Fairytale for Wilde Girls - Allyse Near

Title: Fairytales for Wilde Girls
Author: Allyse Near
Publication Date: June 23rd, 2013
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Isola's always seen things other people haven't, especially in the woods. Nothing's ever bothered her until she finds the dead girl in the bird cage. Instead of leaving her alone, the girl follows her home and threatens her.

Isola's friends try to protect her, but she must find the reason behind the girl haunting her before the threats become real.

Review

The contents within Fairytales for Wilde Girls is as beautiful as its cover. I thoroughly enjoyed Allyse Near's writing, which made me feel like I was transported into a magical world. It had both a very whimsical and innocent feel, but also carried a dark and mysterious tone. These elements together displayed what I found to be the perfect example of a fairytale; mirroring something like the Grimm's brothers tales.

I liked the underlying creepiness, delivered subtly, and kept me on edge. The mystery surprisingly had a lot more depth than the usual fantasy/supernatural stories. At times it did drag on a little, but the pace was quick and intense that I flew through it pretty easily - after two tries that is, but don't worry because once the plot reached its conflict it captivated me instantly.

What I loved was that each character had their own voice, making them identifiable and memorable. I  also loved that the two characters, Isola and Edgar, were named after popular historical figures. Their personalities are influenced by the previous Isola Wilde and Edgar Allen Poe. However, my favourites would have to be the magical creatures who circulate Isola and protect her. Each one of them were fascinating in characteristics and appearance. In fact the book also has illustrations of each character and they look absolutely stunning!

The ending was heartbreaking and nothing I ever expected. It carried a deep and heartwarming message, which I appreciated. Fairytales for Wilde Girls is a clever story, combining elements of fantasy and mystery along with relatable themes such as relationships amongst friends and family, trust and loyalty. Give it a read!

"And they lived ever after, whether they were happy about it or not"

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books Celebrating Diversity/Diverse Character

Hosted By: The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here. 

Top Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Character

I'm actually quite ashamed that I can't seem to list 10 books for this topic. I've listed what I can but let me know what else I should read! 

1. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green 

It has a number of characters including the one and only "Tiny" - an obese, gay guy who basically stole the show and my heart. (Also, this is one of my favourite books).

2. Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah

True to its title, Chinese Cinderella paints the story of a girl who goes through ups and downs in her life, and despite having heard the story in Primary (Grade) School it's stayed with me until now. 

3. Noughts and Crosses (Nancy Farmer #1) by Malorie Blackman

I highly recommend this novel because I think it really does well in exploring the issues of race and racial discrimination. In Noughts and Crosses though, the roles are reversed which makes for an interesting twist. 

4. The House of The Scorpion (Matteo Alacran #1) by Nancy Farmer

Even though this is more sci-fi based, it does delve into class structure and discrimination against the different "races". 

5. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

A very heartwarming and meaningful read.

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Ten Tiny Breaths (Series) - K.A Tucker

Title(s): Ten Tiny Breaths, One Tiny Lie, Four Seconds to Lose, Five Ways To Fall
Series: Ten Tiny Breaths 
Author: K.A Tucker
Publication Date: 2012 - 2014
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Ten Tiny Breaths contains four novels, revolving around various characters who live within the same community. They each try to face their inner demons with the help of the people around them, and learn of love and trust. 

Review

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Top Ten Tuesday: Most Recent Books In My Possession

Hosted By: The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here. 

Top Ten Recent Books In My Possession

Bought

1. The King's Curse (The Cousins' War #6) by Philippa Gregory -- (finally!!)

2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

3. Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near

4. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

5. The Disreputable History of Franklie Laudau-Banks by E. Lockhart

6. Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas

Gifts

7. Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

8. If I Stay by Gayle Forma

9. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

10. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

What Were Your Latest Purchases?

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Find Me Tag

I've seen this tag floating around the blog-o-sphere these past days and I couldn't resist! It was pretty challenging compared to what I thought but I found it fun. I get to showcase some great covers as well as share some books I've read but haven't featured on the blog. It's a win win. 

How It Works?

1. Find a book for each of the 10 categories list. 
2. Tag as many people as you want! No obligations though. 
3. Link back to Novel Ink - the hosts of this TAG!

Word "Gone" | Weapon

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn | A Dance With Dragons (2): After The Feast - George R. R Martin

Moon | Girl in White Dress

The Innocent - Pose Graeme - Evans | Hallowed - Cynthia Hand

Couple Kissing | Sunset

Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead | Breadcrumbs - Anne Ursu

Headphones | Water

for some reason I don't own a book with headphones on them - oops. 

Alice - Judith Hermann

Flower | Heart(s)

Rosebush - Michele Jaffe | Dusk - Eve Edwards

Definitely do this Tag if you're up to it and leave the link down below so I can check it out!

You're Up Next! 

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