6/27/2019

Herz Zu Asche by Kathrin Lange

It was quite clear to me, that I had to read this final book in the author´s heart trilogy to find out how everything would end. And what an end it was! This book and this trilogy are the perfect combinations of a true story, love, and that not everything golden is really golden and perfect.

Herz Zu Asche

by Kathrin Lange

Herz Trilogy #3
Publisher Arena on August 1, 2015
Genre Mystery-Thriller
Pages 381
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher

Goodreads

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In the end, you too believe in the curse. Juli can hardly believe it: Charlie is alive! At last, David does not need to torture himself any longer. Finally, Juli can be happy with him. But Charlie does her utmost to recapture David. And the spirit of Madeleine Bower drives Juli more and more into despair. David sees only one way to protect his girlfriend: he has to leave her. But Juli´s visions are getting darker and so she decides to put an end to the curse forever – even if she has to sacrifice what she loves most …

Story

The days on Sorrow just do not get better. The sudden appearance of Charlie believed dead, does not make the situation any easier either – on the contrary. Juli is now confronted with a young woman who is doing everything but really everything, to win David over. However, it is becoming clear to everyone that Charlie has a health problem and that does not contribute to defusing the situation.

Style

Love, hate, revenge and a totally twisted mind bring an incredible fantastic end to this trilogy. Life at Sorrow is not as bright and fun as the sun might suggest, but there is the love between Juliane and David that has the power to overcome even the darkest shadow. Until Charlie arrives all of the sudden out of nowhere and scares the crap out of everyone. That she is up to no good is clear to Juliane from the first second she laid an eye on her. But how in the world can she get David out of her claws?

Kathrin Lange brings the fight between the main figure Juliane and her opposite Charlie to the reader in a haunting and well-written story. The old curse hangs still in the air and the people still believe in it.

The authors writing style is sensitive, direct and with some irony and sarcasm that just brings the right touch to the story. The melancholy that sparkles through the lines is another way to catch the reader´s attention and so it is a great ride to see all those unexpected twists and turns and all those new information that brings together bit by bit a truth which is shocking beyond anything.

Two girls who have to fight over one young man but when you look closer, you will see that only one is fighting and she´s not very good at it – that I can tell you. And no, I´m not talking about Juliane.

Characters

The author lets her figures go through hell and back, again and again, she lets them suffer, be used, tortured and thrown out of a normal life as if that wouldn´t exist at all. It is unbelievable what the reader gets to see, and sometimes he knows more than the actual characters in the book and sometimes they know more than the reader does. There is one dialogue, where exactly that happens and it fits right into it. Once more you´ll discover the fantastic palette of human character and what can happen if the balance that every human being should have inside, is destroyed or unbalanced. Wow, those thoughts and the way they act is not easy to understand and on the other hand, it makes perfect sense. Sounds weird? Believe me, I was confused at first too, but that changes.

Charlie is a girl I felt very mixed feelings for. On one hand, I felt sorry for her and kind of pity for her but within a few pages I thought what the heck is she up to? And why the heck is David letting her do all that to him? Well, the answers to that come in such an unexpected way and with such drama that leaves you shocked and with your head turning from one side to the other in disbelieve.

Conclusion

A fantastic finish. Great written and staged. Quiet, sometimes a bit dark and at times very melancholic. Leaves nothing to be desired and guarantees absolute reading pleasure. Highest reading recommendation!

Happy reading

*This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Kathrin Lange

Kathrin Lange was born in Goslar in 1969. Although she initially had plans to join the police dog squad, her love for books then won the day and she first became a bookseller and then a writer. Today she is a member of the International Thriller Writers and writes bestselling novels for adults and teenagers. She lives with her husband and two sons in a small village near Hildesheim in Lower Saxony, Germany.

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6/26/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #100 – Vengeful by V. E. Schwab

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

I have not even read the first book yet, or that one at home, but am already looking forward to this second book of the author´s Villains novels.

