Muse of Nightmares // Laini Taylor // ★★★★.5☆ – FFJDSKFJSLKJFLKSDF. That is an accurate description of my feelings for this book. Honestly, it wasn’t what I was expecting; IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER. It had Mental Illness representation by the truckloads and basically was an answer to my many complaints about mental illness rep in the YA fantasy genre. Taylor explores the long-lasting emotional effects of war, and gosh, it all just felt so authentic. So real.
Mirage // Somaiya Daud // ★★★★☆ – WHAT’S THIS? A DIVERSE FANTASY NOVEL??? YyyeeEEEEEEEEEeessSS! *throws confetti* Here are three reasons I loved this book:
- It has a unique setting and beautifully-developed worldbuilding.
- There is poetry. I love it when there’s poetry.
- It’s a perfect mix of Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
There. Three reasons. Now go forth and read.
Shadow of the Fox // Julie Kagawa // ★★★★★★★★★★ – Buddy read with May @ My 1st Chapter. THIS BOOK DESERVES ALL THE STARS. ALL. OF. THEM. Honestly, Shadow of the Fox is hands down my favorite read of 2018. It has the best Japanese representation I’ve ever found in a book and there are so many clever nods to both traditional and pop culture. It made me feel like I really was in Japan. Oh wait, I already am. I will continue screaming about this book for the rest of my life. Probably.
Wildcard // Marie Lue // ★★★☆☆ – I wasn’t particularly in love with Warcross, but I liked it well enough to pick up the second book. I thought maybe Wildcard would turn things around for me – but the result was about the same as the first installment. HOWEVER!!!!! IT IS SET IN JAPAN, SO BONUS POINTS FOR THAT!
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before // Jenny Han // ★★★.5☆☆ – Reading this book was like eating an ice cream sundae covered with hot fudge, melted caramel, strawberry sauce, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. It was just that sweet and soft. I think I might have gotten a cavity…
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power // Anybody else out there in love with this show? BECAUSE FOR THE HONOR OF GREYSKULL I AM. It has:
- Cute hand-drawn animation. YASSSSSSSS.
- Witty Humor
- Complex villains that you end up liking despite the fact they’re evil
- A weird pirate(ish??) dude who likes to set his ship on fire. OH and sea shanties. There’s definitely sea shanties.
- FRIENDSHIP, RAINBOWS, AND A TALKING UNICORN THAT ADVOCATES FOR HORSE RIGHTS.
I mean, what else could you really want out of life? NOTHING, THAT’S WHAT.
Crazy Rich Asians // I finally, FINALLY, got the chance to see this movie. Curse you international copyright laws! Initially, I was worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype, BUT I WAS A FOOL AND OF COURSE IT LIVED UP TO IT. Bok Bok.
Ant-Man and the Wasp // Luis is absolutely the best part of this whole movie. Whenever he starts telling a story, I just start crying. 😭😭😭😭
- Kal @ Reader Voracious dropped her 2019 book blogger template. GUYZZZZZ KAL IS LITERALLY A SPREADSHEET MAGICIAN. She is magical and you need those spreadsheets in your life. Take my word for it – you just really do.
- Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books celebrated 4 years of blogging !!!
- Elise @ The Bookish Actress wrote a MASTER POST on how to be a better book blogger, and it is so thorough! I think I’ve bookmarked it in at least three different places.
- Malanie @ Malanie Reads Fiction wrote a beginner’s guide to reading contemporary fiction AND I NEEDED THIS SO BAD.
- Shruti @ This is Lit talked about how to make your blog your personal brand.
- Clo @ Book Dragons and Sam @ Fictionally Sam announced the Bookending Winter event for 2018!
How was your month?
How many books were you able to read? Which books were they?
What movies or TV shows did you watch?
Tell me all about it in the comments!
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I only read 4 books this month, but 2 of them were 5 stars! Wise Man’s Fear and The Brilliant Death. Shadow of the Fox is sooooo gooooooood.
Wow! two five star reads in one month is awesome! Quality over quantity, am I right? I’ve heard that The Brilliant Death is good – I’m so glad that you liked it! It’s on my TBR.
AND YASSSSSSSHHH. I’m so glad you loved Shadow!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed Shadow of the Fox, although I didn’t love it as much as you, it’s definitely one of the most unique books I’ve read this year and it was just SO MUCH FUN. When I was reading it, I also had the feeling that I might be missing a few nods to things related to anime (as I’m not knowledgeable on that area at all). I’ve also got Julie Kagawa guest posting on my blog today about her fave Asian folklore which I’m fangirling about JUST A LITTLE BIT.
I’m really excited to watch Crazy Rich Asians, so glad to hear you enjoyed it. :D
BECKKYYYYY! Thanks so much for the wonderful comment, dearie :) I honestly think I loved Shadow of the Fox so much because of my connection to and knowledge of Japanese culture – if I didn’t have that, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much. So, I’m probably super biased haha.
