August anticipated releases

This is a list of books I am excited about that are coming out in August. 

images in this post are from google.

official synopsis's from Goodreads (note if the book is a sequel I put the synopsis for the first book in the series so that there are no spoilers) 

Books: 

Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer: 

This book has been talked about since I initially read the Twilight series when I was in junior high. Now finally in 2020, it is coming out. Midnight Sun is basically Twilight told in Edward's perspective so if you are a big Twilight fan this one is probably for you. Midnight Sun is coming out on August 4th.

synopsis: This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting beautiful, mysterious Bella is both the most intriguing and unnerving event he has experienced in his long life as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he let himself fall in love with Bella when he knows that he is endangering her life?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and, drawing on the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles: 

 This book which is coming out on August 25th sounds so good. 

synopsis: In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians faces off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes riskier and riskier and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.
The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost
The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told
The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide.

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar: 

This book will be coming out on August 11. 

synopsis:This gorgeously imagined YA debut blends shades of Neil Gaiman's Stardust and a breathtaking landscape of Hindu mythology into a radiant contemporary fantasy.

The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets. Pretending to be "normal." But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star's help to heal him. A star like her mother, who returned to the sky long ago.
Sheetal's quest to save her father will take her to a celestial court of shining wonders and dark shadows, where she must take the stage as her family's champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens--and win, or risk never returning to Earth at all.
Brimming with celestial intrigue, this sparkling YA debut is perfect for fans of Roshani Chokshi and Laini Taylor.

Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch : 

This book is coming out August 4th. 

synopsis:Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.

Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family's taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn't have the earth god’s powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something else—something that hasn't been seen in centuries.
When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games. The fights put Madoc in Ash's path, and she realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needs—but Madoc won’t jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior. 
But when the gods force Madoc’s hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortal—it will unravel the world.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig:

This book is coming out on August 13th.

synopsis:  'Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices... Would you have done anything differently, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?'

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well-lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.
Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe, there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?
In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig's enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir:

Harrow the Ninth is coming out on August 4th. This book is the sequel to Gideon the Ninth. 

synopsis:The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won't set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend: 

This book is coming out on August 18th and is the third book in the Nevermoor series. The first book is called The Trials of Morrigan Crow.

synopsis:A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world-but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.
But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.
It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owen: 

This book is coming out on August 18th and is the second book in The Merciful Crow series. 

synopsis:A future chieftain.

Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.
A fugitive prince.
When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.
A too-cunning bodyguard.
Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own? 

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton: 

This book is coming out on August 18th. 

synopsis:At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir. 

But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead. 
And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for. 
With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.
Incredible tests, impossible choices and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: 

This is the third book in the Once Upon a Con series. Each book follows different characters and is a retelling of a different fairy tale. This book is coming out on August 4th. (since this is a companion series I will be using the synopsis from this book instead of the first book in the series.)

synopsis:Rosie Thorne is feeling stuck—on her college application essays, in her small town, and on that mysterious General Sond cosplayer she met at ExcelsiCon. Most of all, she’s stuck in her grief over her mother’s death. Her only solace was her late mother’s library of rare Starfield novels, but even that disappeared when they sold it to pay off hospital bills.

On the other hand, Vance Reigns has been Hollywood royalty for as long as he can remember—with all the privilege and scrutiny that entails. When a tabloid scandal catches up to him, he's forced to hide out somewhere the paparazzi would never expect to find him: Small Town USA. At least there’s a library in the house. Too bad he doesn’t read.
When Rosie and Vance’s paths collide and a rare book is accidentally destroyed, Rosie finds herself working to repay the debt. And while most Starfield superfans would jump at the chance to work in close proximity to the Vance Reigns, Rosie has discovered something about Vance: he’s a jerk, and she can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual.
But as Vance and Rosie begrudgingly get to know each other, their careful masks come off—and they may just find that there’s more risk in shutting each other out than in opening their hearts.

Those are all the books I am excited about that are coming out in August. What books are you anticipating, comment down below? 

The Promised Neverland Review

image from google

( I tried to make sure that this review is spoiler-free, however, there are some spoilers in the review.) 

