• Book Reviews

    A SKY BEYOND THE STORM BY SABAA TAHIR // spoiler-free book review: this YA epic fantasy series has gutted me and I’m not okay,,,

    The long wait is over, and so am I. This post is written by Ruby, who is completely done. Deceased. Let’s get into the suffering, shall we? Title: A Sky Beyond The StormSeries: Ember Quartet book #4Author: Sabaa TahirPage count: 516Date published: 1 December 2020Genre: Young adult epic fantasy 🖤 Synopsis: Picking up just a few months after A Reaper at the Gates left off… The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike. But for the Nightbringer, vengeance on his human foes is just the beginning. By his side, Commandant Keris Veturia declares herself Empress, and calls for the heads of any and all who defy her rule. At the top of the list? The Blood Shrike and her remaining family. Laia of Serra, now allied with the Blood Shrike, struggles to recover from the loss of the two people most important to her. Determined to stop the approaching apocalypse, she throws herself into the destruction of the Nightbringer. In the process, she awakens an ancient power that could lead her to victory–or to an unimaginable doom. And deep in the Waiting Place, the Soul Catcher seeks only to forget the life–and love–he…

  • Book Reviews

    A REAPER AT THE GATES BY SABAA TAHIR // spoiler-free book review: my soul was reaped from my body and this book destroyed me… you should read it though <3

    I said if I stopped after book 2, we’d be another 84 years, and I only have mild regrets *cue nervous laughter* Also, I feel like it’s a good time to mention I was also rewatching Game of Thrones during the time of this reread and thus living my best life! But enough rambling, into this book… Title: A Reaper at The GatesSeries: Ember Quartet book #3Author: Sabaa TahirPage count: 458Date published: 12 June 2018Genre: Young adult epic fantasy ⚔️ Synopsis: Beyond the Martial Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger. Helene Aquilla, the Blood Shrike, is desperate to protect her sister’s life and the lives of everyone in the Empire. Yet danger lurks on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable and violent, while Keris Veturia, the ruthless Commandant, capitalizes on the Emperor’s volatility to grow her own power—regardless of the carnage she leaves in her path. Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows that the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. During the hunt to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would…

  • Book Reviews

    A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT BY SABAA TAHIR // spoiler-free book review: yes you are reading that right and i’m mentally unwell about this series

    You know that scene about 84 years in Titanic? Fun fact: that scene was originally filmed about me. But please do join me in this pinch me moment because I READ THIS DAMN BOOK AFTER 84 YEARS AND I’M HERE TO CRY ABOUT IT… But first, please take a moment to admire the journal spread I made last year about this series! Title: A Torch Against The NightSeries: Ember quartet book #2Author: Sabaa TahirPage count: 454Date published: 8 September 2016Genre: Young adult epic fantasy 🔥 Synopsis: Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire. Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom. But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the…

  • Monthly Recaps

    JANUARY & FEBRUARY RECAP // somehow i read 15 books ft. graphic novel mania, readalongs, lots of new books & back to uni

    It’s the way I forgot to post my January until halfway through February and decided another two weeks was worth waiting. I mean what else is new here? Ruby Rae Reads: perpetually late to everything Lmao love that for me Anyway, I have lots to talk about, so let’s jump right in! Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover {★★★★★}: started off the year strong with this absolutely stunning YA debut contemporary romance ugh it was SO SO SO GOOD!!!! Absolutely everything I ever wanted from this book about creating an app, familial tension, angsty emotions and childhood friends to enemies to lovers. It was *chef’s kiss* and you all need to read it RIGHT THIS SECOND!!!! Big thanks to the author for sending me an eARC via Netgalley, click here for my GR review <3<3<3 Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman {★★★★½}: decided to get off my butt and finally read these and ugh I had the bestest day literally just reading all of these comics. A stunning first instalment and I do love how accurate the show is. It’s kind of scary. Big thanks to Pan MacMillan SA for the review copy xoxoxo Heartstopper Volume 2 by…

  • Anticipated releases,  Lists

    MOST ANTICIPATED 2022 BOOK RELEASES // willing to sell my soul for at least 10 of these, not exaggerating aka elevating your tbr by approx 40 more books

    In the innocent words of 2020 Ruby aka “manifesting that 2021 will be a better year”, I shall not be making the same mistake,,, Okay that was a tad dramatic and I’m sorry I had to take you down that dark, forsaken path, but let’s be honest: 2021 has S-U-C-K-E-D. But at least there are some good books coming out? Not as many as I thought but definitely some I’d be willing to give my future firstborn to. Let’s get into it! Also I say this every year but a sneaky few always manage to get on the list. Anyways, I have tried to keep this list fairly short and only add books I’m genuinely interested in. I’ve also cut down on the amount of sequels and books by debut authors that have a sophomore book coming out purely because I have far too many other books to get to. I’ve found there’s absolutely no fun in adding books to your anticipated releases list only to find a year later you still haven’t read them and I hate it so shall be attempting to stop that habit. Enough with the rambling, let’s jump into ’em <3<3<3 JANUARY — When You…