Don´t know why that is, but the cover alone is gorgeous and somehow, I like what the author tweets or puts on Instagram. Is that good or just insane? I mean, all I know are some blurbs, covers and that others are a huge fan of her.

The blurb sounds so promising and the plot seems to be a great mix of thriller, blood, and magic. The perfect combination, if you ask me. So this week I am presenting the German edition of Vengeful and hope that it will be worth it.

                           

Vengeful-Die Rache Ist Mein

Author V. E. Schwab
Villains #2
Publishing Date April 29, 2020
Publisher Fischer TB
Format Paperback
Goodreads

What is better than being the wife of the most powerful man in the city? To be the most powerful woman in the city – without a husband. When Marcella is killed by her own husband, the underworld boss Marcus Riggins, she swears revenge.  And because she is resurrected with a destructive superpower, it is not difficult to get her too. Against all odds, Marcella sites at the head of her husband´s empire and mercilessly eradicates her enemies. Also with the help of other EO´s, which she flocks around. Everything runs like clockwork – until she makes her biggest mistake: She plays Victor Vale and Eli Ever against each other – without realizing which demons she unleashes with it …

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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6/25/2019

Arlo Finch In The Valley Of Fire by John August

Sometimes, I like to discover new to me authors and read a story that is a bit out of my usual habits. This book was a bit of a surprise to me with the very special magic in it. Though I believe that this book is for boys AND girls, with the ghostly touch inside I guess that boys will be more attracted by it. But find out for yourself. I, at least, had fun reading it.

Arlo Finch In The Valley Of Fire

by John August
Arlo Finch Trilogy #1

Publisher Roaring Book Press on February 6, 2018

Genre Fantasy

Pages 336

Format Hardcover

Source Library 

Goodreads

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Arlo Finch is a newcomer to Pine Mountain, Colorado, a tiny town of mystery and magic, but he´s already attracted the attention of dark and ancient forces. At first, he thinks these increasingly strange and frightening occurrences are just part of being Rangers, the mountain scouting troop where he learns how to harness the wild magic seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods. But soon Arlo finds himself at the center of a dangerous adventure, where he faces obstacles that test the foundations of the Ranger´s Vow: Loyalty, Bravery, Kindness, and Truth.

Story

Arlo is finally there, where his mom grew up. A tiny town in the mountains, with a weird uncle and a lot of things he doesn´t know. His sister has started to act strange, no internet at his new home and a father far away, he becomes friends with some kids at school. And with them, he starts to discover that there is more to his new life than he could have ever imagined.

Style

In a bit sarcastically tone, the author brings you close to the life and adventures, Arlo is experiencing after moving to Pine Mountain. A town that is like no other he´s ever seen or lived in. The mountains are filled with magic, ghosts, and a world, he can sometimes feel. 

John August describes with only a few words all the magic things, Arlo experiences. There is the mood of a young boy who has to cope with everything new and try to fight the unexpected. 

I had the most fun reading this book during one scene when Arlo and his uncle have to fight a creature that brought some anger, hate, and humor to the story at the same time. Holy heck, that was great!

Characters

Arlo is not like other 12-year-old boys. He is special. Not in a weird way, but yes, special. His elder sister is changing from one mood to the next, the house he lives in looks like a broken shell and his mother has a new job. 

With some irony and the obvious thoughts about girls and everything else, the author has created a figure with Arlo who asks questions all the time and who thinks a lot about the “what if” and “how can it be”, etc. 

I like Arlo very much.

Conclusion

This was a wonderful reading pleasure. I think boys will have a great time reading this. The mixture of magic, ghosts, adventure, and danger are very well done and with that end, the reader will definitely want to know how things with Arlo continue.

Happy reading

John August

Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, John August earned a degree in journalism from Drake University and an MFA in film from USC. As a screenwriter, his credits include Big Fish, Charlie’s Angels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie. His books include Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire. In addition to his film career, he hosts a popular weekly podcast, Scriptnotes, with Craig Mazin. He also created the Writer Emergency Pack, an educational storytelling tool that was distributed to over 2,000 classrooms in partnership with non-profit literacy groups like 826LA and NaNoWriMo. John and his family live in Los Angeles.

