this looks like a romance between a descentdant of Malificent and Princess Aurora. It sounds dark and creepy, and the cover looks simple and angelic. I'm certainly intrigued for this mystical release. 

6. She Drives Me Crazy, by Kelly Quindlen (20/4/21)

I've already heard a couple of Booktubers talking about this, so I know this'll be high on a lot of people anticipated releases list. After losing spectacularly to her toxic ex-girlfriend at their first head-to-head on the Basketball court, Scottie runs into the worst possible person: her nemesis and completely beautiful/mean Irene Abraham. After a fender bender leaves her without a car, things get a lot worse. Their nosey, do-gooders mothers force them to carpool together until it's fixed. Things slowly get worse, until an opportunity arised for Scottie to get back at her ex, and she ropes Irene into helping her out. Long story short, She Drives Me Crazy has hijinks, heartbreaks, and a gay fake-dating scheme for the ages. This kind of reminds me of The Falling Love Montage and I'm eager for another of these to read. Should be a fast and engaging read. 

May Releases

1. Take Me Home Tonight, by Morgan Matson (4/5/21) 

Another book my Morgan Matson! Although I've only ever read the one book (Since You've Been Gone- read it in one day, I enjoyed it that much) it's been a while since I've seen her release anything. This sounds amazing though. It sounds like a whirlwind book that takes place in one evening, following two best friends, theatre kids, that sneak out for a night in the city that never sleeps. What could go wrong? A lot, it turns out. As soon as they step out of the trains, they're dealing with broken phones, family dramas, unhelpful cab drivers, the lot. I've been meaning to pick up a Morgan Matson book recently, and this could be the perfect one. 

2. Meet Cute Diary, by Emery Lord (4/5/21) 

I love how many trans books are coming out in the next few months! Combine that and the fact that this story is written by Emery Lord and I am sold! 

Meet Cute Diary follows Noah Ramirez- love expert. He has to be, for his popular blog, the Meet Cute Diary, a collection of trans happily ever after. There's one problem though- all the stories are fake. What started as the fantasies of a trans boy who was afraid to come out, because a beacon of hope for the trans community worldwide. That is, until a troll outs his blog as completely made up. As Noah's world unravels, his only chance is to convince the world that in fact, the stories aren't fake. Enter Drew, who agrees to fake date Noah, to save the Meet Cute Diary. What Noah will grow to realise is that real love isn't quite the same as finding it on the page. 

3. Heartstopper: Volume Four (Heartstopper #4), by Alice Oseman (13/5/21)

If you've been following this blog for the last couple of years, you'll know that I am a huge fan of the Heartstopper series, by Alice Oseman. I genuinely don't even need to read the blurb to know that I'm going to love the fourth installment of this fantastic series! From what I've seen, there's a certain phrase that will turn out to be a theme in this volume, as well as a very scary theme to do with Charlie that worries me deeply. But, Heartstopper is a mere couple of months away, and I know I'm going to love it as much as the rest of them! 

4. Tokyo Ever After, by Emiko Jean (18/5/21) 

Izumi has never felt like she's fully fit in at school. Raised by a single mother, in a mostly white, small town in California. she goes by Izzy, because "It's easier this way." But then Izzy discovers a clue about her unknown father, that he's none other but the Crown Prince of Japan. Thrown into a life of royalty, she finds that it isn't just gowns and glamour, it's having to learn a lifetime of rules and regulations, seemingly overnight, conniving cousins, and a bodyguard that might just be her soulmate. Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds- back home, she was never "American" enough, and in Japan, she has to prove she's "Japanese" enough. Will Izumi crumble under the crown, or will she live her own fairytale, happily ever after? 

I love everything about this book. I love these new and exciting themes that remind me of Crazy Rich Asians, I love the cover, and the premise. This sounds new and exciting and unique and I can't wait to sink my teeth into this. 

