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Friday, December 22, 2017

Harry Potter Illustrated Editions INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! (First Three Books)


The Illustrated Additions of Harry Potter are the best thing that has happen to me since the original books have been released. Ever since I saw that they were coming out with them, I knew I needed them. My family, knowing that I love Harry Potter has gifted me with a few extra copies and I figured I could spread a little holiday cheer and give my extra copies away to a few of you. I will be giving away one copy of each of the three books that are available right now. 

I will be selecting THREE lucky people to receive one of these three illustrated editions of Harry Potter
The giveaway ends January 27th and the winners will be picked by a random name generator. All you need to do to enter is follow ALL the rules and regulations listed below:

  • Subscribe to my blog by email in the sidebar!
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) or follow me on Twitter or Instagram
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "I want Harry Potter" and your Instagram, Goodreads and Twitter name 
  • Comment on this post telling me who is your favorite character from Harry Potter!
  • Comment on one OTHER post of mine!
(here is a quick tip. the more I see your name on my blog, twitter and GoodReads, the more I will put your name in the generator.)
Please do not spam one post! It does not increase your chances! Look around my blog!  That helps your chances!
May the odds be ever in your favor
Lee Chand


Heir of Fire (THRONE OF GLASS BOOK #3) BY SARAH J. MAAS

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Mass
Release Date: August 15th 2013
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 565
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
     
        Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?


        The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Timesbest-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.


        If you have not read this series yet...no offense but what are you doing with your life. The Throne of Glass series might be the best thing that has happened to me since The Mortal Instruments Series. Sarah J. Maas has created such an amazing and extensive world that I just can not help but get lost in. If you love high fantasy, trust me you will love this series. If you have not read this series you can check out my reviews of Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight. If you could not tell already I love this series and everything I have read thus far. More and more exciting things keep happening and Sarah J. Maas pulls me in further and further into these books. If you read the first two, I do not know why you would even stop. KEEP READING OMG! 5 our of 5 stars for Heir of Fire.


SPOILERS FOR HEIR OF FIRE BELOW!

Crown of Midnight (THRONE OF GLASS BOOK #2) BY SARAH J. MAAS

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Mass
Release Date: September 2nd 2014
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 418
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."


     From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

     Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

     Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

     If you have not read the first book in the Throne of Glass series, you can find my review of it here. It might be one of my favorite books and I am thrilled that this series is going to be six books! ENDLESS READING! So please go and read the first book because there will be spoilers below. 
     I was not ready for how fucking good this book was. Celaena was a bad ass in the first book but honestly Crown of Midnight took it to a whole new level. And lets get one thing out of the way while we are here...I AM STILL TEAM DORIAN. FOREVER AND ALWAYS TEAM DORIAN. In Crown of Midnight, we get to see Celaena develop into a multifaceted individual. Seeing the same bad ass girl we knew from the first book become vulnerable and relatable was one of the best parts about this book for me. 
     While in the second book we do have many Chaol and Dorian filled moments, we additionally get to meet many new and exciting characters. These new characters help build this world that Sarah J. Maas has created and moves life beyond this glass castle. While these new characters do keep you guessing in terms of their loyalty, there are a few that provide comic relief which brightens up this book that is filled with darkness (not that I am complaining). 
     This book dwells into the mystery Celaena's past, but ends up pulling out more questions rather than answers. Honestly, just leaving us on the edge of our seats wanting more and more. I find myself flying through these books just because I want to know what is going to happen next. (Actual image of me reading this book to the left.)
     This book left me speechless. Where the first book was a battle for survival, this book is about trust. And do you know who I trust....DORAIN ALL THE WAY BABY. THERE IS NO STOPPING MY MANS. Okay I'm done. 5/5 stars. In fucking love. 


Which team are you on? Leave a comment down below!
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Saturday, June 17, 2017

Lord of Shadows Giveaway Winners!

And the three lucky winners of Lord of Shadows are...
Alexa Warnkin
Hayley Jones
Sophie Cervelli
Thank you so much for entering!!! You have 48hrs to email me with your information or there will be new winners picked!

Thank you everyone who entered! More giveaways to come!!!
Lee Chand
Saturday, June 10, 2017

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware Review!

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Release Date: 2015
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 308
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
What should be a cozy and fun-filled weekend deep in the English countryside takes a sinister turn in Ruth Ware’s suspenseful, compulsive, and darkly twisted psychological thriller.

Sometimes the only thing to fear…is yourself.

When reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods
     This book was awful. My friend and I went to our local Barns and Nobel and as we headed to the counter to pay, we stumbled upon two Ruth Ware novels. When we opened this one up we saw the line from a reviewer, "Who brings a shotgun to a bachelorette party?" so me and my friend were like YES WE ARE GOING TO READ THIS!
     This book was very slow and uninteresting. I was promised thrills and to not be able to read this book at night, but all it did was bore me. Our main character Nora is exceptionally dull and immature. A grown 26 year-old woman who is still caught up on her boyfriend from when she was 16 years old? Really? It has been 10 years and you are still caught up on him? Honey get your life together!
     The whole thing was unbelievable and for that reason, it just was not scary. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Skip over it. Your life will be much better without it. I wouldn't even give it one star. If this movie was a film I would walk out of it. 
What books do you hate? Let me know in the comments down below!
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Friday, June 9, 2017

Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins REVIEW!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Release Date: September 28th 201
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion... she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit – the more sparkly, more wild – the better. And life is pretty close to perfect for Lola, especially with her hot rocker boyfriend.

That is, until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket return to the neighbourhood and unearth a past of hurt that Lola thought was long buried. So when talented inventor Cricket steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally face up to a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. Could the boy from Lola's past be the love of her future?

Fall in love with the international bestseller from queen of young adult fiction, Stephanie Perkins.
 
     All Stephanie Perkins books are honestly the cutest. Sure they all may end the same way, but we do not read books like this for the ending. We read it for the story and the journey along the way. If you are into cute romances that are not too cheesy, I definitely recommend this series. I did like Anna and the French Kiss more than this book but I did not dislike this book at all.
     This story follows Lola Nolan, a 17 year old girl living in San Fransisco who is maybe the quirkiest girl I have ever come across. She made a New Year's Resolution to never wear the same outfit twice and she has yet to fail that. Dressing herself in costume rather than clothing. Other than that she lives a pretty normal life. Currently dating a 22 year old musician, (who her dads disapprove of) Lola seems content with her life. But then one morning she sees a moving van next door and that is when everything took a turn for the worst...or so she thought.
     I thought this story was great and worth the read. It is rare that I get in the mood for a contemporary, but when I do something like this is just perfect. I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What is your favorite book of the three in this series? Let me know! 
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Saturday, June 3, 2017

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater Review!

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 439
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
The fourth and final installment in the spellbinding series from the irrepressible, #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.
 
     The fourth and final book in the Raven Cycle series! I am so sad that one of my favorite series is coming to an end. The Raven Boys is a book that made me fall in love with reading even more than I already was. It was part of the very first group of books that I bought along with City of Bones.  The characters in this series are so complex and diverse yet, they blends and mix together so beautifully. All these characters arched perfectly and transformed right before your eyes. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend it. It is a story unlike any other. PLEASE PLEASE GO READ IT! Check out my review of the Raven Boys here! (It was one of my first ever so don't judge.)
     If you have read the first three books and have no desire to read the last one, I would say that you are actually crazy. All three books have problems that are left unsolved until this last few pages of the book. It all did seem a little rushed and hectic towards the end, but all in all I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars and the total series 4.5 our of 5 stars. Maggie Stiefvater created such a beautiful storyline with this group of boys and the people who surround them that it was just so hard to put down.

spoilers for the raven king below! you have been warned!