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6/24/2019

Hidden by Sophie Jordan

This novel is a mix of great scenes, dialogues you wonder how they were created and figures that show that there is more to life than only the wishes of the elder. But on the other hand, this book shows things that are very close to the edge of being a bit too detailed for a book in that genre. Only my opinion. Read it and see how you find it yourself.

Hidden

by Sophie Jordan

Firelight Trilogy #3

Publisher Harper Teen on September 11, 2012

Genre Fantasy

Pages 272

Format Hardcover

Goodreads
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If Jacinda were to follow the wishes of her community, she´d happily settle down with Cassian, the prince of the pride. But she just can´t. She´s in love with Will, a human boy who comes from a family of hunters. Their relationship breaks the most sacred rule and endangers everyone she cares about. Now Jacinda, Will, and Cassian fight back against the hunters and their shadowy allies who would destroy them all … 

Story

Jacinda puts an almost insane plan into action – she lets Will and Cassian bring her into the Enkros´ lab as a trapped Draki, only to free Cassian´s sister Miram from there. Jacinda realizes too late that some things have happened in the lab that put not only her but also the pack, in great danger. A danger that one has to pay for with life at the end, and that offers a completely new future for all. 

Style

From the first-person perspective of Jacinda, the reader experiences the action particularly intensely, even if the word and speech style is rather thoughtful and very discreet. Violent dialogues and disturbing scenes add momentum to the rather solid story, but that does not change the fact that I disagree with a part of the end. 

I also found it irritating, that at the beginning of the book the author does not find any real balance in her plot. The events drag on and the reading pace is more than comfortable, which stands in strange contrast to the events. Fortunately, that changes after a few chapters and there is momentum in the novel.    

Characters

Sophie Jordan demands a lot from her main- and secondary characters, pulling out all the stops in the emotional palette. Which makes them convincing and amazingly real.

It comes to so many hot scenes between Jacinda and Will, I felt for a youth book already almost too detailed.

It was delicious, however, when she finally drops the penny and realizes, that not only does she feel Cassian´s feelings close, but also vice versa. When she realizes that, she practically comes straight from a very passionate hug with Will and the realization hits her in the truest sense like a hammer blow. 

Conclusion

Melancholic and extremely bloody. The last part of Sophie Jordan´s Firelight trilogy is in some places almost too bloody. A violent and very disturbing conclusion of a trilogy, which left me very shocked behind. What I expected was not there – it was a lot more destructive. If you want to read the end of the Firelight trilogy, you should be prepared for a lot of pain, suffering, and hate. On the whole, though, it pays to read this book, but in the end, it comes out as the perfect harmony.

Happy reading

Sophie Jordan

Sophie Jordan grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she´s also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances and the Firelight series. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she´s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.

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6/23/2019

Weekly Book Wrap-Up #74 – We Have Summer!

With the Weekly Book Wrap-Up, I give you a bit of an insight into all the new books that have arrived at my place. No matter if I won a giveaway, got approved for a reviewer´s copy, an ARC or just bought one myself. Everything that I add to my shelves, in what way ever and read during the past week or am still reading, I will write about it. And maybe I tell you a bit about the upcoming things on Inkvotary, that is if I don´t forget it and have something to share with you *smile*

I am linking up with Tynga´s Reviews and Caffeinated Reviewer and hope you´ll have fun reading it and maybe get the one or the other book inspiration.

Stacking The Shelves #74

No new books this week. Sorry guys.

Sunday Post #31

I just made myself laughing and shaking my head in disbelief because I had to go and check the book on my couch, to know what I am currently reading *lol* Only to find out, that I am reading a series I already know from its TV show and that I started a series in the middle. Oh boy, and we haven´t even started yet with the high temperatures!

Maybe that is why I spent my entire Sunday morning writing reviews and other blog posts, checking links and change some style. Not sure if I will be able to blog much over the next few days with temperatures expected around 103 degrees. Yap, no joke. I am living in an area that is about to get hit during the last week of June with that kind of heat. And no one knows how long that heat will stay.

During the past week, I was still trying to figure out how my blog will look like in the near future. Yap, that subject is still on my mind. I found two templates, that I like, but they will change the look completely. No matter which one. It is, to be true, damn hard to find another template that not only fulfills my design wishes but also gives my reviews and posts the look and shape I want them to have. Especially considered the fact, that I am completely happy with the current design and look of my blog and posts.

So, at the moment, I am not sure if that change will ever happen.

I am reading

Happy reading

Read more »

6/21/2019

A Court Of Wings And Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

After finishing this one, I was a bit lost. That one scene towards the end was a shock! Still, don´t know what to think of it, but with the next book in line already on my shelf, I am sure I will soon find out. A Court of Wings and Ruin might not be the bright and romantic novel the other two books had been (at least not in a certain way), but its story wasn´t less written in the typical Sarah J. Maas style. Beautiful fantasy combined with great figures.

A Court of Wings And Ruin

by Sarah J. Maas
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Series #3
Publisher Bloomsbury on May 2, 2017
Genre Fantasy
Pages 699
Format Hardcover
Source Purchased

Goodreads

✶✶✶✶½

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin´s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip my spell doom not only for Feyre but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

Story

Feyre becomes more and more the High Lady, Rhysand has made her. But being at the Spring Court again and acting as if she would be back with Tamlin, is harder and not as promising as she´d hoped. And with the knowledge, that her two sisters are with Rhysand and being not very well, the situation becomes strange. What powers will the develop and when will she know and see it?

Style

The atmosphere is muted. The upcoming war and the change between the separate Courts have brought an almost numb feeling into the story. And yet you can see and feel every brutal or cruel scene, the dark setting in the mountain and the looming fight between the High Fae and the mainland.

Characters

The change Feyre has gone through, to see how she becomes what she was in the end, that was very impressive. She stayed true to herself but acted on instinct when she had to and gave her part as High Lady a new meaning.

The way how Sarah J. Maas has given her a very profound and strong character and the instinct to feel compassion for others when needed – beautiful. 

Conclusion

No doubt, it was a wonderful read. But it didn´t quite thrill me the same way as the second book has managed to do. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and after that end, I NEED to know how the story continues. 

Happy reading

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas grew up in Manhattan and already with the first design to Throne of Glass she caused a sensation. With sixteen she published “Queen of Glass” (the title back then) in an online forum for authors and initiated with that one of the earliest online phenomena worldwide. She currently lives with her husband and dog in Pennsylvania.

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6/20/2019

Wem Kann Cara Trauen? by Annika Harper

This book was great. And unlike the first one, I had fun reading it. And I like the color combination way more. Sadly, it is currently only available in the German language. I do hope that the author keeps her tone, style and the way how she has plotted this story. And reading book three will be as much fun as reading this beauty.

Wem Kann Cara Trauen?*

by Annika Harper

Cornwall College Trilogy #2

Publisher Carlsen on November 25, 2016

Genre Children 10+

Pages 312

Format Hardcover

Source Library

Goodreads

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Cara Winter has settled in at the boarding school. Does Moritz know what she´s hiding? Can she trust him? For Cara exciting times begin: between spoiled glamor girls, sugary flirts and math lessons she has to learn to go her own way – and gets a dark family secret on the track … (personally translated by ©Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

Cara is back at Cornwall College. This time, she has a guard but is still able to live her life as normal as possible. But the new boy at her school is a miracle to her. And when she figures out that he is always close by, she starts to understand that something is not the way she thought it would be.

Style

In this book, the author has somehow changed her style. The story has hilarious dialogues, is full of action, great scenes and shows the main figure who knows how to work her way through the daily life at the boarding school. 

Although I could have shot her grandmother to the moon, because of her behavior, it was fun to follow the novel from start to end.

The writing style is light, easy to read and wonderfully designed. There is a bit of humor between the pages, some dialogues are really fun and I was smiling very often while watching Cara and her schoolmates going through their daily routine. If you can call it routine. Unlike the first book of this series, this one was exquisitely diversified.

Characters

Cara is a girl who has to overthink every step she wants to do. With an overprotective grandmother and friends who seem to do whatever they want to, she is about to learn that not every family is the same. 

Even her own family is not what they seem to be at first sight. And when Cara has to learn that her grandmother is doing something that is not far from a crime, she has no other choice but to see what information she can figure out herself. The way how she does it, how she changes are brought to the eye of the reader in a wonderful way. 

Conclusion

What a great novel! I hope that Annika Harper keeps going on with this series the way she has done it in this second book. Fun, action, humor and witty dialogues make this book really fun. Highly recommended.

Happy reading

*This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Annika Harper

Annika Harper studied English in Hamburg and London and works as a translator and in a chocolate shop. She lives with her English husband, two children and three dogs in a cottage in Cornwall. 

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6/19/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #99 – Eisgrab by Mads Peder Nordbo

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

In the US this thriller will be published “Cold Fear”. The original title is Kold Angst. For me, it is a book I am waiting for with high expectations. The first one, The Girl Without Skin, was so fantastic, that I am wondering how the author will top it.

Will he be able AT ALL to top it? To be honest, I hope so. Reading a good thriller is a great way to spend your time with. And when it is combined with a man who struggles to get his life back on track, it is even greater.

What I like about Mads Peder Nordbo is the way how he puts his scenes and settings into words. No matter how bloody and cruel the scene or setting is. His words sound like a melody and have an elegance that is not often used by authors in that genre.

                           

  Eisgrab

  Author Mads Peder Nordbo
  Grønland - Greenland #2
  Publishing Date November 27, 2019
  Publisher Fischer TB
  Format Paperback
  Goodreads

Matthew Cave´s father Tom has been in hiding for years, after being accused of a double-murder. When Matthew´s sister disappears during a weekend away with friends, Tom´s case is re-examined. Matthew must investigate whether his long-lost father is guilty, as Greenland police and the American military also close in on the fugitive. As Matthew starts to unravel a terrible conspiracy, he must also face grave questions about his young friend Tupaarnaq, and whether her yearning for revenge has gone too far.

The US edition will be published as a paperback on November 5, 2019, by Text Publishing.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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6/18/2019

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Good, I wasn´t very happy when I saw the cover the German edition has (see the end of review), for the first time. But hey, it is the story that counts, right? And this story is one heck of a great show. A feast for the eye and imagination. And I am absolutely thrilled that I could convince myself to read it. It was sooooo worth my time!

Vanish*

by Sophie Jordan

Firelight Trilogy #2
Publisher Harper Teen on September 6, 2011
Genre Fantasy
Pages 294
Format Hardcover

Goodreads

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After revealing herself as a drake to hunters to save Will, the boy she loves, Jacinda and her family must return to the safety of the pride. But her fellow drake no longer trust Jacinda, so her sister, Tamra and their prince, Cassian, are among the few who will even talk to her. Jacinda longs for Will to keep his promise and come find her, even though she knows it is not only unlikely, it is dangerous. When, against all odds, he does track her down, Will´s reappearance sets in motion a deadly chain of events that nobody can stop. 

Story

Jacinda is back where it all started: the pack in the mountains. Only this time she returns as a despised and untrustworthy Draki – and a nightmarish time of pain, doubt and resistance begin. Jacinda only seems to bite life in the pack, watching helplessly as her mother more and more succumbs to alcohol and helplessly witnessing her sister Tamra being prepared for her new job at Guardian Nidia´s house. Now she is no longer the most valuable Draki in the pack and the main character, but Tamra.

Style

Lively, varied and very exciting. Sophie Jordan has put the second part of her trilogy into words. A gripping, varied plot full of conflicts – emotional as well as social -, as well as a magnificent landscape, spread out before the reader´s eye. Shimmering, radiant but also dull colors are part of this fantastic story, and it is clear, that only the most unusual is intended for the special Draki. 

The reader reads through a fast-paced and fascinating storyline full of wonderful scenes, dialogues and characters – a real feast for the eyes and an incentive for your own imagination. Presented in the calm but expressive style of the author. 

Characters

Sophie Jordan has once again written down strong, courageous and resolute figures that show once again what can bring cohesion – for the better and for the worse.

Jacinda is no longer the meek girl fighting back against Prince Cassian and her mother – now she´s suddenly shaken awake and realizing that not everything the pack leader wants, and orders are good. She is no longer ready to submit and instead fights for what she believes in, what she wants deep inside. 

Miram, Cassian´s sister, destroys her own curiosity and craving. It sets in motion a development that is life-threatening for everyone, but especially for themselves. Suddenly it´s not just about the courage to fight back, it´s also about trust and relying on each other in dangerous situations. And this is exactly where it shows that Miram cannot handle pressure and fear at all and in such situations becomes a danger to all. And for Jacinda comes the moment, where she must choose what life she wants.

Conclusion

I must confess I am thrilled! Actually, I had long balked inside to read this second volume. I remembered the memory of the first volume with its tenacious first third, the often-thought-provoking scenes and the calm, almost lethargic writing style of the author too well. But to my great surprise, this one showed me that the author does know how to capture her reader´s attention.  

Happy reading

*The German edition was published Firelight Flammende Träne by Loewe on November 12, 2012.  

Sophie Jordan

Sophie Jordan grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she´s also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances and the Firelight series. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she´s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.

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6/15/2019

2019 Midyear Audiobook Challenge Update

When I signed up for this challenge, I had the goal to listen to at least 5 titles. And I was absolutely convinced that I would have reached that before I was typing my midyear post for this challenge. Well, so far, I´ve barely listened to one audiobook. Or better said, the first chapter of it. I started listening to it somewhen in January/February of 2019, and now, with June halfway through, I haven´t made any progress with that audiobook since then. Embarrassing, huh?

The audiobook challenge is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer and Hot Listens.

Seeing Red by Sandra Brown is a book I have as well in print, as in audio. Unfortunately, the prolog was barely understandable because of the “loud” background music. Don´t get me wrong. Nothing against background music while a voice is telling you who produced the audiobook you´re about to listen to or when you hear that music at the end after the audio has finished and the company literally says "Thank you" to you for buying it and listening to it.

That is okay and fine with me. Not sure if I keep listening to it or if I´ll switch to the print and read that instead. Or listen and read both simultaneously. The audiobook while being outside running errands, the print while being at home, relaxing or sleepless in bed. The heck knows …

So, my midyear audiobook challenge update is one that shows that there is still room for improvement. I HOPE that I will be able to reach my goal before we head into December *fingers crossed*.

Happy listening

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6/14/2019

A Court Of Mist And Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Brilliant. Brilliant. BRILLIANT! Holy smokes, I am thrilled. Even as a huge ToG fan, I think that this is the best book I´ve ever read by the author. And I am asking myself why in gods name I´ve waited so long to read it. I mean, I read ACOTAR almost right after it was published, and had planned to read this one as soon as I would have it. But then … TBR.

A Court Of Mist And Fury

by Sarah J. Maas
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Series #2
Publisher Bloomsbury on May 3, 2016
Genre Fantasy
Pages 624
Format Hardcover
Source Purchased
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶✶

Feyre survived Amarantha´s clutches to return to the Spring Court – but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can´t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin´s people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms – and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shaper her future – and the future of a world torn apart.

Story

Feyre is broken. Literally broken. Now as a High Fae, and back at the Spring Court with Tamlin, she feels nothing. Her nightmares are hard to bear, and with Tamlin overprotecting her minute by minute, she sees the walls closing in on her. It seems, that her life has taken a turn to the worse. Only Rhysand is giving her every month for a week some sort of solitude where she can just be Feyre. But the moment she finds out, that Tamlin has blocked her up in his house, she is in such panic that Rhysand has no choice but to offer her something, Feyre never thought she would want.

Style

This novel is full of unexpected twists and turns and shows a world, where nothing is as it seems. Sarah J. Maas has kept her writing style. The soft tones, the clear language and her great style of describing things and letting the reader do the rest with his very own imagination. I love that.

You can imagine my surprise when I started to see one figure in a completely different light. As it was the intention of the author, I suppose. I mean, all the answers Sarah J. Maas gave throughout the book to her readers in some of the scenes, that was like finding the perfect place to be. I could actually FEEL the warmth, the beauty, and the peace Feyre discovered while being where she was. Oh yes, Sarah J. Maas´ fantasy is quite something.

Characters

It was actually really hard for me to see what had become of Feyre. The Feyre in here got nothing to do with the one I loved in ACOTAR. Yes, I know that she was reborn as a High Fae and therefore couldn´t be the same anymore. But how she was suffering and calling for help that in the end didn´t come from Tamlin, that was a bad surprise.

But later on, when I saw how Feyre changed, how she healed and started to live again, that was great to watch. And now, after finishing this book I´d say that she is the perfect combination of all that was given to her by the author.

While reading the first chapters, I literally became angry with Tamlin. Very angry. How in the world could he treat her the way he did? How could he ignore her needs, deny her healing and instead leave her out of all of his plans? He turned into something I still can´t name and don´t like at all.

But for the ongoing story, the further plot is was the best way the author could do. And all the misunderstandings, conflicts, and warlike situations are brought to life – wow!

Conclusion

This was bloody brilliant! Full of emotions, passion, hate, blood, action and with figures that show what Fantasy and a great author are capable. Holy smokes. I still feel the vibration that ripped through Feyre at the end of this story. And can´t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.

Happy reading

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas grew up in Manhattan and already with the first design to Throne of Glass she caused sensation. With sixteen she published “Queen of Glass” (the title back then) in an online forum for authors and initiated with that one of the earliest online phenomena worldwide. She currently lives with her husband and dog in Pennsylvania.

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6/12/2019

Anne Frank - Today She Would Be Ninety Years Old

Last night, while watching the news, I realized, that today is the birthday of one of the most famous Teenagers, the world has ever known. Her diary is one of the most read books in the world and her face and name are ineffaceably connected with the Holocaust and the inhumanness of National Socialism.

Today, Anne Frank would have been ninety-years old. And with her story in mind and the picture of her in my head, I write this post. Thinking about the rare moment, my maternal grandfather spoke with his family about that time. It is a very dark chapter in my families history, and will never be forgotten.

Her diary Het Achterhuis (original Dutch edition), Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl (US) is part of the school education in Germany. The book has sold to date around 35 million copies and is translated into 70 languages. Over the years some different editions were published, and some legal battles took place.

Anne Frank was born into a Jewish family as Annelies Marie Frank on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt/ Main, Germany. For her thirteen´s birthday in 1942, her father Otto Frank gave her a book that was actually an autograph book. Anne used the red-and-white checkered cloth bound book as a diary.

She kept it almost immediately from her birthday until August 1, 1944.

A few days later she was arrested in Amsterdam at the Achterhuis, now called Anne-Frank-House.

I guess I was around ten when I visited with my class the concentration camp in Dachau/ Bavaria where you can see pictures and other items that were from that time. To be clear: Dachau is NOT the camp where Anne Frank has died in 1945. That was the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen in Lower Saxony in northern Germany. But my class went to Dachau, because it was, and still is, closer to the area where I lived back then.

The pictures of Dachau are still in my head. I remember standing right in the middle of a gas chamber, walking around the area where the barracks once had been, and our teacher was monitoring us closely. The atmosphere there was weird. Everyone there behaved as if being in a church, but without the peacefulness, you usually feel while standing on holy ground.

Although Anne Frank lived mostly in the Netherlands and had lost her German citizenship in 1941, I consider her one of the good things Germany has ever originated and has ever had. Her words are as relevant as ever and we NEED to keep her legacy and the knowledge we have from the past alive and in our minds so that the cruelty people suffered from during World War II will never happen again.

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6/12/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #98 – A Very Large Expanse Of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

This week I present the German edition of Tahereh Mafi´s book A Very Large Expanse of Sea.

If things keep going the way they do right now, this book has a very decent chance to be my first Tahereh Mafi read. And to be honest, I am not quite sure, why I want to read it.

The cover, the German one, is not really mine. I would have preferred the original one. But ok, I can ignore that point. The blurb, on the other hand, sounds very interesting and it seems that the story is nowadays as actual as it was back in 2002. And after reading the blurb again while writing this post, I am curious enough to find out how the author has woven it into her novel. Let´s find out if this book can live up to my expectations. I am really eager to find out how this novel shows the diversity and thoughts we have about our neighbors.

                           

Wie Du Mich Siehst

Author Tahereh Mafi
Publishing Date October 23, 2019
Publisher Fischer Sauerländer
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

It´s 2002, a year after 9/11. It´s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who´s tired of being stereotyped. Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She´s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments – even the physical violence – she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she´s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother. But then she meets Ocean James. He´s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her – they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds – and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she´s not sure she´ll ever be able to let it down.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.


Happy reading & waiting on

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6/07/2019

Was Verbirgt Cara Winter? by Annika Harper

When I saw that book at the library I thought that it could be something nice. Well, it turned out different. The cover is the most exciting when it comes to this book and though I am no fan of the color pink, it somehow fits. But the rest? One big disappointment.

Was Verbirgt Cara Winter?*

by Annika Harper
Cornwall College Trilogy #1
Publisher Carlsen on July 30, 2015
Genre Children 10+
Pages 268
Format Hardcover
Source Library
Goodreads
✶✶½

The boarding school “Cornwall College” in England. Here they are all, the children of the rich and famous: swanky princes and glitter girls, real stars and drama queens. And Cara Winter. She has just arrived from Germany. Almost you could overlook the inconspicuous girl. But Cara has a secret … (personally translated by © Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

Cara is happy. She finally is on her way to Cornwall College, a place where she can be free and live a happy life. Good, she will have to learn a lot and homework is nothing you love, but hey, she is away from home and can do things her grandmother doesn´t allow.

Style

No question, it is nice to read, a fast read and there are some really unique sentences and the author has an interesting language – well sometimes at least. But the story itself is a bit weird. I still don´t know what was the fuss about it. Why the hell is Cara so overprotected since early childhood or why she is such a naïve and uninformed? What were her tutors doing? Cash money for playing princess with her?!

Annika Harper shows in this novel life at a boarding school – and that is kind of strange. A roommate which is a real bitch, classmates who are very different than anything I´ve ever seen and her main protagonist is out of this world. She wants to buy things, but doesn´t seem to understand that you need money or better said cash in your wallet to do so. Especially when you´re at an airport, sorry but I still have to shake my head over so much ignorance.

Characters

Well, if you´re looking for strange figures and how they see things, you’re here in the right place. Wanna know how a girl from Texas, a kid of a rich man who breeds long-horns likes to act? Watch Judy and you get the picture. Wanna know how a normal girl behaves among rich and spoiled boys and girls? Look at Hettie and you’re well informed and pleased. She and Pippa were - at least in my eyes - the only nice and adoring figures in this story.

Conclusion

What the heck was that? The best thing about this book is the cover design. The Rest? Weird, awkward and – well I´ll leave it at that. No more words are necessary…

Happy reading

*This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Annika Harper

Annika Harper studied English in Hamburg and London and works as a translator and in a chocolate shop. She lives with her English husband, two children and three dogs in a cottage in Cornwall.

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