Summer Marathon

Hello book-nerds!
More than a month after the beginning of this marathon organized by Patricia (author of An Angels Threat) I'm finally doing my TBR.
* WALK OF SHAME *
In my defense I had exams until the seventh of this month and then I dedicated ALL my time at revising my next book. So really, it's my life's fault and not mine.

Without further ado, where's the TBR I will not read in the following month:

| Review | Frankstein by Guerra e Paz

I’m super excited to be teaming up with Guerra e Paz to talk to you about this amazing series they’re doing. It’s called These books are crazy (Os Livros estão Loucos) and it’s a great Portuguese initiative to promote classics to younger people.

Trying Manga

I'm sooooo sorry for taking so long to come back!
I was so focused on finishing my second book that I wrote the books but totally forgot to post them!
I will try to do better now that the book is finally finished! Promise!

Review - The Library of Fates by Aditi Khorana

Thank you so much Penguin Random House USA for sending me a copy of this book! I’m so grateful for having the chance to work with this amazing publisher.

Giveaway - The Divine Hear by Danielle R. Mani

Hey guys!

Today I have an amazing giveaway for you! Totally sponsored by the incredible DanielleR. Mani

We are having four (4) winners!

Four!!!
That’s the biggest giveaway yet in the blog!!!

Spotlight - Fools' Apocalypse by Anderson Atlas

Deception by Joana Soares!

Hey guys! 

How are you?

Today I'm making a Portuguese post to support a young writer who's book is coming out in September.

Click below if you want to know more about this beatiful book!

The Liebster Award!

 Thank you, Confessions of a Bookaholic, for nominating Thinking Like a Fangirl! We are so excited about this nomination because it represents a recognition of the work we've been developing.
  The Liebster Award it is a way to promote book bloggers. This way, every blogger has an opportunity to exhibit their hard work and, at the same time, their passion. It couldn't be better!
 Of course there are rules to follow:

Review - Black Dawn by Mallory McCartney

Hey guys! How are you?? 

I'm planning a lot of fun activities, I just hope I get the time to do them!
Do I sound lame? I feel like I sound lame. I'm 19 and it's my holidays so what do I have to do but read and write? 
I'm a very important person guys! I absolutely need to stare at my computer screen for hours and hours just to get 100 words down on my novel.

Yep.
That's my life.
But hey, you're here to talk about books so let's get down to business ~ pun intended.

Review: Altar of Reality by Mara Valderran

Another book read, another review for you!

This one was graceful given to me by Curiosity Quills 

Press, which is a partner of TLF, actually being the first book from our partnership.

If you still don’t know this publisher go check it out, they have truly amazing books, with beautiful, beautiful cover, amazing content and they’re so nice people! Always ready to lend you a hand to make your day easier.

Review: At Water's Edge by S. McPherson

Synopsis:

When 17-year-old, Dezaray Storm drunkenly stumbles across a portal one night, her life of abuse and self-pity begins to change, mainly because she starts living someone else's life.

Accidently trading places with the most powerful sorceress of the realm Coldivor, Dezaray finds herself assuming the identity of her magical lookalike, having to convince everyone in the realm that she's the real deal.

Aside from a few minor hiccups along the way, like the fact that she is not magical nor does she know even the simplest cards trick; Dezaray soon finds herself settling in. Particularly in the arms of Milo; a blue-eyed jokester with the ability to teleport.

However, it doesn't take long for Dezaray to realise that life on the other side is far from glitz and glamour and that creatures unimaginable are hunting her. A war is brewing between the seven empires of Coldivor and those that long to take over. Dezaray's enchanted double is their only hope; their secret weapon, set to be unleashed on her eighteenth birthday when she is gifted the powers of her forefathers.

But for the enchantress to return, Dezaray has to leave, and the thought of going back to Islon fills Dezaray with dread, for more reasons than one. Torn between a reality she can't stand and a fantasy she can't keep, Dezaray is struggling to see how any choice she makes will lead to a happy ending.

