The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner // I’m…Sad

Posted on by Ashleigh
The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner

Goodreads | Book Depository

A story inspired by Jewish Mythology, Slavic Folklore and – to mix it up a bit – Christina Rosetti’s Goblin Market, this book follows two sisters who live a relatively comfortable life in their small village. At least, that is until their parents leave, a band of unknown men enter the village, and one of the sisters is cast under a spell. They soon find out their heritage holds magical secrets unknown, and all the fairy tales are true – and may just save them.

Sounds great, right?

Yeah, I thought so too.

keep reading!

On My TBR: Female Fantasy

Posted on by Ashleigh
stack of books

It’s time for my second “On My TBR” post! Today’s post will cover a category that’s far from uncommon on my shelves – fantasy books written by women! It’s always a fab thing to read more female fantasy books when the genre has been dominated by white men for so long, but honestly it’s just a force of habit at the point. Without thinking about it, the majority of my read books are written by women, and I’ve no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Now, I will say this post doesn’t include any greek myth retellings – I have a separate post for that. But since I’m planning on joining the FemmeFanTale readathon in August, I’ve been casting my eyes over my bookshelves and scouting out which books to choose for my TBR.

So which ones do I have that are at the top on my TBR? Well, let’s see…

keep reading!

June Favourites & Wrap Up // Fantasy Still Wins

Posted on by Ashleigh

Another month comes and goes, and with it new favourites! I feel like my June favourites are dominated by experiences rather than specific things, which is an interesting change! I guess that’s what summer brings…

keep reading!

Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2019

Posted on by Ashleigh
Anticipated releases for the rest of 2019

Ahh, the mid-year mark! The one where I look through the bookish goals I set myself, evaluate how much I’m failing them, judge my reading progress so far, and complete the Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag. Now one question that threw me was the one asking “your most anticipated releases for the second half of 2019?” A few came to mind, but looking through all the books on my wishlist afterwards made me realise there’s so many I’m waiting (im)patiently for. So why not talk about them some more?

I could’ve been helpful and listed these in chronological order, but by the time I realised that would be a good idea I’d kind of already yelled by way through half of them so…enjoy? I have listed the release date next to the Goodreads link though, so at least I’m giving you something, right?

Let me know if any of these are on your wishlist, or if there are any you think I should add!

Keep rEADING!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman // It’s “The Combo” Again…

Posted on by Ashleigh
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Goodreads

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. Really, she is. The fact that she lives alone, is seen as strange by everyone around her and probably relies a bit too much on alcohol doesn’t matter. She’s fine. Really…

This book is one that’s gotten an overwhelming mount of hype. It’s won awards, it was on everyone’s favourites lists of last year, and it slowly became one of those books that while it might not seem my cup of tea, I figured I’d try it nonetheless. Ignoring all the thoughts that said “this book is probably not for me”, I went ahead and gave it a go.

I should listen to myself more.

Keep reading!

On My TBR: Greek Myth Retelling Edition

Posted on by Ashleigh
stack of books

We have the beginning of a new series on this blog of mine! And it comes with a story.

Basically, for the longest time I’ve wanted to do a video/blog post recommending greek myth retellings…but so far, I actually haven’t read that many. I just really love the ones I have read, and have accumulated a lot that sound super interesting to me. But it’s going to take me a looooong time to get through all the greek myth retellings I’ve accumulated to do said list..but hey, why not show you the books I’m really excited to get to from my TBR?

So here’s the beginning of a blog series, in which I show you 5 books on my TBR that I’m really excited to get to! Each post will claim a genre, some upcoming ones being female fantasy and nonfiction. But since the original idea came from all the myth retellings I want to read – that’s what this post is dedicated to! Here are 5 greek myth retellings that are high priority on my TBR!

Keep reading!

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier // It Needs A Revival

Posted on by Ashleigh
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier - review image. Read for the book club Myth-Take Reads, The Six Swans retelling and Irish folklore

Goodreads

A retelling of the fairy tale The Six Swans (alternatively known as The Twelve Brothers or other titles), Daughter of the Forest follows Sorcha and her six brothers. As close-knit as siblings can be, their lives are infused with a deep undercurrent of magic, and the small oddities of their childhood seem natural as anything. But things soon change when an enchantress enters their lives, and Sorcha’s brothers are transformed into swans. To break the curse, Sorcha must undertake a seemingly impossible task…and stay silent the entire time. make one noise, and all her work will be for nothing; the curse shall remain…

kEEP READING!

April & May Favourites // Time Off Uni Means The Discovery of New Faves

Posted on by Ashleigh
title image for may favourites - booktube wrap up thumbnail blurred in background, white banner across middle saying April/may favourites

A mixed month favourites post? Yep, it’s happening. I feel like April had such a slump for favourites, but boy did May make up for it. I didn’t quite realise just how many favourites I acquired through May, but with the end of my second year of uni popping along with a wholehearted welcome, I (of course) found myself in a good ol’ treat yourself kinda mood, and a whole lotta time on my hands. So here we are!

kEEP READING!

Thank you!!

Posted on by Ashleigh

I…can’t quite believe I’m writing this. But a few days ago, I discovered that’d I’ve been shortlisted for the UKYABA’s – the UK Young Adult Blog Awards – under the category of “Most Inspirational”. WHAT?!?

I just wanted to make this post to acknowledge that you guys got me here, and I appreciate it with all my heart.

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The Wickerlight by Mary Watson // Please Give Me More

Posted on by Ashleigh
Manuscript of The Wickerlight by Mary Watson, sequel to The Wren Hunt

Goodreads | Book Depository

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion.

Following on from The Wren Hunt, The Wickerlight takes on a slightly different cast of characters, this time following David – one of the antagonists of The Wren Hunt – and Zara, a new character. Zara and her family move to Kilshamble in hopes of a new start, but merely 10 months into the move, Zara’s sister – Laila – is found dead. Weird thing is, there’s no apparent cause of death. By all tests and records, Laila was in perfect health…but she’s not. With no cause of death to be found, Zara starts digging, and the mystery soon turns a lot darker when she discovers Laila’s involvement with the local folklore…

Keep reading!