Sage Nestler's Blog, page 57

Elsker by S.T. Bende

Title: Elsker

Author: S.T. Bende

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs. But when she transfers from her one-stoplight Oregon town to Cardiff University in Wales, she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. Ull is an honest-to-goodness Norse god — an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. On top of being marked for death, Asgardian law prohibits Ull from tying his fate to a mortal. No matter what she feels for Ull, Kristia knows she’s the one thing he can never have.

With Ragnarok on the horizon and a lunatic haunting her dreams, Kristia has to find a way to convince Ull that breaking the rules is the only way to survive; that defying the order he’s sworn to uphold is their only chance to be together. And when someone starts asking the wrong questions, Kristia realizes the crazy visions she’s had all her life might be the key to saving their realms… even if they end up costing her her life. (Elsker: The Elsker Saga, Book One)

Review:

Norse Mythology is a section of literature that is most often neglected, or only present in historical fiction.  But S.T. Bende took Norse Mythology to the next level and introduced it to the younger generations by incorporating the legends into an older young adult novel that connects the mythologies to today’s world.  As someone who is very passionate about Norse Mythology, I was very impressed with S.T. Bende’s novel, and how she was able to take the myths of Norse Mythology and translate them to reality.

Elsker is written from the perspective of our heroine, Kristia, a girl from a small town who has decided to attend Cardiff University in Wales.  Kristia is catapulted from a simple small town life into the world of the Norse gods and quickly becomes involved in an ancient battle that has come back to the surface.  This novel is not just a novel about a young girl finding herself and expanding her horizons, but about the power that mythology has on our contemporary lives and how those we meet may not be exactly who we think they are.

S.T. Bende’s novel is not just a novel for older young adults, but for people of all ages to learn about Norse Mythology and the origins of its age old concepts.  I have not found an older young adult novel as original as Elsker in quite some time, and I now know why this indie novel is an international bestseller.

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box Turns 6 Months Old

In celebration of our 6 month anniversary this October, I am going to dedicate this post to displaying all of the boxes we have sent out so far!  I am so excited about the progress we have achieved, and where this business is going.  We have shared with you all some amazing authors, and we have so many more in store!  Our 4 – D bookish experience has intensified the beautiful novels that we have sent out, and I am so honored by the positive feedback we have received.  We think of all of our subscribers as family, and it has been such a joy getting to know all of you❤

Remember that today is the last day that you can use your $5 off coupon on any subscription or one time box!  Just used “FLASHSALE” at checkout.

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

August 2016

August 2016 – Romance/Erotica Box

August 2016 – Poetry Box

I will post pictures of our September boxes when all of them have arrived so that there aren’t any spoilers!

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

September 2016 Lit – Cube Review: Haunted Hearts

Lit – Cube is a monthly young adult book subscription box that sends you a book, snack and multiple additional goodies.  They generally send a mix of hardcover novels or paperbacks that aren’t always published within the year, but they base each box on the novel chosen and the proposed theme.  I was particularly excited for this month’s box because of the “Haunted Hearts” theme, and I was not disappointed.

First off, the Lit – Cube box is adorable and is fun to find at your day on the day it arrives.

Upon opening the box you are introduced with a couple of notecards that display the theme of that month’s box, and the mission of Lit – Cube itself: to send an experience, and not just a box.  All of the items were wrapped in paper shreds and a large piece of tissue paper.  Nothing was damaged.

The first item I picked up was a faux leather journal with a ribbon bookmark.  The quote on the front was picked out specifically by the featured author and it reads:

“Keep a green tree in your heart, and perhaps a singing bird will come.”

The next couple of items were an old-fashioned quill pen and an ink pot.  These were my favorite elements to the box because it really added to that Victorian feel.  These, along with the journal, were an excellent curating move on the owner’s part.

A heavy locket with dried flowers inside was also included, and this item was very well made and connected right to the book chosen.

The snack included was a pack of dark chocolate hot chocolate.

A small bar of Mor Gardenia soap was also included to go along with the book.

And for the main attraction, the book chosen this month was The Architect of Song by A.G. Howard, along with a signed bookplate.  Each item included in this box was curated to link directly back to the novel, and that was an ingenious curating move.

In the past I have not been wildly impressed with Lit – Cube’s curating due to the fact that it always seemed to be lacking, but this month hit it out of the park.  It was a great experience, and one of the best curating moves I have seen in a box.

Subscribe to Lit – Cube: https://www.lit-cube.com/

Price: $34.95/month including shipping

Weekly Update – 09/19/16 – 09/25/16

Happy Monday Lovelies!

It has been quite a crazy few weeks on my end.  We have finally gotten to the point with the Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box that we require post office pickup and have been grappling with a new shipping service.  Last week we shipped out all of the September boxes through this new avenue with great success and are extremely excited for the future!  I am also in the process of working with new authors that I scouted out to be featured in our boxes starting in February, and getting those boxes planned and set has been extremely exciting.  We have some great new themes coming at you, and you won’t believe the amazing books that we have planned to share with you all.

First announcement…ahem…THE SURRENDERED BY CASE MAYNARD FROM BLAZE PUBLISHING RELEASES TOMORROW! YAY! Blaze is an amazing publisher that I have teamed up with personally for the Go Indie Now! Box, and I am in love with all of the books that they have chosen to release.  I read an ARC of The Surrendered back in July, and it is an amazing Dypstopian that will have you clawing at Case to write a sequel for.  Grab your copy on Amazon tomorrow, or pre-order it now and get it as soon as it is released!  Also, come back this week on the 21st when I will be doing a spotlight of the book as part of its release tour.  It will be a blast.  My review of The Surrendered can be found here.

Next, this week I will be reviewing:

Elsker by S.T. Bende
Perfekt Order by S.T. Bende

Last, I am now an affiliate for Mystical Mojo Box, a WONDERFUL spiritual box that will send you either mystical jewelry, a crystal box, or a box that combines many healing pieces surrounded all around a certain theme.  This is a great healing box that sends you positive vibes each month, and there are many different pricing options.

*Use code CHAKRA5 for 5% off of your first box*

 

I hope you all have an enlightening, beginning of fall week, and that your life is filled with many bookish adventures.  My site serves as a sanctuary for all spirituals and bibliophiles, and I hope that it brings some light to your day.

Much love,

Ashley

Fandom of the Month Club – Hufflepuff Special Edition

Rating: 4/5

Fandom of the Month Club is a monthly box that sends you jewelry pieces and accessories based on a certain fandom each month.  This review is for the special edition Hufflepuff box that they offered as a one time purchase for $16.98

One of the best things about this box is that the owners design all of the jewelry and have it made specifically for the box.  That means that the pieces you receive are one of a kind and are only available through them.  For this particular box you could choose which Hogwarts house you wanted your jewelry based on, and these were the items that were included:

An adorable sorting hat print that was designed specifically by the creators for the box.  The print reads:

“There’s nothing hidden in your head that The Sorting Hat can’t see, so try me on and I will tell you where you ought to be.”

A one of a kind bag designed with Hufflepuff’s mascot, the badger, and the word “Loyal” which defines the house of Hufflepuff.  This bag holds all of the jewelry included.

A Hufflepuff cup ring that has three different bands to be able to hold the entire cup on the ring.  When worn, this ring takes up the bottom third of my middle finger.  It is cold toned, and can be adjusted to fit a specific size.

A three chain necklace that has small plaques that read: “LOYAL”, “FRIENDLY”, and “HUFFLEPUFF”.  I love this chain necklace, but it is hard to get untangled.  Once it has been put in the bag that it came in, you have to work to get the tangles out before wearing it again.

A Hufflepuff charm bracelet.  This piece is my favorite from the set.  It is stretchable and contains charms that represent the house of Hufflepuff.  The first charm is of the sorting hat, a black bead charm, and a yellow jewel charm to represent the colors of Hufflepuff, and a small Hufflepuff charm that reads:

“You might belong in Hufflepuff where they are just and loyal, those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil.”

The last item included was a magnet with the Hufflepuff crest on it.  The art was created specifically by the company for the box, and the magnet is paper thin which made it perfect to put on my bookcase.  I also loved how the background was yellow.

Overall, this box was well worth the $16.98 paid. The pieces can’t be found elsewhere, and that makes this box one of a kind.  You can purchase their limited edition boxes once in a while when they are released, or you can choose to subscribe to their box and receive jewelry from a different fandom each month.  This box is perfect for those who love fandom themed jewelry, and for those on a budget.

*Overall this box was worth the money and beautifully curated, but the necklace is hard to keep untangled.*

Fandom of the Month Club – Gryffindor Special Edition Box Review

Rating: 4/5

Fandom of the Month Club is a monthly box that sends you jewelry pieces and accessories based on a certain fandom each month.  This review is for the special edition Gryffindor box that they offered as a one time purchase for $16.98

One of the best things about this box is that the owners design all of the jewelry and have it made specifically for the box.  That means that the pieces you receive are one of a kind and are only available through them.  For this particular box you could choose which Hogwarts house you wanted your jewelry based on, and these were the items that were included:

An adorable sorting hat print that was designed specifically by the creators for the box.  The print reads:

“There’s nothing hidden in your head that The Sorting Hat can’t see, so try me on and I will tell you where you ought to be.”

A unique magnet designed by the company of the Gryffindor crest.  I particularly like that this has the red background to intensify the house colors.  This magnet is paper thin and works beautifully as a magnet, or small poster.  I put mine on the glass door of my bookcase as a small poster.

A custom Gryffindor bag that holds all of the jewelry included.

A three chain necklace that includes plaques that read “BRAVE”, “DARING”, and “GRYFFINDOR”.  I particularly liked this necklace, but since it is a three-chain necklace it gets tangled up very easily and is hard to undo.

A sword of Gryffindor that is wrapped to function as a ring.  It is adjustable, and one of my favorite pieces from the box.

A pair of gold Gryffindor lion earrings.  These studs are adorable, and are settle, but classy.

A Gryffindor themed charm bracelet.  This is by far one of the best items in the box.  The bracelet itself is adjustable and and has a red jewel charm, a gold bead charm, a sorting hat charm, and a Gryffindor saying charm that reads:

“You might belong in Gryffindor where dwell the brave at heart, their daring nerve and chivalry, set Gryffindors apart.”

Overall, this box was well worth the $16.98 paid. The pieces can’t be found elsewhere, and that makes this box one of a kind.  You can purchase their limited edition boxes once in a while when they are released, or you can choose to subscribe to their box and receive jewelry from a different fandom each month.  This box is perfect for those who love fandom themed jewelry, and for those on a budget.

*The only problem was that the necklace is hard to keep untangled.*

 

Growth Spurt by Roxie Prince

Title: Growth Spurt

Author: Roxie Prince

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Two years after the end of The Way We Go, the debut novel by Roxie Prince, Growth Spurt picks back up with Katie Sterling and her friends as they turn thirteen and enter the confusing era of their lives wherein they are unsure whether to start growing up or to cling tightly to their childhoods.

Katie grapples with her boycrazy peers, and her inability to connect with them. As a member of the Young Debutante Society, she has her “coming out” party to prepare for, but her friendships and her identity come into question as the event approaches.

Michaela’s family is in turmoil over her parents’ divorce, and she and her brother rebel. Michaela tries to find solace in chaos, but her desire to grow up too fast puts her in a terrible position, leaving her feeling more alone than ever before.

Rachael and Aubrey struggle to find their place in their new dynamic. Aubrey’s strong Mormon faith and head-in-the-the-clouds personality separates her from her friends. Rachael struggles to assert herself and form an identity of her own while balancing the excitement of her first, secret, boyfriend.

All four girls have a lot of growing up to do; whether they do it together or not is what they’ll have to decide.

Review:

One thing that I love about Roxie Prince’s writing is that she can write from the perspective of thirteen year olds, and still make her writing fit for readers of all ages.  As someone in my 20s, I adored this book due to the heavy topics that were discussed, and I adored how Prince didn’t sugarcoat the pre-teen experience.  All of the characters that she chose to be in her cast were raw and real, and I found myself confused and hurting along with them.

Most books that I read that do involve characters in their pre-teens are dumbed down to the point where no one outside of the age range would be able to enjoy the writing.  This genre definitely needs more books like Prince’s to show that young people don’t need books that sugarcoat their experience, but help them to fight through their struggles and experiences with characters who know what they are going through.  Books that don’t shy away from tough experiences are the most valuable of all, and Growth Spurt is one of them.

Even though this novel is a sequel to Prince’s first book, The Way We Go, it can stand by itself and the reader doesn’t need to have knowledge of the first novel.  Growth Spurt just follows the main character’s sister from The Way We Go as she enters her teen years and struggles with feelings that she is not used to.  Prince did an excellent job of following three main pre-teens, while also showing insight from their parents and peers to intensify the story.  Her writing grapples with homosexuality, drug abuse, divorce, eating disorders, and so much more.  As someone who has struggled with multiple of these issues, I found myself connecting to each of the characters that struggled throughout the book, and I even felt that the book was healing to myself after all of this time.

