Mix & Match 14

I have read A LOT this month so to keep up with all the reviews, here's another mix and match post. Today I am posting from Greece so I'm using a unique Greek liqueur called mastiha in 3 different ways. To start, you can just enjoy a delicious shot of mastiha. A very simple drink is to try mixing it with pink grapefruit tonic. Or make my Mastiha Magic cocktail with 1 shot each of mastiha and lemon juice, 1/2 shot triple sec and a dash of Angosturra bitters. Stir with ice, then strain into a short, ice filled glass.

The Light Hunters by Dan Walker

Years ago, the Light Hunters were applauded, even revered. Until a fatal error of judgement turned the people of Daven against them. However, there are a few people who still believe in them and would love to see them back in action, fighting monsters.

Lux is one of those, and even more, he can actually use Light. I really felt for him, having to keep his power a secret from the people around him, even his best friend. Of course it all comes out eventually and he and Maya are drawn into the Light Hunters' world.  

I loved the idea of Light as a powerful force, like magic. All the light technology was fascinating. This was a really exciting start to the series and I am looking forward to book 2 which is out soon.

All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages by Saundra Mitchell

So, I probably should have expected it, but this book is quite romance-heavy which is something I'm generally not too interested in. However, I did still enjoy a lot of the stories. I started off with the authors I already knew, but I think my favourite stories were Roja, by Anna-Maria McLemore, and Walking After Midnight by Kody Keplinger. Both of whom are new authors for me.

The Journey After the Crown by Andrew Mackie

After losing both parents, twins Violet and Daisy are desperate to find work. Through a series of events, they end up serving on the Queen's official tour of Australia. As glamorous as this sounds, the reality is far from it! This is quite a slow paced book but it gives a tantalizing glimpse into life behind the scenes, how everyone answers to someone, even those that seem so high ranking to a lowly maid like Violet. I found Daisy so incredibly frustrating, it was hard to really get into the book when I disliked one of the main characters so much. The was an interesting author's note at the end, about how the idea for the book first came to her. It's amazing how a whole book can come from one scene.

The Colour of Hope by Ross MacKenzie

Imagine the entire world in black, white and grey, imagine not even knowing what colour is. But the world wasn't always like this. Years ago, a prince was born without colour and when he grew up, he used a spell to remove colour from everywhere, so he wouldn't have to be the only one without it.

How awful it would be to have a world without colour! The descriptions by the older people who can still remember it are really amazing, I wouldn't have known where to start. The magical way colour is described, how it warms and lights up the world, it's so evocative. I also loved all the fantastical elements in the book, Sandy's magic caravan and all his potions. The author has also managed to make a fantastic Death character who almost rivals the Discworld character.

After loving Nowhere Emporium trilogy, I was very happy to find the author had this new book coming, I love his writing.

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin

The book starts with a lovely map, which really helps when the characters talk about all the different places.

The whole story is so fantastical, with sky fish, cumulous whales, floating cities and of course the paper animals that walk and talk and seem so alive!

There is one shocking revelation after another, it definitely kept me gripped and wanting to keep reading. I found all the different relationship dynamics very interesting, though I felt bad for Kurara, not having anyone truly close apart from Haru.

As usual with most books, I found myself loving the animal companion, they are always my favourite characters! Akane is a great one, such a sweetheart, so loyal and caring, and so intelligent, though his master doesn't seem to realise it.

I will be eagerly awaiting news of the next book!