Review of Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen

Title/Author: Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen
Publisher/Date published: Henry Holt and Co, February 3rd 2015
How I got this book: received it from the publisher through NetGalley
Buy this book at: The Book Depository

Goodreads summary: Sarah has always been on the move. Her mother hates the cold, so every few months her parents pack their bags and drag her off after the sun. She’s grown up lonely and longing for magic. She doesn’t know that it’s magic her parents are running from.

When Sarah’s mother walks out on their family, all the strange old magic they have tried to hide from comes rising into their mundane world. Her father begins to change into something wild and beastly, but before his transformation is complete, he takes Sarah to her grandparents — people she has never met, didn’t even know were still alive.

Deep in the forest, in a crumbling ruin of a castle, Sarah begins to untangle the layers of curses affecting her family bloodlines, until she discovers that the curse has carried over to her, too. The day she falls in love for the first time, Sarah will transform into a beast... unless
she can figure out a way to break the curse forever.

I just love discovering a new-to-me author who manages to suck me into a story! This is one of my favourite things about reading! And Cat Hellisen managed to do just that.
One thing that diminished the experience of reading Beastkeeper for me has nothing to do with Cat Hellisen's writing, but with me working 36 hours in 3 days and not having any time or the ability to focus on a book. So I read some of it in bits and pieces and I didn't get as lost in it as I would have wanted, but that's all me, cause once I settled down with it for a longer period of time, I did connect with the story.

I picked this up because it sounded like a really cute MG, but with a little dark undertone. And guys, it's exactly that! It reminds me of the original Grimm fairytales, as in it's not all sparkly and bubbly and actually a little gritty and not the kind of happily ever after you'd expect. And I really liked that! Sarah has a LOT to deal with in Beastkeeper and she's just a girl! She just lost both of her parents and got dumped with her grandmother and OMG, I really don't think I would have handled everything as she did. That's one strong girl with a big heart!

I totally loved the concept of Beauty and the Beast but with a little added something AND with the girl as a beast! It's all so intricate and pretty harsh in the end and I just felt for Sarah as she was trying to figure it out and save everyone, including herself. And I really liked Alan, the boy in the forest who is more than he seems. I liked seeing him and Sarah form a friendship.
Towards the end I was like, surely my e-ARC is missing some pages cause how are they going to figure things out with so few time left?? There were shocking twists and turns and the ending was satisfying, but it did feel a bit rushed. I could have done with a bit more of an explanation and I just want to know what happens with Sarah after The End!

My rating: 4 stars

IMM Vlog (4)

It's that time again: In My Mailbox! Hosted, as always, by the lovely Kristi from the Story Siren!

BOUGHT:
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini (thank you to The Book Depository for sending me a hardcover even though I ordered a paperback! Definitely not complaining!)
Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Child of the Phoenix by Barbara Erskine
Behaving Like Adults by Anne Maxted

WON:
The Demon King & The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima
THANK YOU Harper Voyager!!
Radiant Desire by Inara Scott
HUGE thank you to the author for sending it to me!
If I Die by Rachel Vincent
THANK YOU RACHEL! Check out her blog!

NETGALLEY:
The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Spirit's Princess by Esther M. Friesner
Cross My Heart by Sasaha Gould
Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen
Tempest by Julie Cross
Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire
The Unbearable Book for Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher
At the Mercy of the Queen by Anne Clinard Barnhill
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (you can see me do my happy dance for this one ;) )
Hades by George O'Connor
Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley
Enchanted Again by Robin D. Owens
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

So, this is pretty much about a month worth of books I think, which makes it less bad (yes? no? maybe?)...
What did you get in your mailbox? Leave me a link in the comments!

IMM Vlog (3)

IMM is hosted by the lovely Kristi from the Story Siren!



If I'm again not so coherent, I blaim it on the fact that I'm a bit tired after going to a concert last night (I feel like I'm turning into a little old lady here..).

BOUGHT:
The Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemisin
Het Grote Boek van Madelief by Guus Kuijer (childhood favourite!)