About the author:

S. McPherson is a young British expat living in Dubai and working as a kindergarten teacher. When she is not at work immersed in a world of imagination and fantasy created by the children, she is immersed in her own worlds of imagination and fantasy at home, dreaming up tales and writing them down. 'At Water’s Edge' is S. McPherson’s debut novel and the first in the epic fantasy saga, 'The Water Rushes'.

Review:

Partnership: Chiado Editora

Hey!
How are you!
Today I have some very exciting news to give you! I've contacted Chiado Editora seeking for a partnership with them. For those of you unaware, Chiado is my publisher what makes this even more exciting 'cause I know many workers and authors there.

And now, me and Filipa will be reading and reviewing their books so that you may get to know more about the brilliant work Chiado brings its readers.

We are so happy!!! 

Review: Scarlet Moon by S.D. Grimm

Synopsis: 

''The land of Soleden is dying because the sorceress queen hunts and kills the people who cared for all nature, the Feravolk. Through their special bond with animals, the Feravolk have become more than men. Faster, stronger, masters of camouflage and stealth. Only a Deliverer born the night of the Blood Moon can save them from extinction.

According to prophecy, Jayden is a Deliverer, but it’s not a destiny she wants. She has no sympathy for either side. The Feravolk killed her family, so they can die for all she cares. And fighting the queen with nothing but daggers and her special abilities—storm predicting—is a suicide mission. Destiny can pick someone else.

Except hiding from destiny proves difficult; Deliverers attract powerful Protectors. Jayden’s is one of the Feravolk, so he can’t be trusted. But he makes her feel safe. Makes her want to save his race. If she chooses to keep hiding, he’ll remain one of the hunted, but he’ll protect her even if it means his death if she faces the queen. Making the right choice has never been so excruciating, especially since the prophecy says nothing about the Deliverer’s success, or survival.''

Bookdepository:

http://www.bookdepository.com/Scarlet-Moon-S-D-Grimm/9781683700500

More information: http://www.sdgrimm.com

Review:

I'm speechless. Honestly, I don't even know what to say.

Review: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Synopsis:

''Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.''

About the author: 

Sabaa Tahir grew up in California’s Mojave Desert at her family’s 18-room motel. There, she spent her time devouring fantasy novels, raiding her brother’s comic book stash and playing guitar badly. She began writing An Ember in the Ashes while working nights as a newspaper editor. She likes thunderous indie rock, garish socks and all things nerd. Sabaa currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Bookdepository: http://www.bookdepository.com/searchsearchTerm=an+ember+in+the+ashes&search=Find+book

Find more information on:

 http://anemberintheashesbook.com/

Book trailer:

Review: 

''From among the battle-hardened youth there shall rise the Foretold, the Greatest Emperor, scourge of our enemies , commander of a host most devastating. And the Empire shall me made whole''

 This book swaps form Laias' point of view to Elias'. Although I find it quite annoying sometime, especially when something really exciting is happening to someone and the chapter ends, forcing me to read another one before I can comeback to the one that I'm interested one. But I like it, both stories were so fascinating. So complex and well built... The back of the book says something about game of thrones's fans enjoying the story and it normally annoys me, it did annoy me, BUT, IT'S SO TRUE. I like game of thrones and just like it, this book is all about punches, knives, killing, trying not to be killed. There's slightly less rape, but just slightly, honestly. Characters: I have to start by saying I absolutely hate weak characters, not just females, but people in general, I think it's because it goes against my nature so I'm just unable to like them, to understand them. But with Laia is different, she's not strong, she obeys and does not flinch when doubt arises but she also learns how to be strong, page by page we see her grow and become someone stronger and clear-minded. I really really liked her, and the way she grew and become independent. I loved when she finally kicked some ass and became her own person.

''All evil here. She whisperers 'Monsters. Little monsters and then big ones.''

I also, and obviously, feel in love with Elias and the whole plot of the Masks, the Emperor's demise and the Forsake. And Gods! How clever that was! Honestly I was not expecting that! It was awesome! Elias is a great character there's really not much I can say without giving way I spoilers, you just have to read to understand his story and learn how he came to be what he is. But I love him. He's so complex and intriguing and strong ans you just don't want to stop reading and knowing more about it.

