Week 15 Review: We Were Liars

From Goodreads:
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

My first review of We Were Liars
My Review:
I had such a fantastic time reading this book! Going in knowing the big twist, and seeing how it was laid out was just so great! I forgot so much about this book, so I'm glad that I reread it, but I did remember the one main thing.

The whole mystery of Cadence and what happened that summer that she can't remember, oh, I felt so badly for her, the pain that was coming once she found out. I can't even imagine. But I had a really great time watching as she went on this journey.

That this is a family of liars, they aren't good or bad, they're just people, flawed, and I had a really good time as all the lies and secrets started to come to the surface. The mystery of this book is so well crafted, and the writing kept me engaged with the story, I had to keep reading and find out! 

Honestly, it's hard to write this review because I don't want to spoil the big reveal. It has been out for a while now, and most people know it by now. But I don't want to ruin the magic of the first time reading it, and watching the story unfold. It's just so good, and such a great book! 

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by E. Lockhart! 

Author: E. Lockhart

Series: We Were Liars #1
First Read: May 23rd, 2015

Read: April 12th, 2024
Source: Own
Reason Why: Rereading, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book!
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 13 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 14 Review: Family of Liars

From Goodreads:

The prequel to We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.

A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.

A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars.

My Review:
I had such a fantastic time reading this book! We Were Liars was a phenonium, and I was excited to get more time with the same set up, but the parent's generation, because the events of this book do shape the parents, and why they are in We Were Liars.

The whole set up, when the Sinclair siblings were teenagers, was pretty interesting, because there used to be another sister, Rosemary, but she died, and the family is not dealing with it well, or at all, trying to forget her existence, basically. But then Caroline is seeing her ghost this summer, when all of this is going down.

I loved the way that this story was told, because it's Caroline telling it to Johnny, her son, after he's died, because the ghosts of this family really haunt her. I really enjoyed seeing the way it was told because of that, because she was a teenager, she got in trouble. The thing is, she survived it. But not everyone did. 

Things were building up to not be great, with her dad and uncle not really getting along because this family is into some shade things, and the guests that were brought to the island, and all the romantic trouble that happened there, I was on edge, because there were some red flags. Oh, but that ending? That was perfect and made this book fit with the first so well! Loved how that turned out! 

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by E. Lockhart! 

Author: E. Lockhart 
Series: We Were Liars #0
Read: April 1st, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Loved the first book, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 3rd 2022

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Magical Readathon: Orilium Update 2

So I read my next book for Magical Readathon: Orilium, and it was Family of Liars which was for the prompt Conjuration, and I'll be reading The Legend of Dia next!

My Reading Journey:

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis

Prompt Fulfilled: Inscription

Started On: April 1st 

Finished On: April 1st, 4:31 PM 

Pages Read: 192

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart 

Prompt Fulfilled: Conjuration

Started On: April 1st

Finished On: April 1st, 9:12 PM

Pages Read: 336

Reread the Legend of Dia

Prompt Fulfilled: Lore

Started On: April 1st

Currently On: NA

Prompts Left: Alchemy, Artificery, Spells & Incantations, Art of Illusion, Conjuration, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Elemental Studies, Psionics & Divination, Shapeshifting, Demonology, Restoration, Elemental Studies, Shapeshifting, Animal Studies, Astronomy, Conjuration, Restoration, Lore, Astronomy, Inscription, Psionics & Divination, Restoration, Demonology, Lore, Animal Studies, Demonology, Restoration, Spells & Incantations, Lore, Astronomy, Alchemy, Art of Illusion, Spells & Incantations, Psionics & Divination, Conjuration, Lore, Alchemy, Restoration, Lore, Shapeshifting, Art of Illusion, Psionics & Divination, Lore

Read: 2

Pages Read: 528

Waiting on Wednesday #569, April 6th

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

The second book in the A Hundred Names for Magic trilogy, an unforgettable alternative history fairy-tale series from the author of The Bone Witch about found family, modern day magic, and finding the place you belong.

Tala, Alex, and the rest of their friends are safe for now, but know the Snow Queen is still out there. They have to be prepared for when she eventually attacks—and all decide to do so in their own way.

When Ryker comes out of the woodwork, showing himself when he starts attacking American detention facilities and freeing refugees. And the Nameless Sword, a legendary weapon that according to Avalon legend, will make its wielder the most powerful warrior of their time turns up with her name on it, Tala's life gets messier...But when the Snow Queen arrives with an unlikely ally, the group will have to work together.

Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh brings you a sinfully playful contemporary romance between two sworn enemies turned partners in crime...

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin. 

Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

Bestselling author Jennifer Estep continues her Gargoyle Queen epic fantasy series where magic reigns, alliances are tested, and a dangerous attraction could tear down a throne. . .

Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things--and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom.

Gemma's quest for answers leads her to a trade Summit between the various kingdoms. Among the other royals in attendance is Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta and her son, Prince Leonidas--Gemma's charming and dangerous nemesis.

Gemma knows that Maeven always has a long game in motion, and sure enough, the cunning queen invokes an arcane tradition that threatens the fragile truce between Andvari and the other kingdoms. Despite her best intentions, Gemma once again finds herself thrown together with Leo and battling her growing feelings for the enemy prince.

When a series of deadly attacks shatters the Summit's peaceful negotiations, Gemma realizes that someone wants to tear the royals down from their thrones--and that this enemy just might succeed. 

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

For everything there is a season.