5. Off the Record, by Camryn Garrett (18/5/21) 

Ever since Josie can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that keeps her grounded when everything turns horrid. So when she wins an exclusive competition to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she's both scared and excited, but she knows she's got this. Soon Josie is setting off to a multi city tour, meeting sparkly celebrities, fenetic handlers, stone-faced producers and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself somewhat falling for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. At first, she feels like she's in a whirlwind, not sure whether she's falling or flying, but when a young actress tells her something in confidence, she knows one thing for sure: she's in way over her head. As more women start to come forward, Josie worries whether she's the right person to tell this story. But if she doesn't, the question remains: Who will? 

This story sounds as ground-breaking to me as THUG did when I first read it. It sounds as enthralling as Grown did, and I finished that in one day. To say I'm excited for this would be an understatement. I really hope I manage to get to this soon because I'll be disappointed in myself if I don't. 

6. May the Best Man Win (18/5/21) 

The opening for the blurb on this book is "A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer" and so on. Although I like the premise for this, it paints the trans character as the bad guy in this face-off, and I don't know if I'm okay with that, especially as the dumpee is still coming to terms with the fact that his ex-girlfriend is now a boy. But, I'm interested in where this is going to go, what direction, so I'm anticipating it's release. 

June Releases

1. The Nature of Witches, by Rachel Griffin (1/6/21) 

In all honesty, it was the cover that drew me to this novel. It honestly didn't reveal itself as a fantasy novel, purely from the cover so, I started to turn away from it, once I realised it wasn't a contemporary fiction. But after reading the blurb, I knew I would have to give it a shot. 

The Nature of Witches tells a story of witches that have maintained the climate for centuries, whose power is strongest in the season they were born in. But as the weather becomes more erratic, the only person they can rely on is Clara, who is the only witch alive to have an affinity with every season.

 In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. Wild and undistructable, and the price of her magic- losing the ones she loves, is too high. In Winter, Clara accepts that she is the only one that can put a stop to all this chaotic weather, as storms surge around her. In Spring, she falls for the witch that has been training her, and she worries that she will be next. In Summer, Clara must choose between happiness and power, her duty and the people she loves, before she thrusts the world into chaos. 

2. We Are Inevitable, by Gayle Forman (1/6/21) 

Even if I wasn't super interested in the synopsis, when I see that Gayle Forman has written it, on it goes to my anticipated releases list. I don't think I've read any Gayle Forman novels since 2015, or 2016 at the latest, so when I saw that she was releasing another YA contemporary, I was so excited. We Are Inevitable follows Aaron, who works in a failing bookshop with his father after he missed his chance to go to college. Just when he realises he needs a lucky break, in comes Hannah. Funny, incredible, musical Hannah. Could she be the answer? And could they- their relationship, their friendship- possibly be the inevitable he's been waiting for? 

3. Down With This Ship, by Katie Kingman (1/6/21) 

Kole has one thing she excels at: writing on her fanfiction blog for her favourite show: The Space Game. Everything else makes her anxious: crushes, plans for after high school, the whole lot. So when Kole's fanfic, Spacer, wins a major fanfiction competition, her traffic soars. With a new and large fanbase comes a lot of criticism too, including the heat that comes with shipping characters within the show. And then, comes an invitation to speak at The Space Game convention arrives in her inbox. 

When some of her most competitive Creative Writing classmates find out Kole's writing Spacer, her blog is taken hostage and she risks them hitting ctrl+A+del on Spacer. To win it back, Kole must face both her inner demons and the ones at Crystal Lake High before they make the drama not just about her beloved fanfiction, but about Kole herself. 

This gives me the same vibes as Eliza and Her Monsters did, and I am totally here for it. Also, other than Fangirl, I don't think I've read another book about fanfiction, and I'm eager to change that, especially as it's been Donkey's years since I've picked that one up. 

4. Instructions for Dancing, by Nicola Yoon (1/6/21) 

Another book that I stuck on this list, because of who has written it. I've loved both of Nicola Yoon's works, and I'm excited to pick this one up, because I know her books are fun and easy to read quickly, and they're always different to other contemporary stories. 

Evie doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially as a surreal moment happens on an otherwise ordinary afternoon. When she sees a couple kissing, and is overcome with a vision of how it started... and how it ended. 

Completely and totally overwhelmed, she finds herself at the Dance Studio, learning to walts, foxtrot and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie isn't: adventurous, passionate and daring. He is so much of these things in fact, that the pair find themselves entered in a ballroom dance competition with a person they've only just met. 

Falling for X certainly wasn't the plan, because if there's something Evie has learnt by her visions, is that no-one survives love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and towards eachother, Evie is forced to question all she thinks she knows about love. In the end, is love worth the risk? 

I haven't read many books about dance, and I definitely haven't read any about ballroom dancing, so I'm excited to read about something fresh and new by Nicola Yoon. I hope I love it as much as the other two, but I know that's nearly an inevitability. 

5. Trouble Girls, by Julia Lynn Rubin (1/6/21) 

When Trixie picks up her best friend Lux for a weekend getaway, she's looking to escape for a little while, to not have to think about the despair of being trapped in their dead end home and the eventual reality of caring for her ailing mother. She packs light: a supply of Diet Coke for Lux, her '89 Canon to help frame the world in a sunnier light, half a pack of cigarretts that Lux never uses, and a knife she's holding for a friend. 

When a night of violence leaves their trip derailed and forever changes the course of their lives forever, the girls are forced to run as they go from ordinary high-schoolers to wanted fugitives. Now trying to outrun the police and a hellscape of media attention, the girls are forced to make decisions in disasterous situations, whilst juggling fastly diminishing supplies. As they are transformed by the media as the face of the #MeToo movement they didn't ask to lead and the road ahead of them begins to run out, Trixie and Lux realise that the only people they can rely on is each-other, and that the love they share is the only thing that truly makes them free. 

This sounds so amazing. It's also giving me The End of the F-ing World vibes too, because of how similar the premise is to that. Like, to a tea. I love these kind of books, that take place in such a short space of times, but stay with you long after you finish the last page. 

6. The Ghosts We Keep, by Mason Deaver (1/6/21) 

This has such a simple premise, and that's definitely a good thing, because the subject matter is so sensitive, that it doesn't need to fill to the top with themes, it sounds amazing without a ton of events and characters. 

When Liam Cooper's brother Ethan is killed in a hit-and-run, Liam not only has to try and navigate the world without one of the people he loves the most, but also face his fading relationships with his two best friends. Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam finds himself sharing more and more time with Ethan's best friend Marcus, and through him, Liam finds the one person that seems to be know exactly what they're going through, for better, for worse. 

This book is about grief. But it's also about why we live, why we have to keep moving on, why we Daufhshould. 

This book sounds like one that's going to rip my heart to pieces. And I'm ready for it. 

7. Daughter of Sparta, by Claire M. Andrews (8/6/21) 

I added this to the list because I wanted to read something different from the contemporaries I usually anticipate whenever I post one of these. That, and the cover is captivating and grabbed my attention as soon as I laid eyes on it. 

Daughter of Sparta follows Daphne, a warrior of seventeen, trained in body and mind, who has always hoped to be accepted to the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But after an enexpected encounter with none other but the goddess Artemis- who holds Daphne's brother's fate in her hands- upends the life she's worked so hard for. Nine mysterious items have been snatched from Mount Olympus, and if Daphne fails to retrieve them, then the Mortal World will descent into chaos and Daphne's brother will be lost forever. 

With the help of Artemis' brother Apollo (entirely too-self-assured), Daphne's journey will take her from the labyrinth of the Minotaur, to the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes, team her up with mythical legends such as Theseus and Hippoltya of the Amazons, and pit her against the Gods themselves. 

This sounds like just the type of epic mythological story I need to pick up this year. It'll be a nice change from all the Rick Riordan's novels I've pitted myself to read this year (though I've loved what I've read so far of his and can't wait to pick up where I read to a few years back.) 

This sounds incredibly fast paced and I can't wait to read it, Simple as that. 

Okay! That's all that I have for you all today! I hope you enjoyed it, and if there's anything on this list that you're looking forward to, share them in the comments! 

Although this post is long winded, I do love to talk about what I'm looking forward to being released! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx