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About Jennifer L. Kelly
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Blog postDays of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor3/5 starsThis one was rough for me. I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone, a solid 4 stars, and started this immediately after finishing. But I just couldn't stand to read a book with Akiva and Karou apart and her hating him. And frankly, hating herself. I put down this book then picked it up 4 or 5 months later determined to push through. Which I did, but not without much skimming ahead then going back and actually reading. This book didn't hold any of th
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Blog postI've been ordering Owlcrate boxes on and off since 2016, so it's been fun to see Korrina and team scale the business. If you're looking to try a book box for the first time, you should definitely check out Owlcrate! Learn more or buy a box here: https://owlcrate.com
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Blog postHouse of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. CraigMy rating: 4/5Wow. This was so much better than I expected it to be. This book is a blend of magic, mystery, fairy tale, retelling, and I'd even say horror (at least that's how my mind played it out like a movie in my head). At first I thought the magic was kind of dropped in (à la Narnia but not quite the same), but then I became okay with it as the story progressed and it just became part of the mystery. Considering there were so many characters
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Blog postStain by AG Howard 5/5Wow. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. This is my first book by AG Howard, although I collected the Splintered books long ago. I was so attracted to this cover. It's loosely based on the Princess and the Pea (a story I haven't visited since childhood). The writing is descriptive, imaginative and highly detailed. It took me nearly two months to read it because for the longest time I could only read small chunks. It's just so dense!! In order to take it my overwork
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Blog postThe Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson5/5This series is one of my favorites. I read them as each book came out, but think I would have enjoyed it even more binging it! One of my favorite aspects of this story is the periodic 1930s narration of what happened regarding Alice Ellingham. While, the Ellingham whodunit is solved in book two, I feel that the motive was established in the third book. I loved the classic whodunit in the end of this, where all the present day suspects were gathered. I di
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Blog postSorcery of Thorns by Margaret RogersonWow. First, I have to say that I started this book back in September and after 40 pages wasn't feeling it. I didn't really get the whole Malefict thing (couldn't imagine it) and it seemed wordy and superfluous. But something made me pick it up again in January and I suddenly couldn't put it down. Nathaniel Thorn really makes this book. He's like a cross between Nikolai Lanstov and the Darkling. Moreso, I feel like Margaret Rogerson did a really good job of m
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Blog postWinterwood by Shea Ernshaw4/5 starsI have to say I loved Wicked Deep so I had high expectations with Winterwood. At first I was sucked in. Shea is amazing at scene setting and atmospheric writing. The book is also like a hybrid magical realism thriller mystery novel. Which is cool. But then with about 120 pages left or so, my reading really stalled. I think it was because, besides Nora and Oliver, I didn't like the other characters (which you're obviously not supposed to). There was also some an
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Blog postDon't let the fun, witchy cover fool you. Toil & Trouble is full of tales about young women empowering themselves. And while, I would classify it more as magic than witchcraft (I believe in the tenant 'do no harm' and this books clearly has revenge as a main theme), it definitely is a great read full of sexual and cultural diversity. I'd say I enjoyed most of these stories, there were a couple I didn't like, but they weren't bad stories. They just didn't vibe with me. Do note, there are them
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Blog postDaughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor4 out of 5 starsWow. I'm late to the party on this series and on Laini Taylor in general, but I'm so glad I finally made it! I devoured the first 3/4 of this book and I have to admit I did not put all the pieces together for the big twist. For some reason, I put off the last 60 pages of this book for almost 3 weeks. I'd skimmed it so I had a general idea of what was to come, but it was also my least favorite part of the book. Maybe because it was a lot o
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Blog postThe Fairest Kind of Love by Crystal CestariThis is the last and final book in The Windy City Magic trilogy. It concludes with Amber Sand—our resident magical matchmaker—trying to get her visions fixed, so that she can know if boyfriend Charlie is indeed her match before everyone starts college in the fall. The Fairest Kind of Love is a whirlwind of magic and fun, as Amber sets on a quest to a fairy farm in order to save her now-friend, and former archnemesis, Ivy. Hopefully, a detour or two will
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Blog postThe Crimes of Grindelwald 5/5Wow! These screenplays are such easy reads, yet still incredibly visual. I have yet to see the movie, but there were some surprising twists at the end of this one! Much more of a cliffhanger than the first book! I look forward to the next installment.
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Blog postI think this series is just not resonating for me. Please know I've enjoyed all of Meyer's other works (except Cinder), and love The Lunar Chronicles and Heartless. This series is just incredibly preachy and soap boxy. And seems to go on and on. This book took me over two months to get through. Halfway through I switched to the audio so I could listen at work and just get it over with. I am not a fan of the deception on either character's part (Nova and Adrian), but find Adrian's more bearable.
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Blog postSuperman: Dawnbreaker, DC Icons Book 4by Matt de la Pena4/5 starsI read all of the DC Icons books (disappointed from the get-go with the tampered down writing of Leigh Bardugo) and I thought this was by far the best book of the four. Keep in mind, I’m not into DC/Marvel outside of these books. I loosely know the history of certain characters due to pop culture, but I am not someone ingrained into the fandoms. This could influence your enjoyment of these books.That aside, I really liked the chara
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Blog postWhen the Sky Fell on Splendor by Emily Henry5/5 starsThis book is magical. Full disclosure, I love all of Emily Henry’s books. She’s not afraid to touch on the deeper metaphysical topics. That said, if you don’t like thinking deeply and don’t like speculative fiction, metacognition, or contemplating your role in the vastness of the universe, you shouldn’t bother with Emily Henry’s books because you will not enjoy them. Moving on…this book really struck me in the feels (which I usually hate? But
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Blog postA Question of Holmes (Charlotte Holmes #4) by Brittany Cavallaro5/5 starsWhen I read the third book in this series, a friend and I both mistakenly thought it was the last book in a trilogy. But then it was announced there would be a fourth book. And this gem came along. This is not like the other Charlotte Holmes books. A trademark of the other three books is Charlotte’s personal demons and her dark downward spirals. This book does not have that, instead it is more about Charlotte’s healing and
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Blog postThe Wicked King by Holly Black3.5 out of 5 stars. I was slightly disappointed with this. I loved Cruel Prince and am a Holly Black fan (love Darkest Part of the Forest and Coldest Girl in Coldtown). But this was just...so...slow. I struggled through the first 100 pages. The next 50 were better, but the last 60 were the best part of the book. I love Cardan's character arc and can't wait to see why what happened at the very end of Wicked King happened the way that it did. Definitely a Jardan shipp
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Blog postShelflove Reads November 2018 Write Your Own ReadsThis box was all things writer! It was also my second Shelflove Reads box. The October box I ordered had shipped late due to customs issues on an item, so they had given customers a special discount code on a future box. You can find the October unboxing in my Book Sub Box playlist.Writer’s advice pamphlet made by ShelfloveSilky typewriter throw pillowcase provided by ShelfloveQuill pen provided by ShelfloveWonderful Wizard of Words booklet conta
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Blog postThe Lantern’s Ember by Colleen HouckSteampunk, Halloween, and a standalone all in one book!? Sign. Me. Up. The Lantern's Ember is a fun read with all of its unique elements. The only slight downside was the love quadrilateral, but besides this if you're looking for a quirky, light read then I recommend this one! 3.5/5 stars
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Blog postShelflove Reads October 2018 Falling into ReadsMy first Shelflove Reads unboxing! I really loved all the cozy, fall goodies that came in this box!Fall into reads double-sided woodmark by @dreamyandcoSpoon full of sugar wooden spoon by Team ShelfloveLaura Jean’s pumpkin spice sugar cookie mix by @loveyoumorestudioFall cookie cuttersFingerless glovesShelfie cozy blanket by @sweetsequelsSawkill Girls with signed book plate
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Blog postSummer is here and my reading is slumping bad! I've only read one book between the beginning of June and July, not to mention the book before that was a DNF for me. Sometimes life just gets in the way, I guess. Enjoy this update and a mini book review of Doon.
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Blog postDo you DNF books? I used to have a really hard time not finishing a book even if I wasn't enjoying it. But as my TBR pile has grown to 350+ books, I've realized it just doesn't make sense to spend a month struggling through a book I am not enjoying!
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Blog postGobstone Alley May Flying ParcelSecret Keep t-shirtSea SaltsBertie Bott’sPropaganda postcardEnchanted wooden coasterDeathly Hallows Enamel PinSherbet Lemon Incendio CandleCozy Elves TeaDragon’s Blood VialWizarding Card: SnapeHP trading cardsUmbridge’s Pocket Mirror
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Blog postFox and Wit is primarily a stationary and greeting card company. However, they also make enamel pins and have these very affordable, fun monthly incense boxes! Also, they recently announced that they will be including a book in their monthly stationary boxes! You can check them out here: www.foxandwit.com .
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Blog postShelflove Crate Unboxing | May 2018 Written in the StarsRattle the Stars candle by @novellyyoursStardust pillowcase by @inkandwonder.designsMaya Pocket Mirror by @dianadoworakStardust bath crumble by @behindthepagesstoreStarry Fairy Lights by @shelflovecrateBonus TLC trading card with art by @kat_adara: CressBook, signed bookplate, and letter: Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne
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Blog postThe Wicked Deep by Shea ErnshawThis is book is everything I love. Magic, atmospheric setting, witches, slightly altered reality, and romance but not over the top. I am surprised by the kind of low average rate for this, but I guess in the vein of one of my favorite books, The Night Circus, you either get it and love it or it's lost on you and you wonder what the point was. The plot twist was something I suspected after a while, but for me it didn't detract from the story. I'm a total sucker for
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Blog postOlivia Twist by Lorie LangdonI really loved this book! Not only was it well-written and full of adventure, but it has great messages about not letting your past define you or your future and messages about love. The characters were also great. Jack was a devil may care outside, reluctant hero inside and easy to fall in love with. I am super picky about my female protagonists and I loved that Olivia was strong, but also feminine and kind. I am realizing I really enjoy a good historical fiction no
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Blog postOwlcrateApril 2018 Shadows and SecretsPencil set by Jubilee DesingsShadowhunter soap by Three Sisters Apothecary by Soap CauldronDark chocolate and sea salt coffee by Bones Coffee CompanyThe Young Elites sticker by Jamila MehioCrooked Kingdom pillowcase by Stella Bookish ArtSigned book and letter: Ace of Shade by Amanda Foody
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Blog postUnicorn Crate: April 2018 Northern MythsThor hammer keychain by Techplus GiftsExclusive 2 oz Shield-Maiden of Rohan candle by Half Oak CandlesExclusive Mead of Valhalla lip balm by Cedar Chest Press on EtsyYggdrasil Print by Wudgla Forest on EtsyUnicorn bookplates by TorinJudd-FineArt.comCeltic shield button with art by ArkadiyBook 1 Norse Mythology by Neil GaimanBook 2, signed plate, and letter from the author: Beyond A Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake
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Blog postThe Case for Jamie by Brittany CavallaroThis book is just what I needed! I've been slumping a lot and was super excited to get my hands on this book. I really enjoyed the first book and found the second one just okay, but this one was amazing!! I loved the character arcs for Charlotte and Jamie. I also loved the pacing and the variance in Charlotte and Jamie's chapters. I also read this knowing there will be another book and an additional book (maybe Leander and James's story if we are lucky). I
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Blog postObsidio: The Illuminae Files 03 by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffThis was a great conclusion to the series. Overall, these books had great messages about good and evil as well as morality. The characters are also awesome and the format fun. The only downside for me is the amount of gore and violence. I just personally feel that YA fantasy and sci-fi has upped the amount of sex, blood and violence which in general isn't my jam.
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Blog postUnicorn Crate March 2018Creatures of the DeepCreatures of the deep bookmark by Unicorn CrateExclusive Siren’s Song bath bomb by Story ScentsationsUnicorn and Waterhorse art print by SieskjaShape Shifting Sea Dragon 2 oz Candle by Gillywick GoodsSeashell Artist’s Coloring Book by Peter Pauper PressMermaid Hard Enamel Pin by Peter Pauper PressExclusive Narwhals of the Deep tea towl with artwork by Kristin ASklandTo Kill A Kingdom with note from author and signed bookplate by Alexandra Christo
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Blog postFae Crate March 2018BewitchedSanderson Sisters Mag Mark by @coolyeticreationsBellatrix Lestrange postcard by ChioinkFree book download of Scythe of Darkness by Dawn HustedAngelat the Herbalist Craft Your Own Brew TeaSwan Sisters Tea Strainer by Fae CrateAlba’s Forgetful Cakes Mug Cake MixManon MugMarvelous Land of Oz MapSightwitch Candle by @spideyscentsThe Wicked Deep with signed book plate and letter to reader by Shea Ernshaw
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Blog postOne Dark Throne by Kendare BlakeThis took me a long time to read (double my normal read time). So after two books I'm just going to say that I personally can't get past the morbidity and violence. I disliked Katharine even more. Actually I disliked a lot of people. And the book was just hard for me to read. Finally, I sat down for two hours and made myself finish it so I could move on to something else. I did love Mirabella's redemption and Arisnoe's story line was still my favorite. I guess I'm
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Blog postIllumicrateFebruary 2018 | Rise UpThis ended up being such a long video! I unboxed this in real time and you can clearly see my enthusiasm deflate. This was my first (and probably last) Illumicrate mainly for the following reasons: 1. it shipped several weeks late and arrived over a month late (was purchased December 27th and arrived on March 12th) 2. copious amounts of (fairly useless) paper promotional products 3. while I enjoyed the box's actual, non-promotional contents, the cost-value just
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Blog postThree Dark Crowns by Kendare BlakeThis book was kind of confusing. Overall, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars which for me is an okay read. The premise is three triplets are born, magical gifts identified, and then they are separated and fostered in homes that will teach them how to use their gifts before they come of age and must kill the other two sisters in order to become queen.Here’s my rundown.Things that I enjoyed:-Arisnoe is awesome. So is Billy. Really I’m a fan of the Naturalists in general.-
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Blog postThis was my first Wizarding World Loot Crate (and first Loot Crate ever). The Ties That Bind was the theme for the January2018 box, which arrived on February 24, 2018 (I live in the US and it is a US-based company). While the box itself was amazing, customer service and shipping times left something to be desired. I am really surprised JK Rowling and the Wizarding World brand (and naturally Warner Brothers which is the parent company and patrols copyright usage, etc.) endorses a brand that is le
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Blog postThe Hazel Wood by Melissa AlbertI thought this book was going to be amazing and I was so super pumped for it. Unfortunately, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I didn't like the protagonist (granted her behavior is later explained in a not very surprising plot twist) which always makes it difficult for me. My feelings toward the story went something like this: I like this, I don't like this, I like this, I don't like this, I like this. Maybe it would have been a better narrative in third
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Blog postTruly Devious by Maureen Johnson4.5/5 stars I always forget how much I love mysteries! At first this book reminded me of a Westing Game with a Winchester Mansion twist.The plot alternates between the Ellingham family kidnappings in the 1930s and the present day Stevie Bell who attends Ellingham Academy intent on solving the mystery of the kidnappings. The book is full of riddles and puzzles, twists and turns. I found myself reading huge chunks at a time. There was some social commentary embedded
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Blog postWires and Nerve 2: Gone Rogue by Marissa MeyerI actually really liked this! This is probably the first time I actually liked Iko and didn't find her annoying at all (sorry, I know but she finally grew on me in W&N 1). The voices felt truer this time, however, I'm not sure if it's because it's been so long since I read the books or if Marissa Meyer took that criticism to heart from feedback on the first book. I'm still not a huge fan of the art style, but the plot was much stronger in this bo
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Blog postThe Cruel Prince by Holly BlackJust wow. Holly Black has quickly become one of my go-to authors in the last few months. This book is no exception. I'll keep this short to avoid spoilers. The story follows Jude (in the first person) who is a mortal living in Faerieland after the murder of her parents. She longs to fit in and prove herself to the other Fae who look down on mortals, especially Prince Cardan. And the way she thinks to do this is to try and become a knight for one of the prince or pr
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Blog postShelflove CrateJanuary 2018 |Royal PainsThe Selection quote travel mug by @bookwormBoutiqueRoyal Scarf by @shelflovecrateRook Candle by @novellyyoursThe Goblin King MagMark by @knightmaresanddaydreamsKahlid and Shazi OTP print by@dianadworakCrown PenBook and signed book plate: Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marshwww.shelflovecrate.com
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Blog postBatman: Nightwalker by Marie LuI really liked this. Now full disclosure, I didn't really enjoy Warbringer because it didn't feel true to Leigh Bardugo's style and the pacing felt off. I also have never read Marie Lu before (but for sure I will be now). This is a short book (a plus to me) and it's pretty action packed. Some of the themes were headline cliches and the one major plot twist was predictable if one followed the clues, but I loved the internal conflict Bruce dealt with as well as the d
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Blog postWonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons 1) by Leigh BardugoI'm not sure what to say about this so I'll keep it relatively short. I have my suspicions that DC and WB may have put restrictions on the authors of these Icons books to appeal to a wider audience. The Not So Good: The book was kind of boring in the beginning and was off to a slow start. I was not a fan of a major plot twist in the last quarter of the book. It also just seemed...off. I love Leigh Bardugo and all of Grishaverse and this someh
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Blog postThe YA ChroniclesDecember 2017…In Space…Star Wars stickers by Indiotropiostore on EtsyAn Illuminae Files quote space necklace by @fangirlpixiejarArtemisia Palace (The Lunar Chronicles) bookmark by @janestinythingsGalaxy print socksGalaxy print pillowcaseBook: Unearthed by Amie Kauffman and Meagan Spooner complete with signed bookplate
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Blog postRenegades by Marissa MeyerSo...I have conflicted feelings about this book. Really my rating falls more in the 3.5/3.75 range. First, things I like: Smokescreen, Max, Adrian's super power, Honey and Cyanide. I'm also appreciative of the fact that the lines between good and evil can be blurred. It also read as if it were written for a movie which can be both good and bad. Second, things I wasn't a fan of: This is a beast of a book and the pacing seemed a bit off. Like a friend said, it just seems
Titles By Jennifer L. Kelly
