Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 188

5 Books I'm Excited to Read in 2019

Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.

This book looks awesome. I love a good story about a king that must rebuild his kingdom, but of course magic is involved. Magic makes everything better.



The Winds of Winter is the forthcoming sixth novel in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.

The previous installment, A Dance with Dragons, covered less story than Martin intended, omitting at least one planned large battle sequence and leaving several character threads ending in cliffhangers. Martin intends to resolve these cliffhangers "very early" in The Winds of Winter, saying "I'm going to open with the two big battles that I was building up to, the battle in the ice and the battle at Meereen—the battle of Slaver's Bay. And then take it from there."

Any epic fantasy lover should be excited about this. How long have we waited? How long must we keep waiting? Its going to be torture trying to hold in the anticipation. Who's with me?






In this new instalment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . . 

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.Will this series never end? I sure hope not. I'm always intrigued when a new Mery Thompson Book comes out. I loved the last one and I'm excited to read this one. In the stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, following The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya returns to save Russia and the spirit realm, battling enemies both mortal and magic.Yep, here it is. We don't have long to wait now. I managed to get my hands on an e-galley for this one and I loved it. I'm really wanting to get my hands on a physical copy to add to my book shelf. Look how gorgeous this cover is. 



Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.

High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.YES! Every book in this series gets better and better. What can this new story bring? Will I love it as much as the last. I think I might. These are just a few books coming in 2019 that I'm excited to read. There are so many though, it was hard to choose, and of course, the publishers are adding more and more as time goes on. What books are you excited to read next year?

November 2018 Wrap Up

I can't believe November is already over. I probably say the same thing every month, but it just seems like this year is flying by and I can't stop it. I decided to start reading a lot of the books on the Goodreads choice awards for 2018. I'm starting with the children and poem books and working my way through the list. I'm hoping to have the whole list read by the time the 2019 awards come around. 
I spotlighted some of my favorite reads this month, so make sure you keep your eyes on those ones.
Lets get on to Novembers awesome reads.

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, soon to be a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.

Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.
Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.
We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.
Add to Goodreads
Blue de la Cour has her life planned: hide the magic in her blood and continue trying to turn metal into gold so she can help her city’s homeless. But when her father is murdered and a cruel but powerful woman claims custody of Blue and her property, one wrong move could expose her—and doom her once and for all. The only one who can help? The boy she’s loathed since childhood: Prince Kellan.

Kellan Renard, crown prince of Balavata, is walking a thin line between political success and devastating violence. Newly returned from boarding school, he must find a bride among the kingdom’s head families and announce his betrothal—but escalating tension among the families makes the search nearly impossible. He’s surprised to discover that the one person who makes him feel like he can breathe is Blue, the girl who once ruined all his best adventures.
When mysterious forces lead to disappearances throughout Balavata, Blue and Kellan must work together to find the truth. What they discover will lead them to the darkest reaches of the kingdom, and to the most painful moments of their pasts. When romance is forbidden and evil is rising, can Blue save those she loves, even if it costs her everything? Add on Goodreads
This book is about Bear... so what happens when he doesn't show up on his page? Who will find him? Will it be Giraffe, who himself seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or Cow, or perhaps even the author herself?

One thing's for sure--it probably won't be Duck. Duck doesn't seem concerned that Bear is missing. In fact, he seems to be trying to steal the show for himself! Duck would much prefer that the reader pick up his own book, The Duck Who Showed Up. He even disguises himself as Bear in an attempt to fool the reader. But after pages and pages of Duck's antics and search-party chaos, Bear appears somewhere utterly unexpected. In fact, it looks like someone may have tried to get rid of him on purpose....
LeUyen Pham's The Bear Who Wasn't There takes readers a hilarious search for the missing title character. 
Add on Goodreads




In the stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, following The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya returns to save Russia and the spirit realm, battling enemies both mortal and magic.
Add on Goodreads

As the last child in a family of daughters, seventeen-year-old Janneke was raised to be the male heir. While her sisters were becoming wives and mothers, she was taught to hunt, track, and fight. On the day her village was burned to the ground, Janneke—as the only survivor—was taken captive by the malicious Lydian and eventually sent to work for his nephew Soren.