AND YOU HAVE JULIE KAGAWA POSTING ON YOUR BLOG????? THAT’S FREAKIN’ AWESOME! *scurries off to read that post*
Adding Shadow of the Fox to my list as we speak! You had me at “anime in book form” ;) I’m stoked! :D Thanks so much for the great recommendations!
I am SO SO SO glad that you are added Shadow to your TBR! It’s so great – especially if you have any anime knowledge. There are so many little easter eggs thrown in! And thank YOU for the lovely comment, Kenzie!! It made me smile really big :)
I’m still not over the pure masterpiece that was Muse AHHHHHH! Also you 100% just convinced me to read Shadow of the Fox and now I can’t wait to read it❤️❤️❤️
Great wrap up Kat & I hope you enjoy all your reads next month too !!!
BRAINNA!!!!! Muse was a total masterpiece, wasn’t it?? And I’m so so so glad to hear that you are going to pick up Shadow of the Fox! DM ME YOUR THOUGHTS AS YOU READDDDDD. I would love to hear what you think of it! Thanks again for the lovely comment and all your support :)
ALL OF THESE BOOKS!!! i just want to read every book you’ve read this month, bc you loved them and there is sm fantasyyy <3 I remember reading Mirage and enjoying it, but desperately wishing she & her brothers got more page time. they were so cute together and loved each other sm i adore siblings w my entire being
also I'm currently reading Strange the Dreamer and LAZLO!!!! HIS CUTE HUMBLE ADVENTUROUS HEART OF MARSHMALLOW PUFF???? I also kind of like the golden godson even though right now he's a little sh*t to said marshmallow puff.
also when you mentioned Shadow of the Fox (which I want to read nowww) I was immediately struck w familiarity, because the author's name is so familiar???? but i just looked at all the covers of her books on google and nothing looked like something i can remember,,,,i think i've finally lost my mind kdsjf lskjdflkjslfkj
It was a book about a badass vampire(demon/angel/?) and a soft preacher's son idkkk I need to do research XD
also i'm still shocked that I DNF To All the Boys back in the summer, i don't know who I am as a person. i think I had just finished The Foxhole Court and nothing could compare XD
MALANIE.
THIS COMMENT.
KILLED ME.
I’M DEAD FROM JOY.
I am so, so, sooooooOOoOoOOO glad to hear you are enjoying Strange the Dreamer. GOSH, it is a freakin’ masterpiece. If one day I can write like Laini Taylor, my life will be complete. She is a goddess.
You should totally read Shadow of the Fox. IT HAS A GREAT FOUND FAMILY. I just love found families, don’t you? Of course you do :)
Hahaha I liked To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before, but I’m not sure if it is because I liked it as it’s own thing, or because it felt like watching an extended edition of the movie *shrugs*
ANYWAYS THANKS AGAIN. YOU ARE THE BEST. WE SHOULD BUDDY READ SOMETHING TOGETHER SOON BTW. Just sayin’.
OH GOD, WE FOR SURE SHOULD!!!??? OUR BUDDY READ WOULD BE REMARKABLE AND ICONIC AND WOULD BECOME A FABLE PEOPLE TELL THEIR GRANDCHILDREN
YASHHHHHHH. LET’S DO IT.
It seems like you had a pretty good reading month, yay! I’m glad you enjoyed Mirage, I read that one a couple months ago and I really enjoyed it as well :)
And YAY for watching Crazy Rich Asians! I haven’t had a chance to see it just yet, but I’m really curious to do so. I’m currently reading and enjoyin the book, I am so curious about the adaptation :)
Thank you so, so, so much for sharing my post! <3 I hope you'll have a wonderful December xx
Thank you so much, Marie! I hope you are able to watch Crazy Rich Asians soon – I think you will enjoy it :) I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying the book. It’s always interesting to see how books are turned into movies.
I hope you have a wonderful December too :) Thanks for all your continued love and support!
I’m really curious to see the differences between book and movie as well, so I hope to see it soon :D
[…] Shadow of the Fox: (buddy read with my fav, kat) […]
Thanks for the shoutout! And I love your reaction to To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before! I didn’t expect to like the book much, but OMG it’s so sweet and cute! ❤️
ISN’T IT THOUGH??? I’m not one for fluffy books, but TATBILB MADE ME WANT ALL THE FLUFF.
Uhm, I am just here to say that I absolutely LOVE your graphics! They look so great :D But I am also happy you watched and read mostly great things!
Thanks so much, Kat :) I didn’t read as much as last month, but you know what they say: quality over quantity. I hope you have a great December!
Oh, it’s nice you didn’t have a “me no likey” book this month. Always a good thing!
I still need to read the All the Boys book cuz i want to watch the movie :D
Same with the Crazy Rich Asians.
Yeah, I didn’t read as much as last month, but I enjoyed everything I did read. And as the saying goes: quality over quantity, right? I look forward to hearing what you have to say about both TATBILB and Crazy Rich Asians :)
ayyyy i’m ALWAYS SO EXCITED for your posts you cant even imagine. it looks like you had such a wonderful month im so happyyyy 😭😭😭 i want to watch crazy rich asians SO BADLY, but im waiting for the perfect time
and im so glad you loved muse of nightmares and mirage, they were both incredible books and yasss for the best buddy read ever!!! it was an honour to br with you :*
i hope you have an amazing december <3 <3
DAWWWW MAY YOU ARE SO SWEET! I’m so glad you like my posts because I totally feel the same way about yours hehe.