Title: The Promised Neverland

Director: Mamoru Kanbe

Studio: Toho

Based On: The Manga by Kaiu Shirai

Trigger: Violence, gore

Rating: 5/5

Plot: This anime follows three of the older children at an orphanage who discover the shocking truth about the facility. Starting at the age of six children are 'adopted' out of the orphanage based on their test scores, and no matter what their test scores are they get shipped out on their 12 birthday. 

The three eldest children discover however that instead of getting adopted they become food for alien creatures. So the children decide to form an escape plan to prevent themselves and the others from facing the same fate as Conny. 

Characters: I will only be writing about some of the main characters in this section

The main characters in this series are Emma, Norman, and Ray. They are eleven years old and are the oldest and smartest children at the facility. All the children in the facility have ID numbers on their necks. 

Emma is the one that decides she wants not only her, Norman, and Ray to escape but everyone else as well. Her ID number is 63194. She is very optimistic throughout the show. She also is very selfless and cares deeply about the other children at the orphanage. 

Norman is the smartest of the three children and is the one that comes up with the plan to escape. He likes Emma and would do anything for her. He is also very athletic which is shown by the fact that he is unbeatable while playing tag. His ID number is 22194. He is also the one to discover the truth about Ray. 

Ray is also very intelligent, however, he is a major pessimist. Throughout the series, he doesn't believe that they can escape with everyone, and thinks doing so would lead to their downfall. Ray's ID number is 81194. 

Mom 'Isabella'  is the head of the house. She cares for the children and is the one responsible for getting them shipped. The show goes into some detail about the process she underwent to become a Mom. She carries a tracker so that she knows where the kids are at all times. She is also very fast, strong, and appears to be unbeatable. Her ID number is 73584.

Quotes:

• "I want you to be part of that whole."
•  "Even if it's impossible, I want to escape with everyone. Let's figure it out. I don't want all of us to die. But there's no option to leave them behind. I want Conny to be the last. I don't want anyone to end up like that ever again. If there isn't one, then let's make a place for humans to live outside. Let's change the world."
• "If we escape, that person's life will not be guaranteed any more. Also, I want to believe, after all. The incident with Gilda made me realize that. Ray told me to suspect everyone, but even if there's a traitor who is a demon's agent, no one within our siblings is a bad person. We're a family that grew up together. Even if that person gets in the way, betrays us, or says I'm naive, I want to believe in that person!" 
• "You're coming with us. You have to be with us, or else!" 
• "Yes. I am happy. Because I was able to meet someone like you."

Would I Recommend: I definitely recommend this anime. It is only twelve episodes long and is available in the English dub, and sub. A second season for this show should be coming out next year, however, if you can't wait there is always the manga which you can read. This anime is one of the best I have watched this year, with such an intriguing storyline. I binged it because I couldn't stop watching, I had to know what was going to happen. Do the children escape? You can find out by watching the show on Funimation, Crunchyroll, or Hulu. 

Books Inspired by Greek Mythology Recommendations

Images from google

I love to read books based on Greek and Roman mythology so I decided to create a list of five books/book series to read:

1) Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is a Middle-Grade series following Percy who happens to be the son of Poseidon. Percy throughout the series has to face many mythological creatures, as he learns to use his abilities he has as a half-blood son of Poseidon, and along the way, he makes many friends. This series is absolutely incredible and definitely, a must-read. There is also a follow-up series called the Heroes of Olympus but since it still follows Percy Jackson it won't get its own spot on this list. However the follow-up series does follow more Roman mythology compared to the first series which follows Greek mythology. Riordan also has other series which interconnect and take place in the same world of Percy Jackson that follow Norse and Egyptian mythology.

2) Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe is amazing. It's an Adult/ Young Adult book about Circe who is a Titan. Circe unlike her siblings who were born later had hawk-like eyes and a mortal voice. Another thing that her siblings realized before she is that they have the ability to do witchcraft. After finding out about this ability she was cast out by the Titans and forced to live on an island in seclusion. However, over time many people come to meet Circe on the island including Odysseus.

3) Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Persephone is a Hades and Persephone retelling (which I am a huge fan of Hades and Persephone retelling). In Persephone, Persephone lives in the human world and doesn't realize when she is actually a goddess. In order to save her life, Hades kisses her and breaths some of his life force into her making her his wife. In order to protect herself, Persephone has to live in the Underworld with her husband and over time she falls in love with him and the strangely beautiful place he governs.