''This life is not always what we think it will be.' Cain said. 'You're an amber in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. You cannot change it. You cannot stop it.''

I just have one problem with this book. I don't know who to ship Laia with! Because I love, love, love Elias. But I also love Kennan. And the chemistry!! Dear Gods don't do this to me!!! 

I only talked about these to characters because you see and know this world through their eyes but there are so many other who are absolutely brilliant and incredibly real in a way that's heart-breaking. If you like things that are strong and incredible. Please, do yourself a favour and read ''An amber in the ashes''

Rate: 5/5

Have you read this book?
If so, tell me what you think in the comments!

Never stop dreaming

- Tânia

Review: Darkness Before Dawn

Review:

In this book J. A. London managed to create a completely unreal wold that becomes more and more real at every time you turn a page.

Only sunlight can save us.

''We built the wall to keep them out, to keep us safe. But it also makes us prisoners, trapped in what's left of our ravaged city, fearing nightfall.

After the death of my parents, it's up to me—as the newest delegate for humanity—to bargain with our vampire overlord. I thought I was ready. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the monsters. Then again, nothing could have prepared me for Lord Valentine . . . or his son. Maybe not all vampires are killers. Maybe it's safe to let one in.

Only one thing is certain: Even the wall is not enough. A war is coming and we cannot hide forever.''

With enigmatic character that catch your attention from the first appearance. The main character, Dawn, feels real. Her problems are ours (teen’s) problems written in a more interesting way.

As any other great romance, Darkness before dawn, has that intriguing bad boy who you’re instantly going to love and hate, feel the need to kill and protect, all at the same time.

You can consider this book perfect for a vampire lover, but for me, more than being a book about vampires, it’s a book that transmits important lesson. A lesson about the importance of accepting your fears so that you become able to fight them and about the power of friendship, which can help you beat an unfair life.

Rate: 9.6/10

More information: This book is a saga with two more books, Blood-Kissed Sky and After Daybreak. You can find them in Amazon and Book Depository and many more.  

I highly recomend them all.

I'll be giving you my thoughts about the others as well.

Favourite: ''Some times we just want to prove we are not afraid of the dark''

- Tânia

Review: Me Before You

Review:

Normally, I don’t fancy books like this one, actually, I find them quite depressing, because, when I read, I do it to forget my problems and to dive into a world in which everything, one way or the other, ends with a happy ever after.

Me before you brings us the story of Lou and Will. Lou is a girl who likes to have everything planned, she even know how many steps she has to give from the bus stop to her home for God’s sake! Will was a very active person who finds itself confine to a wheelchair, quadriplegic, after a terrible accident.

Will has lost is will to live and Lou has lost her job. Now their lives are entwined and Lou has six months to change Will’s mentality.

However, while this is a good book, it’s one of those in which you know that it’s going to hurt you, you can feel the darkness rising threatening your happy ending, you just don’t mind, because the book it’s fascinating.

I don’t know I will be keen on reading the next but this one, really made me think about what I’m doing with my life and how quick you can have everything taken away from you.

This is tale about love, loss, grief and anger definitely worth reading. Personally I find this book very inspirational.

Good work Jojo Moyes.

Rate: 9.5/10

More information: If you have enjoyed this book you can follow the adventure of Lou in After You (from goodreads)

You can buy Me before you in Amazon, Book Depository and many more.

Me Before You filme is set to come out 3rd june 2016 with Sam Claflin as Will Traynor and Emilia Clark as Lou Clarke

Favourite quotes: "You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible."

"Push yourself. Don't Settle. Just live well. Just LIVE." 

"Some mistakes... Just have greater consequences than others. But you don't have to let the result of one mistake be the thing that defines you."

"I will never, ever regret the things I've done. Because most days, all you have are places in your memory that you can go to."                 

If you have an opinion to give about this book let me know in the comments and please, if you are going to say a spoiler, start your comment with #SpoilerAlert, so that other may enjoy the book as much as we did.

- Tânia Dias