Janneke’s survival in the court of merciless monsters has come at the cost of her connection to the human world. And when the Goblin King’s death ignites an ancient hunt for the next king, Soren senses an opportunity for her to finally fully accept the ways of the brutal Permafrost. But every action he takes to bring her deeper into his world only shows him that a little humanity isn’t bad—especially when it comes to those you care about.
Through every battle they survive, Janneke’s loyalty to Soren deepens. After dangerous truths are revealed, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her last connections to a world she no longer belongs to. She must make the right choice to save the only thing keeping both worlds from crumbling.
Add on Goodreads

The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.
Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.
Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .
That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other. 
Add on Goodreads

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #277

Happy Monday! Its back... like always... And Christmas is coming closer and closer. I have already started buying presents for the boys and the other day when I came home from work, the dog had gotten into the closet and destroyed my youngest son's present. The dog ruined Christmas!!! Of course, that came after the cat peed in the ottoman. Lets just say, the cat lives outside permanently now and the dog has a smaller area of the house that has absolutely nothing to chew on.

This weeks book is going to be Crazy Rich Asians. I've heard a lot of good things about this book and about the movie so I;m really excited to dive into this one. What will you be reading this week?

Lets get on with the menu. Enjoy!

Monday- Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Tuesday- Pork Carnitas Tacos
Wednesday- Balsamic Fig Chicken
Thursday- Steak with Green Beans
Friday- Pineapple Chicken
Saturday- Sriracha Lime Cheeseburger
Sunday- Baby Back Ribs
- Mac and Cheese
- Corn and Zucchini

One Side of a Firing Squad | Romanov by Nadine Brandes

Title: RomanovBy: Nadine BrandesGenre: Historical FantasyPages: 352Release Date: May 7th, 2019Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Summary from Goodreads: From the author of Fawkes comes a magical take on the story of Anastasia Romanov.
The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . .

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
Add on Goodreads

Review: How excited are you to pick up this book? You wont be disappointed. A magical retelling of Anastasia based in historical facts, a wonderful twist to a story that has captivated the world for generations. 
What I really loved about this book was the deep rooted plot in actual history. If there was no magic element at all I would still be drawn to the dark story of the Romanov's and the terrible last days they had to endure. The hope, the fear, the pain. It was all intertwined into a wonderful journey. 
There was one thing that I didn't like, I know, just one. The first half of the book touched on the magical element, but didn't really dive into it. I waited and waited for something magical to happen, but really nothing spectacular occurred. The magic that was there, was slow and took forever to conjure. 
Even without the magic, the story was still worth the read. I dove in with both feet and couldn't put the book down. Four out of Five stars.   
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mortal and Magic | Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

Title: The Winter of the WitchBy: Katherine ArdenGenre: FantasyPages: 336Release Date: January 8th, 2019Publisher: Del Rey
Summary from Goodreads: In the stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, following The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya returns to save Russia and the spirit realm, battling enemies both mortal and magic.
Add on Goodreads

Review: WHAT! This book was an epic journey into the realm of magic and midnight, a fantastic twist to what we already love. Our favorite heroin Vasya is on the run as a supposed witch, after she saved the people of Russia. She knows that the battle isn't over though, and must find a way to return to her brother's side to save the ones she loves. 
I really enjoyed this third book in the series. In true Katherine Arden fashion, we get a nice mix of Russian history and fantasy. We cry and rejoice as we follow Vasya through her trials and as she struggles to o what is right, even though it could cost her everything. 
The only thing I didn't like was the slow nature of the middle of the book when Vasya was in the midnight realm. It was still interesting though, and kept me involved in the story. I gave this book a solid four out of five stars.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #276

Hello Monday, long time no see... Not... We are back. Another Monday and another week. I hope your Thanksgiving was amazing, filled with lots of family and friends. We had a great day. Lots of food, lots of Family. The boys did amazing, even for all their struggles. No major problems to report.

I read a lot of great books over the holiday. Make sure you stay tuned for the reviews and the November wrap up. There will be a lot of good stories to sink your teeth into, so don't go too far now, you hear?

Of course, I'm excited for this weeks book. I've actually already started it because I couldn't wait to read it. White Stag by Kara Barbieri. The main character lives with Goblins and has to learn their ways or die. It's actually very interesting. Check the full synopsis here at Goodreads. 

Ok, lets get to this weeks menu. I know you all want to eat and so do I.


Monday- Figgy Balsamic Pork Tenderloin 
Tuesday- Cranberry Apple Pork Chops
Wednesday- Blackened Chicken Penne 
Thursday- Pork and Veggie Bibimbop
Friday- Saturday- Jalapeno Popper Burgers
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Both Whales and Men | And The Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

Title: And the Ocean was our SkyBy: Patrick NessGenre: FantasyPages: 160Release Date: September 4th, 2018Publisher: Walker Books
Summary from Goodreads: With harpoons strapped to their backs, the proud whales of Bathsheba's pod live for the hunt, fighting in the ongoing war against the world of men. When they attack a ship bobbing on the surface of the Abyss, they expect to find easy prey. Instead, they find the trail of a myth, a monster, perhaps the devil himself...
As their relentless Captain leads the chase, they embark on a final, vengeful hunt, one that will forever change the worlds of both whales and men.
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Review: Can you find a more bizarre book? Reading this was like flipping Moby Dick on its head. A strange world where the whales are the main characters and they are in a battle with the men above. You would think that this wouldn't work, but it does. There is something so alluring about this book that I was excited to read another page and another page. I devoured this book.  

And Betrayal | Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve

Title: Mortal EnginesBy: Philip ReeveGenre: Dystopian Pages: 373Release Date: September 1st, 2004Publisher: Harper Collins US UK 
Summary from Goodreads: "It was a dark, blustery afternoon in spring, and the city of London was chasing a small mining town across the dried-out bed of the old North Sea."
The great traction city London has been skulking in the hills to avoid the bigger, faster, hungrier cities loose in the Great Hunting Ground. But now, the sinister plans of Lord Mayor Mangus Crome can finally unfold.

Thaddeus Valentine, London's Head Historian and adored famous archaeologist, and his lovely daughter, Katherine, are down in The Gut when the young assassin with the black scarf strikes toward his heart, saved by the quick intervention of Tom, a lowly third-class apprentice. Racing after the fleeing girl, Tom suddenly glimpses her hideous face: scarred from forehead to jaw, nose a smashed stump, a single eye glaring back at him. "Look at what your Valentine did to me!" she screams. "Ask him! Ask him what he did to Hester Shaw!" And with that she jumps down the waste chute to her death. Minutes later Tom finds himself tumbling down the same chute and stranded in the Out-Country, a sea of mud scored by the huge caterpillar tracks of cities like the one now steaming off over the horizon.

In a stunning literary debut, Philip Reeve has created a painful dangerous unforgettable adventure story of surprises, set in a dark and utterly original world fueled by Municipal Darwinism -- and betrayal.
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Review: Ever since I found out that this book was going to be a movie, I absolutely had to read it. This was a premise that I had never heard of. A dystopian that spoke of people who lived on moving cities. Cities in the sky and on the sea. I love that! 
The book takes some amazing twists and turns, bomb shells and revelations you don't see coming. The characters are awesome and colorful. They beg to be read. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days.  

What I'm Reading This Week | #WeeklyMenu Week #275

It's.... Monday! And its Thanksgiving week. The kids are off school all week for conferences and break so I got my shopping done early so I don't have to leave the house wit those little turkeys today. Some times its just easier to stay home.
I've been reading some really awesome books this last week that I'm excited to share with you, but for this weeks read, I got my hands on a copy of The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden that I know we are all dying to read. I can't wait to blast through this one. This is going to be EPIC! Review to come.    This weeks menu is going to be a little different because of Thanksgiving, but I'm sure you all already have your meals planned out for that day. We are BBQing the Turkey for the big family gathering and I'm making a few sides for my husbands smaller family get together. Its going to be a great day of eating and good company. Enjoy giving thanks with those around you! 


Monday- Sausage Orzotto 
Tuesday- Beef Ragu Spaghetti 
Wednesday- Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Thursday- Thanksgiving! 
- BBQ Turkey
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Gluten Free Stuffing   
Friday- Fiesta Chicken Tacos
Saturday- Apricot Balsamic Glazed Pork
Sunday- Leftovers Night

Outlaw King | Movie Review

Title: Outlaw KingGenre: HistoricalRelease Date: November 9th, 2018Rating: 7.1/10 IMDBCast: Summary from IMDB: A true David v Goliath story of how the great 14th Century Scottish 'Outlaw King' Robert The Bruce used cunning and bravery to defeat and repel the much larger and better equipped occupying English army.
IMDB Trailer
Review: I had high expectations with this movie since there was so much hype around it. Outlaw king is based on the true story of Robert the Bruce, the man who came after William Wallace and attempted to liberate Scotland from the tyranny of the English. He sacrificed his, home, his land and his family, in a heroic game to claim the Scottish throne.  
You know a good movie when it makes you feel something. Joy or pain, hate or love, this movie made you feel it all. Toward the end of the movie, I began to put myself in the shoes of The Bruce and start to think, what have you done? This choice that you made has killed half your family and imprisoned your wife and daughter. How will you get yourself out of this one. Well, as all good stories do, the tides turn and the ending leaves you hopeful. 
Loved this movie. It was packed full of action. Watch yourself though, there is nudity and sex and lots of gore, so its not for the faint of heart.