BIRTHDAY GIFTS:
Matched by Ally Condie
Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik
Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

NETGALLEY:
My Very Unfairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski
Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore
Shoes by Giorgio Riello and Peter McNeil
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke
My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley
The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
How The Marquess Was Won by Julie Ann Long
Candlewax by C. Bailey Sims
Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan
Pride by Penny Jordan
The Traitor's Daughter by Paula Brandon
Mistress by Midnight by Nicola Cornick
Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
God's Eye by A.J. Scudiere
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

GALLEYGRAB:
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Death Watch by Ari Berk
Legacy by Molly Cochran

I know, I need to lay off the requesting on NetGalley for a while ;) This is about 2-3 weeks worth of books I think, which makes it less bad, yes?

Oh, and what I meant to say at the end of the video was 'Hope you had a great book week and happy reading', but somehow the sound and the image didn't match up and it's a bit wonky.

Anyway, what did you get in your mailbox? Leave me a link in the comments!

IMM Vlog (2)

In My Mailbox is brought to the blogosphere by the lovely Kristi at the Story Siren. It gives us all the opportunity to show what has landed in our mailbox over the weeks, be it bought, borrowed or gifted :)

And I have been winning stuff!!

And I hope I was slightly more coherent this time, though my excitement about the EPIC book win probably didn't help ;)

BOUGHT:
Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn
Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

WON:
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
Many thanks to Rachel from Fiktshun's Ramblings for these book: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Boxed set of A Song of Ice and Fire 1-4
Signed hardcover of A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin
Seriously you guys, these books have been sitting on the couch next to me for the last couple of weeks, I can't believe I won them! And I can't believe I said the Song of Ice and Fire TRILOGY, cause obviously, I know there's more than 3 books in the series...
Huge thank you to the wonderful people over at the Book Depository!

NETGALLEY:
Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
Touch by Jus Accardo
Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
Henry VIII: Wolfman by A.E. Moorat
The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson
Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Picture Perfect by Lanie Kincaid

So, that's my epic two weeks worth of books! What did you get in your mailbox? Leave your link in the comments and I'll be sure to come over and check it out after I get back from the birthday party I'm at this afternoon :)

Happy reading!

IMM VLOG!! (1)

As always a big thank you to the wonderful Kristi from the Story Siren for hosting!

My first ever vlog, which is somewhat (or actually majorly) scary. I SWEAR I'm more articulate usually, but this was so exciting I forgot how to.
And I'm sorry to the people whose names I pronounced and massacred. Names and I don't go so well together apparantly.
Oh, and tell me, does my accent suck really bad?

WON:
Die for Me by Amy Plum, THANK YOU AMY!!
A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young, THANK YOU LENA @ Addicted 2 Novels

Physical review copy:
Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz, thank you Rosanne for sending it to me!

BOUGHT:
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier
The Flight of the Falcon by Daphne du Maurier
Sepulchre (which is apparantly unpronouncable by little me..) by Kate Mosse
Van Rijn by Sarah Emily Miano
Being Elizabeth by Barbara Taylor Bradford

NETGALLEY BOOKS:
To Pleasure a Duke by Sarah Bennett
Ditched by Robin Mellom
The Gray Wolfe Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon
All About Seduction by Katy Madison
The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson
Centauriad by K.K. Ross
Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
Ladies in Waiting by Laura L. Sullivan
Croak by Gina Damico
Jane Austen Made Me Do It by various authors
Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
Shattered Dreams by Ellie James
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Crave by Melissa Darnell
The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats
The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe
Desired by Nicola Cornick
A Midsummer Night's Sin by Kasey Michaels
Elizabeth, The Enchantress by Lavinia Kent
The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards
A Scottish Love by Karen Ranney
Prized by Caragh O'Brien
Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

So, that's my epic list, two months worth of books! Next week I'll show you guys some more wins made of awesome and BIRTHDAY BOOKS!

What should be my next read? Let me know and leave a link to your IMM in the comments so I can be sure to check it out!

