What trials would you need to happen to change your life?
Nothing about this month’s book is simple it seems like!
July’s Trials & Retribution-themed book is The Darkening by Sunya Mara.
In this thrilling and epic YA fantasy debut the only hope for a city trapped in the eye of a cursed storm lies with the daughter of failed revolutionaries and a prince terrified of his throne.
Vesper Vale is the daughter of revolutionaries. Failed revolutionaries. When her mother was caught by the queen’s soldiers, they gave her a choice: death by the hangman’s axe, or death by the Storm that surrounds the city and curses anyone it touches. She chose the Storm. And when the queen’s soldiers–led by a paranoid prince–catch up to Vesper’s father after twelve years on the run, Vesper will do whatever it takes to save him from sharing that fate.
Even arm herself with her father’s book of dangerous experimental magic.
Even infiltrate the prince’s elite squad of soldier-sorcerers.
Even cheat her way into his cold heart.
But when Vesper learns that there’s more to the story of her mother’s death, she’ll have to make a choice if she wants to save her city: trust the devious prince with her family’s secrets, or follow her mother’s footsteps into the Storm.
Via Goodreads
I am currently reading this book now and should be done it shortly. So far, first impressions are good. I’m enjoying the characters although I do get a little glazed over when it comes to the hierarchies. There are certain things I’m definitely curious about going forward (without any spoilers) that keep me interested in finishing the book.
I’m not sure if it will keep me invested enough to finish the duology, slated to publish later this year. I do think there is more to the storm and everything and I’m fully expecting a twist that I won’t see coming. I am pretty dismal at guessing any plotlines.
Now onto the Trial & Retribution goodies!
Finally getting around to posting the last 6 months of boxes. I decided to still post them even though I’m horrendously behind because I put the subscription on hold… so December is my last box!
Yes, I am sad, but I just couldn’t really justify the cost anymore (in these more turbulent times). I might just do the book-only box in the future because as much as I love the stuff that comes in the boxes – I don’t really need the stuff either.
Except when the items are socks. I love a good pair of socks! These are Gideon the Ninth socks. There was also a set of metal straws, in gold with a Greek pattern. These aren’t the first ones we’ve gotten in a box but they’re always really nice. I actually use the original set I got quite a lot when I drink my smoothies or bubble tea!
The letter opener is part of a collectible set, and this is the 3rd collectible. It’s inspired by Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic. The Print Album actually came at the perfect time. I wasn’t sure what I should do with all the art prints that come in the boxes because I don’t hang all of them, and this was the perfect solution! I don’t actually use the pin banners, but this one is inspired by Dance of Thieves.
The tarot cards are still such a highlight for me in each box. I will definitely be purchasing the standalone cards to complete the set. This month features Sloane as Strength and Dane as The Hermit from the Blood Scion.
Obviously, it goes without saying that the special edition of the book is stunning. The foiled cover, the sprayed edges, and the endpaper art!!
What do you think of this month’s theme and book?
As I haven’t finished the book, I’ll post the review as soon as I have finished it. Anything, in particular, you want to see in the review? Let me know in the comments or on social media! I’m giving Twitter a go again, so drop me a hello there!
J x