4) The Trials of Hercules by Tammie Painter

The Trails of Hercules is a retelling of the myth of Hercules told in a post-apocalyptic US. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this since it was a free book on kobo. This book is part of a series where each book follows a different myth and all of them are set in this version of the US. This book is an Adult book.

5) Goddess of Spring by P. C. Cast

Goddess of Spring is a Hades and Persephone retelling in which Persephone and a middle-aged woman switch bodies. Lina owns a restaurant which she is worried about having to close because she is running out of money. She ends up asking for help from the Goddess Demeter, and in return for the favor, she has to switch bodies with Persephone so that instead of Persephone having to go to the Underworld she would. Both girls end up falling in love, Persephone with the human world and restaurant in general, and Lina with Hades.

These are some of my favourite books I have read based on Greek/Roman mythology. If you have any recommendations please comment down below.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith Review

images from google

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown

Rating: 3/5

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance

Plot: The book follows the character of Hadley. An American girl is on her way to London to go to her father's wedding. Unluckily she misses her flight, however, she is lucky in the fact that she now gets to ride with the very handsome, British Oliver. 

Both characters have problems with their Dads that they are not ready to face on their own. However, over the course of the flight, Oliver and Hadley grow close to each other and each learns lessons to help them with their family struggles.

In my opinion parts of the book were rushed. Like I would have personally liked to see more interaction between the characters, and more of the time they spent together on the flight. I did like the discussion of the concept of family structure in this book and the concept of change. 

Characters:

Other than the main characters of Hadley and Oliver there was her Dad, her mom, Charlotte, and Violet. The rest of the characters were only briefly mentioned. 

I really liked the Dad's character because you could see how he was trying to still have a relationship with his daughter. Charlotte being very accepting of Hadley was also a really nice touch since that isn't always the case in YA books where one of the parents remarry. 

I liked the family dynamics between the characters in this book in general. Like the way, Hadley and her Mom would look out for each other, and the way her Mom is having difficulty accepting love in her life again, and her daughter accepts it. 

Oliver was also a very strong character in the book, however out of the main characters that impact Hadley's life I think he would have to be my least favourite. Honestly, Hadley's parents took over the book for me. 

Also, the fact that she literally met Oliver that day, and the majority of the book was either flashbacks referencing her parents or Oliver making her think about her Dad did impact the way I liked Oliver. 

Quotes: 

• "Love is the strangest most illogical thing in the world."
• "I feel better when I'm with you."
• "If you love something, set it free."

Would I Recommend: 

While I would recommend this book it wouldn't be to everyone. I mean if you really like contemporary romance novels then this might be your cup of tea. However, the subject matter in this book is interesting and something that some people go through with their parents divorcing and having to see their parents get married again. Personally, I also feel like I would have enjoyed this book better if I was a bit younger, and I wish I picked it up when I first added it to my tbr. 

They Both Die at The End by Adam Silvera Review

Images in post from google images

Review: They Both Die at The End by Adam Silvera

Title: They Both Die At The End

Author: Adam Silvera

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Genre: YA, LGBTQ, Romance, Adventure

Plot: This book takes place in the modern world. However, in this version of the world, they have a thing called death-cast where on the day you die someone calls to notify you that you are dying. Along with death-cast, there is an app called Last-friend where you can find someone to literally be your last-friend before you die. The book follows two main characters Mateo and Rufus who both receive a call at the start of that day. 

Characters: 

The main characters in this book are Mateo Torres and Rufus Emeterio. Mateo is a very shy character who doesn't really like to get out of his comfort zone. While Rufus is a character who is always trying things, and getting out there. 

Mateo and Rufus are characters that just complete each other because while they are almost exact opposites of each other they also fit together perfectly. 

Mateo has a backstory where his mom died giving birth to him, his dad is in the hospital, and his best friend has a daughter who he helped take care of.  You are first introduced to him while he is in his apartment receiving a call from death-cast.

Rufus is part of a group of other foster children called The Plutos. His family died after driving off a bridge into the water. When Rufus's character is introduced he is beating up Peck who is his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. 

Along with the main characters there are several side characters who get chapters in the book focusing on their character. 

For example Rufus's ex-girlfriend Aimee has a chapter. All the characters who have chapters in the book that aren't the main characters impact the lives of Rufus and Mateo somehow during their last day. 

Quotes:

• "No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end."
• "Entire lives aren't lessons but there are lessons in lives."
•  "Sometimes the truth is a secret you're keeping from yourself because living a lie is easier."
• "I can't just wish for a future; I have to take risks to create it." 
• "Some risks are worth it."
• "Leaving means living before you die."

Would I Recommend:

I would recommend this book for sure. It is definitely one of my favourite books I have read so far this year. This book had such impactful characters and a really interesting plot concept. It is definitely worth the read. 

Anime to watch if you like Ouran Highschool Host Club

images from google

I loved Ouran high school host club and have watched it many many times. These are some anime I have also enjoyed that you might like if you are looking for anime to watch after watching Ouran.

1) Maid- Sama

This show is on Netflix and it is amazing!!! It follows a girl who is the student council president. She hates guys. However, once school is over she has to go to work at her job at a Maid cafe. When the bad boy in the school finds out about her working at a Maid cafe she has to try her best to get him to keep her secret.

Like Ouran, this is an anime set in a school setting. The English dub version also has Monica Rial voicing the main character, and Rial was Renge in the dubbed version of Ouran.

2) Aoharu x Machine-gun

Instead of a host club the club this girl belongs to is a game that is almost like paint-ball. In the anime, the main character is a girl who gets confused as being a boy. In order to be a part of the group, she has to be a boy and over time she falls in love with the leader of the group. However, with him thinking she is a boy will her feelings ever be returned.

Like Ouran, this one has a female protagonist who gets confused as being a boy.

3) Vampire Knight

This show is also on Netflix and it is great. It takes place in this school where there are humans in the day class and vampires in the night class. The main character is in love with the leader of the night class, while her best friend is in love with her. 

Like Ouran, this one takes place at a school.

4) Kamisama Kiss

This show is about a girl who becomes the land god after saving the previous land god. She moves into the shrine and meets many different spiritual creatures. Including Tomoe who acts like he could care less about her sometimes. This show is available to watch on Funimation.

Like Ouran, this show has many funny moments, has characters that go to high school, and many male love interests. 

5) Diabolik Lovers

A reverse harem anime featuring vampire brother love interests. The main character moves to this house and discovers all the guys there are vampires. This show is great.

Like Ouran, this is a reverse harem anime.

June Wrap Up

June Wrap Up

images from google

Books Read: 

I managed to have a really good reading month this month and read 11 books. However, out of those 11 books, only two of them were five-star reads. I will list the books in order from lowest to highest rating. 

Stain by A.G. Howard

Rating 2/5 stars

This book was a major disappointment after reading and loving the Splintered series. This book follows the main character Lyra who is the princess of the kingdom which only has daylight. Lyra can't go out in the sun, has no voice, and has the ability to control moths and shadows. The prince of the kingdom that only has night has similar issues where he is blind in the dark so the kingdom has to be lit up for him. These both of them are supposed to complete each other and fix the world. This book is a princess and the pea retelling. I didn't like this book because it was very slow-paced, I didn't like the characters, and the story just wasn't for me. I found myself getting frustrated at the book and the characters a lot while reading this book. There were moments I did like but it didn't make up for the vast majority of the book which I didn't. However, the writing is beautiful and A.G. Howard is a great author this book just wasn't for me. 

The Upside of Falling by Alex Light

Rating 3/5 stars

The author of this book who is from Toronto became famous on Wattpad. This was her first novel that was actually published as a physical book. The book is about a girl who lies to her old friend about having a boyfriend. The really nice popular guy in her class acts as her fake boyfriend. They fall in love. The girl is living with her mom in a single-parent household because her dad left five years prior to being with another woman. While the boy has a family life that seems to be perfect. This book seemed like something I would read off of Wattpad, the characters weren't really too memorable (I can't even remember the names), and the romance felt very rushed. However, I did like the storyline in this book when it dealt with the family structures of each of the characters and thought that was really well done. I also read this in one sitting due to the fast-paced writing, and the fact that this isn't a super long book. It was a cute contemporary which I enjoyed. 

Engaged to an Alien Popstar by Kendra L. Saunders

Rating 3/5 stars

This was the sequel of Dating an Alien Pop Star which I also read this month. I definitely didn't like this one as much as I liked the first one. The characters are still funny, and cute and I still really enjoyed reading about them. I just wished for more, however, I still have to read the third one so who knows maybe that one will be better. 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Rating 3/5 stars

This book is about Hadley who is going to London in order to see her father get married. Due to circumstances she misses her flight and ends up meeting Oliver. The two of them help each other overcome and face things they weren't quite ready to on their own. 

Untamed and Ensnared by A.G. Howard

Rating 3.5/5 stars

Although two separate books since they are part of the same series I decided to put these two books together on the list since I rated them exactly the same. Untamed is the Splintered series Novella bind up which included three short stories to go along with the series. The first two were okay, while I really loved the last one which definitely increased the rating of the book for me. Ensnared was the final book in the Splintered series and the ending was rushed and terrible. Luckily the epilogue story in Untamed fixed the rushed ending giving me exactly what I wanted. 

Unhinged by A. G. Howard

Rating 4/5 stars

The second book in the Splintered series Unhinged definitely didn't disappoint. Also, Morpheus is on the cover, and in the love triangle in this series, he was my favourite. This book showed further development in all the characters and brought up new places. I also loved the ending of this book. 

The Trials of Hercules by Tammie Painter: 

Rating 4/5 stars

This book is a retelling of the myth of Hercules told in a dystopian US. This book was excellent and I loved how it was told in multiple POVs. This book also has such a great ending. The perfect amount of funny and romantic. I thought the book at times was slow but for the most part, I was able to get through this book quickly. I might pick up another book in the series but since each book follows a different myth I might not get the next book right away. 

April Raintree by Beatrice Mosioner

Rating 4/5 stars

I read this book for the book club that I am a part of and it was absolutely amazing. The main character is April Raintree and she is a Metis girl who gets put in the foster care system due to her parents not being able to take care of her and her younger sister Cheryll. This book is so powerful with a strong message. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. Even during the parts where it was hard to read. Trigger warning for the book: This book includes abuse, a rape scene, and suicide. 

Dating an Alien Pop Star by Kendra L. Saunders

Rating 5/5 stars

Since I already have a review of this up on my blog I will just say that this book is great. It is funny and cute and a really fast read. Also, it is a free ebook so it is definitely worth the chance. 

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Rating 5/5 stars

This book was so good. In this version of the world, individuals get notified on the day they are going to die. And Rufus and Mateo get notified that day. I am posting a review of this book on my blog so again I will only make this short as well. This book tore at my emotions. I knew because of the title that both characters were going to die but that didn't prepare me for this book. I read this book this month since none of the other books I read really featured LGBTQ characters and it is pride month. This was the first-ever Adam Silvera book I have ever read and it will not be the last. 

Anime watched

This month I finished watching two different shows. I watched all the shows on this list on Funimation 

My Hero Academia 

Rating 5/5 stars

I am now caught up entirely with the show and cannot wait for the next season to come out. This show is about Izuku Midoriya a quirkless boy who wants to become a hero. Things happen and he ends up getting accepted at UA a school for people to become heroes. Todoroki is my favourite character, however, all the characters in this show even the ones outside of class 1A are awesome. 

Barakamon

Rating 3.5/5 stars

I was really excited to watch this show but ended up not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. This one follows a calligrapher who goes to an island to work on his art after punching the director for an art exhibition in the face. On the island, he meets a little girl who he befriends. He also befriends several other people and falls in love with living there. There were moments I truly loved in this show however it is definitely not my favourite anime in its genre. It's short though so I would say it is still worth the watch. 

My Roommate is a cat

Rating 5/5 stars

Technically this was a rewatch but this show is great. As a cat owner who sometimes feels awkward when talking to people, I totally understood the main character Subaru at times. Also, I love the fact that the first half of the show is told from his perspective and the second half is told from the cats. This show is very unique and doesn't feature a romance. However, I really hope that Subaru ends up with the girl that works at the pet shop. I think they would be perfect for each other. This show was so cute though, only has 12 episodes and is 100 percent worth the watch. 

Highlighting Canadian Authors for Canada Day

Images from Google and official synopsis's from Goodreads

I don't know if you know this but I am a Canadian so I thought for Canada Day this year I would highlight some works by Canadian authors that are absolutely amazing.

1) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

This novel is set in a dystopian U.S. where if women are fertile they are forced to become the handmaids to rich families who can't have children of their own. This book is an incredible read, and Margaret Atwood is an amazing author.

Synopsis: "Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant because, in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now . . . "
2) Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

I can not talk about Canadian literature without mentioning this classic which takes place in beautiful P.E.I. This book is a childhood favorite that I have read numerous times. It follows Anne who is an orphan who goes to live with a couple on P.E.I. Originally the couple requested a boy and were surprised when Anne showed up although over time they fall in love with her and she becomes one of the biggest aspects of their lives.

Synopsis: "As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she'll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables." 
3) The Birth House by Amy McKay

I read this book for a book club that I am part of and absolutely loved it. It is about a woman in Nova Scotia who becomes the midwife for her community. Many other historical events take place in the book including the Halifax Explosion. This is a really great Canadian historical fiction read.
Synopsis: "Spanning the 20th century Ami McKay takes a primitive and superstitious rural community in Nova Scotia and creates a rich tableau of characters to tell the story of childbirth from its most secretive early practices to modern maternity as we know it. Epic and enchanting, 'The Birth House' is a gripping saga about a midwife's struggles in the wilds of Nova Scotia. As a child in the small village of Scot's Bay, Dora Rare -- the first female in five generations of Rares -- is befriended by Miss Babineau, an elderly midwife with a kitchen filled with folk remedies and a talent for telling tales. Dora becomes her apprentice at the outset of World War I, and together they help women through difficult births, unwanted pregnancies, and even unfulfilling marriages. But their traditions and methods are threatened when a Doctor comes to town with promises of painless childbirth and sets about undermining Dora's credibility. Death and deception, accusations and exile follow, as Dora and her friends fight to protect each other and the women's wisdom of their community."

4) Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

If you are looking for a YA fantasy I highly recommend checking out the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. There is also a spin-off series to falling kingdoms which I believe at first takes place in the modern world. Falling Kingdoms is told from multiple points of view and set in a very interesting fantasy world. Also, it's a finished series so you can binge-read the entire thing without having to wait for the next book to come out.

Synopsis: In the three kingdoms of Mytica, magic has long been forgotten. And while hard-won peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest now simmers below the surface.

As the rulers of each kingdom grapple for power, the lives of their subjects are brutally transformed... and four key players, royals and rebels alike, find their fates forever intertwined. Cleo, Jonas, Lucia, and Magnus are caught in a dizzying world of treacherous betrayals, shocking murders, secret alliances, and even unforeseen love.

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

It's the eve of war... Choose your side.

Princess: Raised in pampered luxury, Cleo must now embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of magic long thought extinct.

Rebel: Jonas, enraged at injustice, lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country cruelly impoverished. To his shock, he finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Sorceress: Lucia, adopted at birth into the royal family, discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Heir: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, firstborn son Magnus begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...
5) The Joanne Kilbourn Mystery series by Gail Bowen

Not only do I personally know this author but this mystery series is actually really really good. This series takes place in Saskatchewan and follows Joanne Kilbourn a middle-aged woman who just happens to usually get stuck having to solve a case. This book also deals with Joanne's family and the day-to-day aspects of her life.

Synopsis: "Andy Boychuk is a successful Saskatchewan politician – until one sweltering August afternoon when the party faithful gathers at a picnic. All of the key people in Boychuk’s life – family, friends, enemies – are there. Boychuk steps up to the podium to make a speech, takes a sip of water, and drops dead. Joanne Kilbourn, in her début as Canada’s leading amateur sleuth, is soon on the case, delving into Boychuk’s history. What she finds are a Bible college that’s too good to be true, a woman with a horrifying and secret past, and a murderer who’s about to strike again."

While there are many more Canadian authors I can add to this list I will just leave it at five. If you have any books written by Canadian authors that you really like you can comment down below. Also if you want to see another set of recommendations of books and series written by Canadian authors comment down below. Happy Canada Day!!!