     I am so sad that this series is over, but I am kind of disappointed in a few things. First things first. I knew Ronan was gay from the start. I saw it coming. I always pictured Ronan as Colton Haynes when he had shorter hair and when Colton came out I knew for sure Ronan had to be gay. What I did not really like is how Adam so happened to be gay too. That came out of left field and it was almost like he just went along with it for Ronan's sake. Not because he felt any type of way. I pictured it more to be a Jace and Alec type relationship where Ronan loved Adam, but knew he couldn't have him.
     Something else I was upset with was the fact that we spent four books looking for this Welsh King and Gansey spent 10 years of his fucking life obsessing over this man and he was dead the whole time. I felt like that was such a waste. And like the tomb was in the house where Gansey died in the first place...why didn't he check there all this time. Why was he looking in England and in Henrietta when that should have been the first place he looked. I additionally had mixed emotions on Gansey dying but not really. Like I mentally prepared myself for Gansey to die. I had been waiting for this moment even though I did not want it to arrive. Then when they just killed Cabeswater to bring Gansey back it just seemed anti-climatic.
     Also, who the fuck is Henry Cheng. Why did he come into this story and suddenly become apart of their group. Did they need to replace Noah with this kid with a robotic bee? That whole storyline was very confusing and just thrown in to me. He seemed out of place in scenes where the whole group was together but, when it was just him and Gansey he brought out the best in him. It was just odd that he was there when Gansey died and in the end where they found the engineless Camaro.
     Also the stories of Piper and Lumiere/Lamonsoff or whatever his name is seemed unnecessary. Stiefvater had so many storylines to wrap up in this book and it was just all too much.
     When Noah and Adam became possessed I was freaking the fuck out. Clawing someone's eyes out is one of the scariest things. The thought of it is making me sweat.
     I found myself crying in the end a lot more than I thought I was, especially since I decided to go to Starbucks and read. This last book is emotionally intensive and I was not expecting it.  The way the boys reacted to Gansey's death truly broke my heart. These boys looked out after each other for years and showed their love for one another in very secretive ways. They were a family stronger than most and eventually became some of the only family they had.
     The character that arched beautifully for me was Ronan. Ronan at first was the asshole dick friend who would be sulking in the corner mysteriously but, as we progressed we saw what he was truly capable of. Something that really stuck out to me was Adam's realization of why Ronan is the way he is. He looked at the Orphan Girl and knew why Ronan never bothered to go to class. Ronan's imagination was wild and being contained by a school must have been torture to him.
     This series is by far one of my favorites and is up there with Harry Potter and the Mortal Instruments to me. Though it may not seem like it with all the drama, I do think it is a feel good story in the end. Everyone is happy and not too many people are dead. The lasting friendship that these people have together is unlike any other and is truly inspiring. I hope to have friends like these who will have my back if I want to hunt for a thousand year old Welsh King or if I dream up a magical forest that eventually becomes possessed and tries to kill people.
What did you think of this series? Did you love the end or hate it? Who is your favorite Raven Boy? Leave a comment below!
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Thursday, June 1, 2017

Lord of Shadows GIVEAWAY!

Since I have just returned to the blog blogging community, I would like to host a giveaway coming out of my very own pocket!
I will be selecting THREE lucky people to receive a copy of Cassandra Clare's newest book LORD OF SHADOWS!
The giveaway ends June 16th and the winners will be picked by a random name generator. All you need to do to enter is follow ALL the rules and regulations listed below:
  • Subscribe to my blog by email in the sidebar!
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram
  • Retweet the link to the giveaway here
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "I want Lord of Shadows" and your Instagram, Goodreads and Twitter name 
  • Comment on this post telling me what your favorite Cassandra Clare novel is!
  • Comment on one OTHER post of mine!
(here is a quick tip. the more I see your name on my blog, twitter and GoodReads, the more I will put your name in the generator.)
Please do not spam one post! It does not increase your chances! Look around my blog!  That helps your chances!
May the odds be ever in your favor
Lee Chand
Wednesday, May 31, 2017

The Heir by Kiera Cass Review!

The Heir by Kiera Cass
Release Date: May 5th 2015
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 342
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.
     no. nope. no. nope. nah. no. I did not enjoy this. Princess Eadlyndhjffhkds (whatever the fuck her name is) is a little bitch. She has been spoiled her whole life and needs an attitude check. While I did have a love/hate relationship with The Selection, The Elite and The One, I simply just hated this book. If you read the first three books and felt the same as I did (check out my review here) then I recommend that you just skip The Heir all together. Personally I hated her snooty attitude and how she thought she was the most important person in the world. lol bitch you ain't. 
     I would have personally been find with stopping with The One. You are not missing out on anything if you do not read this book. While it is interesting to see the selection process from the other side, Princess Whateverthefuck is so unbearable and every word that comes out of her mouth is awful, that she just ruins it for me. I do not care to read the next book in this series. I will just find out who wins by reading spoilers because I am not spending money nor wasting my time reading that nonsense. 1/5 stars.
Did you like this book? Do you think the story should have went on? Let me know!
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare Review!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: April 5th 2011
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 424
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her—his mother just found out that he’s a vampire, and now he’s homeless. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.
     I am slowly writing reviews of every Cassandra Clare book I have read and now we have come to City of Fallen Angels. Now if you have not read this series, please go do so. The Mortal Instruments series is one of my favorites. Cassandra Clare created this world that I am just enthralled by and somehow managed to perfectly intertwine it with the world we all know. If you have not read City of Bones you can read my review here and see if this series is right for you.

WARNING! Spoilers for the first three books below!


Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur Review

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Release Date: November 4th 2014
Source: Purchase
Format: Paperback
Pages: 204
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository


milk and honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. It is about the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. It is split into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain, heals a different heartache. milk and honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look. 
     When it comes to Milk and Honey, I seem to be in the minority. I have been seeing people ranting and raving about this book on both tumblr and twitter and I find it to be nothing special. This collection of poetry is nothing more than what can be found on tumblr from a high school girl letting out her emotions (but sometimes that is even better than this.) It is not profound in any way, shape or form. The language is simplistic and not original.
     As someone who has gone through similar things in my life, I would not turn to Milk and Honey to help me express my feelings towards such topics. I find that there are maybe a handful of decent poems in there but overall, the collection is just ascetically pleasing to me and that is all. The "poetry" in this book just seems to be sentences that have random breaks in the lines and all I could think about was this scene from 22 Jump Street that I have on this page.


I was really just underwhelmed by the whole thing. 2/5 stars.

What did you think of Milk and Honey? Do you disagree with me like most people do?
Thanks Hons,
Lee Chand
Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Why Netflix's 13 Reasons Why Gets a Hard NO! From a Girl Who Was Suicidal

     I know I am a little late to the party in making this post, but I would just like to vocalize my issues with this show since it is a topic very near and dear to my heart. I have been dealing with suicide for a long time. I have seen depression come into the lives of many people including my own. I have seen some defeat it, and I have seen some fall to it. It is a hard subject for anyone to deal with no matter who you are and what you feel inside.
     When I was in 4th grade my best friend's brother committed suicide. Eventually that best friend became my boyfriend and I watched him struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. Then my senior year of high school I went through that same struggle. There was a darkness that came over me and I could not express that feeling to anyone. I stayed in, closed myself off and almost did not graduate high school.
     See depression and suicide are more than just someone saying mean things about you. It is a mental disease that needs to be treated which the show did not touch upon enough. This show turned suicide into a dramatic love story that young people are watching and fantasizing about. This show glorified suicide and made it seem like suicide is a way of getting people to talk about you and feel sorry for you. While external factors do contribute to depression a lot of the work is done internally. It is a chemical imbalance that messes with how you think and how you function. It is not just simply because Jimmy did not text you back.
     Now, I read this book when I was in 7th grade and I do not remember a lot of it, but I know it did not cause this much of an uproar. I do not know if times are changing or what but the TV show just did not do a good job.
     The TV show turned the message into a love story that little middle schoolers are now begging to have. A relationship ending in suicide is not ideal ladies and gents. And Clay then goes on and on about how he was afraid to love her and that is why she did it and then saying that he is going to try to love her back to life. Do not make this about yourself. This is someones internal struggle so do not put the blame just because you did not say hi to her in the hallway. They are all sitting there thinking that they are the reason for her killing herself, but she had issues and she had a problem. If someone does not share those feelings with you how could you know that they were going to kill themselves. Just because she did not get coffee with you does not mean that is the reason why she killed herself. She needed to see a doctor and get some type of help.
     The show also turned this into one big court case and you have these 13 teenagers withholding evidence which is a crime already! They might get in trouble if they give the police the tapes, so lets just keep passing them on and playing this little game and actually commit a crime.
     Additionally, the fact that they showed Hannah killing herself in such detail. I could not watch any part of that scene. Not her mother finding her. None of that. To show her actually committing suicide was unbelievable. I had a physical panic attack after watching just part of it. That just seemed to take it too far.
     I just did not like the show. It glorified suicide and made so that suicide was talked about in the wrong way. As if it is a dramatic experience instead of a medical issue that needs treatment.

Lee Chand

If you or someone you know is struggling, please use one of these hotlines.
Text CONNECT to 741741 to talk to a trained consoler
Call 1-800-273-8255
(both available 24/7)

A Court of Mist and Fury By Sarah J. Maas Review

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: May 3rd 2016
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 626
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.
     Now for those of you who have not read A Court of Thorns and Roses, (which is the first book in the series) I have a review which can be found right here and I recommend that you read that first before you decide to read the whole series.
     While many say that they enjoyed this book more than ACOTAR, I would have to disagree. This book is phenomenal in every sense of the word, but personally I would have liked things to turn out differently. The story arced beautifully from beginning to end filled with passion, romance and drama with a mix of contemporary themes spilled in from time to time. Sarah J. Maas did an incredible job of mixing fantasy and contemporary themes which is a rarity.
     Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I do love this book, but I wish things would have played out differently.

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SPOILER SECTION BELOW! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!