The fact of the matter is, Prince deserves a wider audience.  Her books could easily be taking over the bookshelves of bookstores nationwide, and that is my honest opinion.  She knows her audience, but also knows how to write books that can be enjoyed by all.  Anyone who is in their pre-teens, or has grown up as a woman, needs to read this book.  It will change you.

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM:   Book Review Request Form

*Book reviews are free, but I am only accepting paperback copies as of right now.  My e-book review list is full.*

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX:   Go Indie Now!

 

Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box FLASH SALE

Hello Everyone!

As a thank you for all of our supporters we are holding a FLASH SALE until September 20 at Go Indie Now!  Use the code “FLASHSALE” at checkout to receive $5 off of any plan or one time item from our shop, including our Celtic Lore: Myths & Legends – Limited Edition Box!

Thank you to everyone who has supported our box!  We are truly blessed to be able to share with you great up and coming indie authors as well as items to help you relax and escape from your troubles each month.

Shop Now!

Much Love,

Ashley

Weekly Update – 09/12/16 – 09/18/16

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

I apologize for this late post!  This week I already reviewed The Way We Go by the very talented Roxie Prince, and I will be reviewing Growth Spurt by Roxie later this week.

This week is also shipping week for Go Indie Now!, which is why I have been so busy!  Yay!  All September boxes are going out this week, and October boxes are now ready to order.  I am insanely excited to announce our October themes for the very first time, so here they are!

General Fiction Box: Shadows Linger – A bibliotherapy session for adults who wish they could still trick or treat (gothic/supernatural genres)
Romance/Erotica Box: Tainted Love – A bibliotherapy session for those who would like a taste of the darker side of romance
Poetry Box: Hopes and Fears – A bibliotherapy session to celebrate all of the darkness and light that is present in our lives (Our poetry box will feature an XL poetry themed blanket by Lazy Shift Linens!)

And, as always, 10% of every purchase benefits Knitted Knockers, and NAMI – The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Y0u can use code “GIMMENOW” for 10% off of your first month!  Go Here to Order

I hope that you all have a beautiful week, and remember that you are all valuable and important.  Don’t let anyone tell you anything different!

Much love,

Ashey

 

The Way We Go by Roxie Prince

Title: The Way We Go

Author: Roxie Prince

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Lindsay Picou is sixteen going on thirty. She’s been forced to not only take care of herself, but to raise her little sister, too, because their mother, Gloria, is a part-time prostitute and a full-time wanderer. Then, Gloria meets Ben. He not only changes her life for the better, but Lindsay’s, too. These changes come with a set of challenges Lindsay isn’t equipped for; she has to learn to be a student, a friend, and a daughter. In short, she has to learn how to be herself in a completely new world, and she is forced to learn things about the people in her life that both hurt and free her. Just when she starts to feel like she’s getting a handle on things, she meets Micah, Ben’s best friend, and things get a lot more complicated.

Review:

I am always looking for great novels that realistically portray the human experience, and The Way We Go does just that.  Roxie Prince doesn’t sugar coat the late teen experience, or the reality of growing up in a broken family with a parent who is not reliable.  I felt connected to Lindsay, the heroine, in so many ways, and my heart was broken and mended constantly throughout the novel.

What I loved most about Prince’s writing, however, was how she was able to mix artistic language with remarkable descriptions and observations.  A great example of this is:

“Locks of glossy black hair fell across her face, and Lindsay couldn’t help but notice how beautiful her mother was and think how it had been a curse rather than a blessing.”

Through that quote Prince breaks the traditional belief that all characters who are pretty have the easiest lives.  She turned all of these stereotypes on their head and revealed the truth that most of us want to avoid.

“All she knew for sure was that she wanted to be strong and powerful and in control of her own life, whatever position she may be in.  She hoped, when she was all grown up, she would be.  Being a kid was unfair; you controlled nothing about your own life.”

I admire Prince as an author, and compare her to other great writers who write on the human experience, such as Jodi Picoult, my favorite author.  Her work is for young adults and adults alike, and many could learn from the experiences that she writes about.

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM:   Book Review Request Form

*Book reviews are now free, but I am only accepting paperback copies as of right now.  My e-book review list is full.*

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX:   Go Indie Now!