In My Mailbox (5)

Holy crap, it's been 3,5 months since I last did an IMM! So this'll be pretty massive. Though not as massive as it could have been if public transportation hadn't failed in bringing me to a book sale I had planned to go to...

Anyway, I'm bound to forget some books I got, but I'll try to get them all in this post. So this is basically 3,5 months of books, beware.

BOUGHT/WON/FOR REVIEW:

I kind of splurged a bit as a reward for passing the test at the end of my last internship, this is the result:


-The Other Countess by Eve Edwards: SOOO looking forward to this one! There aren't that many YA historical romances to go around so I'm really excited to get to this one!
-Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman: Greek mythology is awesome and this sounds like such a cute read!



-Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren: I've heard great things about this book and it sounds awesome, so glad to have it waiting on me now!
-Divergent by Veronica Roth: really, how could any selfrespecting YA dystopian lover NOT be tempted to get this one?? And my wonky old camera has managed to make the cover even funkier. I'm dying to read this one!



-Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon: I actually WON this about 3 months ago in a giveaway by Amy from Passages to the Past, I know I've said it before, but THANK YOU AMY!! I LOVE mermaids and this book sounds right up my alley!
-To The Moon and Back by Jill Mansell: seriously, I don't get why she's not better known in the US, cause she is AMAZING! I have her on auto-buy, she's one of the reigning ladies in chicklit in my opinion and here in Holland we love her. I haven't read this one yet, but she's never disappointed me before.



-Dael and the Painted People by Allan Richard Schickman: I got this one for review, it's the third book in the Zan Gah series and I enjoyed the first one.




-Master Magician series book 1-6 by W.J. Maryson: these came in the mail Tuesday and I'm so, SO happy! Seriously, it's a fantasy series in Dutch and I read them back when I was 12 or so. BUT they're out of print and for the past few years I've been looking EVERYWHERE for them and now found a set that was maybe gently used. I'm looking forward to rereading them, it's been a LONG time!

NETGALLEY EGALLEYS:
Seriously, 3,5 months of requests is too much to add here, so I'll highlight a few notables:




-The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
-Eve by Anna Carey
-The Twilight of Lake Woebegotten by Harrison Geillor: I almost never read parodies, but this sounded too fun to resist!




-Vanish by Sophie Jordan
-A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies: I seriously squealed when I got this one! It sounds awesome!
-The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson: I officially do not appreciate the cover change, this one is so much prettier!




-The Mephisto Convenant by Trinity Faegen
-Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
-The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen KentI LOVED The Heretic's Daughter by the same author, so excited to be reading this!




-Legacy by Cayla Kluver: I'm currently reading this, about 50 pages in, so far it's good!
-Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz: already reviewed this one, it was really good!
-The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

SIMON & SCHUSTER EGALLEYS:




-Fury by Elizabeth Miles: I think this book will rock my socks off!
-Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt: already read this, highly enjoyable!
-Wildefire by Karsten Knight: already read, review will be up soon.

Huge THANK YOU to all the publishers!'


So, while that wasn't ALL I've managed to collect in 3,5 months, I can't list everything, that would make this post way too long.
Anyway, have you read any of the books I got? Recommendations as to what I should read first? And what did you get in your mailbox?

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Thanks so much for hosting! I really enjoy her vlogs every week, so be sure to check it out. I LOVE seeing what everybody else got and adding new books to my to-read list because of it!

It's been three weeks since my last IMM and I've got some AMAZING books! And swag. Yay for book swag! :)


BOUGHT/WON:


See all the amazing book swag there surrounding my pretty books? There are bookmarks and pins and stickers and the cutest little card, it actually say: "everything is better with sprinkles" underneath the cupcake. How awesome is that?! I won these in a giveaway by Heather at Book-Savvy. Thank you so much!

