Waiting On Wednesday: A Deadly Education (Naomi Novik)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: A Deadly Education

Author: Naomi Novik

Release Date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Del Rey

Summary:

Lesson One of the Scholomance

Learning has never been this deadly

A Deadly Education is set at Scholomance, a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death (for real) — until one girl, El, begins to unlock its many secrets. There are no teachers, no holidays, and no friendships, save strategic ones. Survival is more important than any letter grade, for the school won’t allow its students to leave until they graduate… or die! The rules are deceptively simple: Don’t walk the halls alone. And beware of the monsters who lurk everywhere. El is uniquely prepared for the school’s dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out millions. It would be easy enough for El to defeat the monsters that prowl the school. The problem? Her powerful dark magic might also kill all the other students.

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Why I'm Looking Forward To It: A deadly magic school in which the school does the actual teaching? This is absolutely a me book.

What book are you waiting on this week?

The #FridayReads Review (8/21/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer (HBK)

I read Twilight shortly after it released 15 years ago and remember enjoying it at the time (granted I was vampire obsessed with the rest of the book world), so naturally I had to try this retelling from Edward's point-of-view (from the library, of course). Currently about 200 (of 660) pages in and it's proving a very long, very heavy (it is a literal brick, ugh) fanfic that is mostly tortured internal monologue and contradictory dialogue. Presently wading through one of the longest single scenes in the history of ever, but at least it's not just Edward alone with his thoughts. Despite being a minor torture and crushing weight it's not the worst thing I've ever read, so I'm determined to see it through to the end. Possible review to come if I survive.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab (PBK)

4.5 Stars. A spirited middle-grade paranormal suspense with a brisk pace, atmospheric setting, and compelling story. Eager to continue the series with the next book soon! Read my full paragraph review here.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Love & Lies by Musawo (PBK)

Wotakoi by Fujita (PBK)

Two new manga series to try from the library!

So what are you reading this week?

Waiting On Wednesday: Cast in Firelight (Dana Swift)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Cast in Firelight

Author: Dana Swift

Release Date: November 17, 2020
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Summary:

The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.

Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who's mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child.

Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery's most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet.

Only, destiny has other plans and with the criminal underbelly of Belwar suddenly making a move for control, their paths cross...and neither realizes who the other is, adopting separate secret identities instead.

Between dodging deathly spells and keeping their true selves hidden, the pair must learn to put their trust in the other if either is to uncover the real threat. Now Wickery's fate is in the hands of rivals..? Fiancées..? Partners..? Whatever they are, it's complicated and bound for greatness or destruction.

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Why I'm Looking Forward To It: A rivals-to-lovers fantasy with secret identities and tons of magic, one of which is color-coded? I am SO in.

So what book are you waiting on this week?

Paragraph Manga Review: Love in Focus Series (Yoko Nogiri)

Series Title: Love in Focus
Author: Yoko Nogiri
Volumes Reviewed: 3 (complete)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
US Release Date: March 2019 - July 2019
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Content Rating: Teen (kissing, brief minor stalker issues)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | Azon | BookDepo | RightStuf
Summary (of Volume 1):

Mako's always had a passion for photography. When she loses someone dear to her, she clings to her art as a relic of the close relationship she once had... Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encourages her to come to his high school and join their prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and moves into the dorm where Kei and his classmates live. Soon, a fresh take on life, along with a mysterious new muse, begin to come into focus!

*          *          *

Series: There are 3 volumes in the series. All are released and available.

Love in Focus is a short three-volume teen contemporary romance about first loves and photography. Set in a high school boarding house, it features a love triangle between an oblivious young photographer girl, her childhood best friend, and the moody housemate who catches her photographic attention. As they discover each other's secrets and confess their feelings, they help one another face their fears and embrace more hopeful futures with love, honesty, and lots of pictures. Despite the inevitable heartbreak that comes with love triangles, it's a sweet if brief story with cute characters, soft artwork, and gentle emotions that made for a pleasant if slightly melancholy afternoon read. Recommend for readers who enjoy their romances with right angles, secretly gorgeous boys, and just a touch of photography.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

That Wolf-Boy is Mine! by Yoko Nogiri
Strobe Edge by Io Sakisaka
Me & My Brothers by Hari Tokeino

Paragraph Review: City of Ghosts (Victoria Schwab)

Title: City of Ghosts
Series: Cassidy Blake, Book 1
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic
US Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Thriller
Content Rating: Middle Grade (frightening images and situations involving ghosts)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab comes a sweeping, spooky, evocative adventure, perfect for fans of Stranger Things.

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost.

So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger.

When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself.

And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.

*          *          *

Series: This is the first book in the Cassidy Blake series. Two books are presently available, with a third currently scheduled to release March 2021.

City of Ghosts is a spirited middle-grade paranormal thriller with a brisk pace, atmospheric setting, and compelling story. The writing style is brief but engaging with light banter and simple description, the haunted Edinburgh toured succinctly with interesting historical tidbits. The ghostly aspects were pretty canon but for a few unique exceptions, and although there were many frightening moments the horror was quick and light-handed. Cassidy was a good balance of childish bravery and naivete, her actions both bold and foolish and therefore realistic for her age without crossing the line into frustrating stupidity. Sidekick Jacob was a favorite with his playfulness and voice of reason, and the mystery of his power and death are the driving force behind my eagerness to soon continue the series with the next book, Tunnel of Bones. If you enjoy fast-paced ghost-hunting stories set in historical locations then I highly recommend City of Ghosts for a thrilling and chilling read.

For Fans Of: ghost stories

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Shutter by Courtney Alameda
The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot

1k Follower Giveaway: Win a *Signed* Novel!

Skye's Scribblings has reached 1,000 Followers!! 🎉

I am seriously stunned. Thank you so much to all of you who have enjoyed my blog enough to officially follow it - I hope my reviews have been and continue to be helpful to you in choosing your next reads and discovering new favorites for your overflowing shelves. 📚

To celebrate such an amazing milestone, and all of you amazing readers, a follower appreciation giveaway is in order! Below is a picture of what's up for grabs - seven books for the seven years I've been blogging. All are *signed* finished copies, a few hardback but most paperback (see list below). To be eligible you must Follow this blog (new Followers welcome, of course 😉) and have a US mailing address (apologies International Followers, I can't afford the postage 😢). I'll have at least one winner, but depending on the interest I may choose more. Thanks again for Following, and best of luck to you! 🤞

The Books

• Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan (HB)
• This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (HB)
• Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (PB)
• The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski (PB)
• The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West (PB)
• Relax, I'm a Ninja by Natalie Whipple (PB)
• Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (PB)

Terms & Conditions

• Giveaway runs 8/5/20 - 8/15/20
• Entrants must Follow this blog (the more ways you do, the more entries!)
• Entrants must have a US mailing addresses (apologies, International Followers)
• Must be 13 years or older

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Spotlight: Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (Julie Abe)

Today I'm excited to spotlight the magical Middle Grade EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH by Julie Abe! Misbehaving magic is one of my favorite tropes and I adored Kiki's Delivery Service, so I've really been looking forward to this one for a while. See below for all the details on this fantastical story and purchase your copy today!

Title: Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Author: Julie Abe
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Release Date: August 4, 2020

A charming new middle-grade fantasy adventure, about a young witch whose pinch of magic just might be more than enough, perfect for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Aru Shah and the End of Time.

Sometimes all you need is a pinch of magic...

Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before she turns thirteen years old. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test:

ONE: Help your town, do good all around.
TWO: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon.
THREE: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.

The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. And to add insult to injury, whenever she overuses her magic, she falls asleep.

When she lands on the tranquil coastal town of Auteri, the residents expect a powerful witch, not a semi-magical girl. So Eva comes up with a plan: set up a magical repair shop to aid Auteri and prove she's worthy. She may have more blood than magic, but her "semi-magical fixes" repair the lives of the townspeople in ways they never could have imagined. Only, Eva's bit of magic may not be enough when the biggest magical storm in history threatens the town she's grown to love. Eva must conjure up all of the magic, bravery, and cleverness she can muster or Auteri and her dreams of becoming a witch will wash away with the storm. 

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PURCHASE:
B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | Amazon