Melanie has a destiny, though it isn’t the one everyone assumes it to be. She’s delicate; she’s fragile; she’s dying. Now, truly, is the winter of her soul.

Harry doesn’t want to believe in destiny, because that means accepting the loss of the one person in his life that gives his life meaning, that brings summer to his world.

So, when a new road is laid out in front of them—a road that will lead them through untold dangers toward a possible lifetime together—walking down it seems to be the only option.

But others are following behind, with violence in their hearts.

It looks like Destiny has a plan for them, after all….

Book of Night by Holly Black

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies in the vein of Ninth House and The Night Circus

In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.

Charlie is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. She gets by doing odd jobs for her patrons and the naive new money in her town at the edge of the Berkshires. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear—and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgangers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister—all desperate to control the magic of the shadows.

With sharp angles and prose, and a sinister bent, Holly Black is a master of shadow and story stitching. Remember while you read, light isn’t playing tricks in Book of Night, the people are.

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray—a summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious villains, meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In a tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

When someone from her past comes to town to cause trouble, Kari Stuart and her sassy kitten Queenie will have to work hard to protect the Serenity Sanctuary in this new Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery.

Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It's time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.

He comes bearing a shocking revelation--the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings--although he'll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn't sure if he's telling the truth, or if it's just another one of Charlie's lies.

But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they've built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?

Of Claws and Fangs by Faith Hunter

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter presents a stunning collection of stories from the world of shape-shifting vampire hunter Jane Yellowrock and beyond.

Collected together for the first time, this volume contains shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series. Faith Hunter is "an expert at creating worlds filled with intriguing supernatural elements and exciting scenarios"* and her skills are on full display in this collection. From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural.

With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain--it's a must-have for Faith Hunter's readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Heroic Hearts Anthology

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

An all-star urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Kelley Armstrong, and more . . .

In this short story collection of courage, adventure, and magic, heroes—ordinary people who do the right thing—bravely step forward.

But running toward danger might cost them everything. . . .

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher’s “Little Things,” the pixie Toot-Toot discovers an invader unbeknownst to the wizard Harry Dresden . . . and in order to defeat it, he’ll have to team up with the dread cat Mister.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s “Dating Terrors,” the werewolf Asil finds an online date might just turn into something more—if she can escape the dark magic binding her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris’s “The Return of the Mage,” the Britlingen mercenaries will discover more than they’ve bargained for when they answer the call of a distress beacon on a strange and remote world.

And in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s “Comfort Zone,” the necromancer Chloe Saunders and the werewolf Derek Souza are just trying to get through college. But they can’t refuse a ghost pleading for help.

ALSO INCLUDES STORIES BY Annie Bellet * Anne Bishop * Jennifer Brozek * Kevin Hearne * Nancy Holder * Kerrie L. Hughes * Chloe Neill * R.R. Virdid

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new steamy, STEMinist novella….

A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis – it leads to combustion.

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn….

As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.

The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.

I Kissed Shara Wheller by Casey McQuiston

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need...

Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler, the principal’s perfect progeny.

But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes.

On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers she’s not the only one Shara kissed. There’s also Smith, Shara’s longtime quarterback sweetheart, and Rory, Shara’s bad boy neighbor with a crush. The three have nothing in common except Shara and the annoyingly cryptic notes she left behind, but together they must untangle Shara’s trail of clues and find her. It’ll be worth it, if Chloe can drag Shara back before graduation to beat her fair-and-square.

Thrown into an unlikely alliance, chasing a ghost through parties, break-ins, puzzles, and secrets revealed on monogrammed stationery, Chloe starts to suspect there might be more to this small town than she thought. And maybe—probably not, but maybe—more to Shara, too.

Fierce, funny, and frank, Casey McQuiston's I Kissed Shara Wheeler is about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places. 

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

Expected Publication: May 3rd, 2022
From Goodreads:

The thrilling prequel to the TikTok phenomenon and #1 New York Times bestseller We Were Liars takes readers back to the story of another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades to come.

A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts.

A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow.

A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy.

A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes.

Welcome back to the Sinclair family.

They were always liars. 

Some really great books starting off this month, some that I've already read and loved, and yeah, so excited for all these books to be out! What about you guys? Happy reading! 

Week 22 Review: We Were Liars

From Goodreads:
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. 
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

My Review:
This book left me feeling a bit unsettled. And empty. And I'm not quite too sure what I feel about it, because of that, and because of the instruction that if anyone asked about the ending, to lie, when I want to put some of that in this review.

I don't know why I'm writing this review so soon after finishing reading it. I'm conflicted, and I think I should give it time to settle. But I need to get it out to settle, plus just to actually write the review. Yeah, conflicted!

This is the story about a girl, and her 3 closest friends, family, the Liars. And it takes place during two summers, the current year, and then the events of the summer 2 years ago. Because she can't remember most of what happened then. And this book is the mystery of her figuring it out.

I have to say, even if the ending gave me all these feelings, and even if some of the words in the synopsis are "destructive," "accident," and "secret," that the ending was kinda beautiful, in it's own way. Because it was stark, and honest, with everything revealed, with things making sense. Even if what the picture painted was what it was.

This is a book that really makes you think about things, like the casual wealth, choices, and yeah, it was a pretty meaningful book! And I might not know all of my feelings about this book, but I do know that I loved it!

Author: E. Lockhart
Read: May 23rd, 2015
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Sounded good, lots of people enjoyed it, and it's a SAC 2015 Book!
Publisher: Delecorte Press
Published: May 13 2014

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars