Review: Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

When this book comes out in June you need to go and get yourself a copy.

 I stayed up until 4am reading this book despite the fact that a two year old would be up at 7 ready to start her day. It was so worth it. The ending itself was just perfect. Last two words of the book got the tears flowing. 

From the very first pages, I was intrigued by Nastya, the new girl in school that doesn't talk and Josh, the one everyone avoids. Millay gives nothing away at the beginning and slowly divulges more and more information about the two of them as they get to know each other. Both are going through some really tough things that no kids should have to deal with. They are lucky to find some solace and saving from each other while woodworking in Josh's garage.

This was such a beautiful story about second chances. I will be getting myself a copy in June as well and sharing with everyone I know who loves a good book.

Source: Net Galley

Emotion: tranquility

Happy Reading! _________________________________________  
FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Diana Bishop is the daughter of two powerful witches who fights the magical side of herself. While researching alchemical manuscripts at the Oxford library, she unwilling calls a bewitched manuscript to herself that has been hidden for centuries. This use of magic and the unearthing of the book, brings much attention from numerous creatures that are after the book and/or her power. Amongst these creatures is Matthew Clairmont, a dark, handsome vampire who may not only be interested in the book.
Their relationship ends up being the true story here and the reason for all the fuss from the other vampires, witches and daemons. You see, creatures are not supposed to mix with each other but nothing will keep Diana and Matthew apart for they seem to be destined to be together. The mystery of why and what their union means is the story of A Discovery of Witches.
The similarities of Matthew, the overprotective, overly handsome vampire and Diana, the girl who doesn't know her own beauty and power, with that of a certain other vampire love story had me thinking I wasn't going to enjoy this book. The beginning, when they meet and are getting to know each other, read very similar to Twilight, unfortunately. However, once the story shifted a bit to include the mystery of the book, the science and history of their ancestors and how creatures came to be, I forgot about that other book and just enjoyed the creativeness of this story.  
My only other problem, was the ending. It dragged on for quite awhile. The last few chapters, really could have been condensed into one. Despite that, though, I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy to see how Diana and Matthew fair in 16th Century England.
Source: borrowed

Lost or Found

UK/France

Happy Reading! _________________________________________
 FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.

What's in a Name Challenge

Okay, One more Challenge. I guess this is one problem of actually finding a little time to read some blogs; I find more Challenges to do! I couldn't pass this one up, though. I have seen it over the years but never participated. Thought it was time to give it a try. Here are the specifics:

Between January 1 and December 31, 2013, read one book in each of the following categories:

1. A book with up or down (or equivalent) in the title: Deep down True, The Girl Below, The Diva Digs up the Dirt

1. A book with something you'd find in your kitchen in the title: Loose Lips Sink Ships, The Knife of Never Letting Go, Breadcrumbs

1. A book with a party or celebration in the title: A Feast for Crows, A Wedding in Haiti, Cocktail Hour under the Tree of Forgetfulness

1. A book with fire (or equivalent) in the title: Burning for Revenge, Fireworks over Toccoa, Catching Fire

1. A book with an emotion in the title: Baltimore Blues, Say You're Sorry, Dreams of Joy

1. A book with lost or found (or equivalent) in the title: The Book of Lost Fragrances, The World We Found, A Discovery of Witches

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Fun, right?  Want to join? Visit Beth Fish Reads, who is hosting the challenge this year and sign up!
Happy Reading! _________________________________________
FTC Disclosure: Clicking on book title and/or image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page.