And once you get around to watching Crazy Rich Asians, I DEMAND THAT YOU TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS….please :) I need to know your reaction.
ALSO, thanks A MILLION for all of your support and kindness, May! It’s people like you who make book blogging so much fun!
So many positive ratings, YAASSS GIRL! :D I am so so happy you loved Shadow of the Fox because it’s one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I am in love with the cover and the concept and I was just dreading it would disappoint me BUT NO you have filled me with joy and excitement all over again <3 <3 I can't wait to dive into that Japanese mythology goodness and emerge victorious (hopefully)
I have been absolutely in love with Strong Girl Boong-Soon (Korean drama on Netflix) but I've finished it and now I don't know what to do with my life. I'll probably get some reading done and blog hop more. Which is still win-win!
Anyway, great post as always lovely <3 I adore your graphics so much, you put us all to shame 😭
I’m SO GLAD that you are hyped for Shadow of the Fox! You’ve GOT to let me know when you finish reading it because I just want to geek out with more people about it. Plus, I wanna know your thoughts.
And YAY FOR K-DRAMAS!!!! I’ve never heard of Strong Girl Boong-Soon, but now that you’ve introduced me…*goes and finds it on Netflix*
Thanks Sophie for your kind words and your support! It means so much to me!
YES I WANT TO FANGIRL WITH YOU TILL THE END OF TIMES!! (please let me love it, please please please)
And sure thing! I hope you enjoy Bong-Soon, it’s the cutest and funniest k-drama I’ve watched so far <3
I’m glad to see that you had such a great reading month!
I was already really excited about Shadow of the Fox, but now I’m 10x more excited after reading your thoughts. It sounds incredible!
I’m so glad that I was able to help you get more excited for Shadow of the Fox! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it.
Thanks for always stopping by, Rose! Your support means the world to me. Seriously.
💜💜💜
I am so glad that you loved Mirage, that book is such a damn treasure! I am really excited to read Shadow of the Fox, especially since you loved it so much!!!
Thanks for linking to my spreadsheets, I am so pleased everyone seems to like it!
Mirage is pretty amazing, isn’t it?. And you’ve GOTTA tell me what you think of Shadow of the Fox when you get around to it!
And OF COURSE I linked to your spreadsheets – they are masterpieces that need to be shared with the world.
I really want to re-read Mirage sometime soon, it was so enjoyable!
You always make me want to read the books you talk about. It is really increasing my already large TBR 😂 but I love adding more books to it 😂
I agree that Luis is one of the best parts about Ant man. I love it when he is telling a story 😂
I haven’t gotten round to watching crazy rich Asians but I really want to even more now.
I have had quite a good reading month for me– I feel like I have been in a slump for most the year– I have read 4 books and I enjoyed all of them actually so it was really good. 😊
The fact that I help grow your TBR list is something that I am very proud of :) Also, I’m glad to hear that you were able to read four books, like them all, AND get out of your reading slump! That is amazing! I hope your December is just as great :)
Haha 😂 yes it does feel great– thank you. Thank you, I hope you have a good December as well 😊
I LOVED Warcross, but also had mixed feelings about Wildcard, mainly because of the romance. The setting and world building saved it for me though somewhat
SAME. It also had a disturbing lack of fun Virtual Reality games, which was what was so fun about Warcross.
YAY! So happy you enjoyed your reads this month! I was a HUGE fan of Shadow of the Fox (I love me some Japanese fantasy! <3 ) and really enjoyed Mirage too! And I seriously need to pick up Crazy Rich Asian asap! I honestly don't know why I haven't read it yet! I've been a bit hesitant to read Wildcard, since I've heard it's a bit underwhelming, but will probably still pick it up some time!
I hope you have a lovely December filled with great books and lots of waffles! <3
I’m SO GLAD to hear that you enjoyed Shadow of the Fox as much as I did :) I haven’t read Crazy Rich Asians, so you’ll have to let me know if it is as good as the movie!
So happy to hear that Shadow of the Fox and Mirage are good! I cannot wait to get to them! :)
I am excited to hear your thoughts on both of them!
[…] When All Is Read And Done // November 2018 Wrap-Up by Kat @NovelsWaffles […]
[…] I think (see what I mean about me being behind on my tags haha) and a few weeks ago by Kat @NovelsandWaffles. I thought I’d combine both of these and answer both sets of […]
I haven’t read To All the Boys, but I watched the Netflix adaptation and it was so so cute. AHH CRAZY RICH ASIANS. Hahaha, bok bok. I heard they might be making a second movie about Astrid! And Ant-man and the Wasp!!! THE END CREDITS THOUGH. Have you seen trailers for Captain Marvel or Avengers: End Game? It’s weird calling it that, I still think about it as Infinity War part two. I read some good books in November- Foolish Hearts, Foundryside.