Onto the books:
I went a little crazy and exchanged several gift cards for books :)
-The Glass Demon by Helen Grant: I'd been kicking myself for not buying it the first time I laid eyes on it in the bookstore. Isn't the cover pretty?? It's actually even prettier on camera. Really looking forward to reading this one.
-The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb: this is actually not as pretty as you'd think from the picture. The color is off and it's actually only one pretty neutral color. But it sounds so great and it's what's inside that counts right?
-Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier: I've been dying to read one of her books and there's a comment on the back that says "It has the feel of a gothic horror, or a Daphne du Maurier ghost story". Sounds good to me!

eGalleys FOR REVIEW:

From Simon & Schuster's GalleyGrab Program:


-Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott: I've heard great things about her books and am excited to read this one!
-The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy: it looks totally cute, I actually love the hot pink of the cover!
-Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready: the much anticipated sequel to Shade (which I haven't actually read yet, but will very, VERY soon).
-Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton: another cute cover and the premise sounds really good!

From NetGalley:


-The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab: OMG!! I GOT THE NEAR WITCH!! You better believe I squealed! And did several happy dances, in fact I feel like doing a happy dance all over again. I've added this book to my to-read shelf on Goodreads August 6th 2010. The wait has been slowly killing me. And now it's waiting for me to get to it, I'm so excited!!
-Royal Weddings by Stephanie Laurens, Gaelen Foley and Loretta Chase: this is an anthology in honor of Prince William and Catherine Middleton's upcoming nuptials.
-Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban: sounds great! It was actually a group read for the Fantasy Book Club group on Goodreads I lurk around sometimes.


-Where She Went by Gayle Forman: I just finished If I Stay (yes, I finally got around to it) and gosh, it was amazing! I'm so looking forward to reading the sequel!!
-Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade: if I'd only had the title to go on, I would NEVER have expected this cover to go with it ;)
-The Sins of Viscount Sutherland by Samantha James


-The Harlot by Saskia Walker
-Lord Langley is Back in Town by Elizabeth Boyle

Huge, enormous, gigantic THANK YOU!!! to all publishers!

So that's what I got over the last three weeks. Leave me a link to your IMM!

In My Mailbox (3)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. I LOVE seeing what everybody else got and adding new books to my to-read list because of it!

So, this is not as massive as the last time (but that was due to multiple book sales), I got some amazing books over the last 3 weeks.

BOUGHT
The one I'm most excited about, as I've waited a year and half for it to come out, I'm already reading it:


The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss: isn't it PRETTY!! I absolutely love the cover and did happy dances when it got here. It's also huge. I'm still weighing the merit of taking it with me everywhere against shoulder/back troubles. Seriously, my purse would probably tear if I put it in there.



Dutch version of The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco: this is supposed to be a must-read, so I picked it up on sale at my grocery store (I so love it when they have books on sale there).
Entangled by Cat Clarke: I fell in love with the cover, hope the book lives up to it!


WON
OH MY GOSH, I WON BOOKS!!! Seriously, I never win stuff, so I was SOOO excited when I got these!


Hard Times by Charles Dickens: I got this one from Sarah at The Book Bee, thank you so, so much!
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: got it from Liz at Midnight Bloom, THANK YOU!! I've heard great things about this book and I'm gonna read it soon! Also, this one is SIGNED:


YAY! I've never owned a signed book before, I'm so excited!


eGalleys FOR REVIEW:



Die For Me by Amy Plum: I absolutely love the new cover!!
Mercy by Rebecca Lim
The Devil's Temptress by Laura Navarre: I've actually already read this, the review will be up soon.



Guarding a Notorious Lady by Olivia Parker
Bumped by Megan McCafferty: OMG, I got approved for Bumped!! I'm so excited, I've been pining for this book for months.
The Royal Treatment by Linsey Leavitt: sequel to Princess for Hire, which I haven't read yet, but have been trying to get my hands on desperately.



Hereafter by Tara Hudson
The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini: I've been pining for this one for months as well, really excited to get to it!



A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine
Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin
The Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett

A huge THANK YOU to all publishers!

So this is my 3 weeks worth of books, I'm actually really proud of myself for not buying more than 3 books :) Don't you think YA as a group has the best covers?? They're all so pretty.
What did you get in your mailbox?