The Daily Prophecy

Title: The girl from everywhere.
Author: Heidi Heilig.
Pages:  464.
Published: February 16th 2016 by Greenwillow Books.
Sort: Part 1 of The girl from everywhere.
Source: I received a copy from the publisher on Edelweiss.

Sixteen-year-old Nix Song is a time-traveller. She, her father and their crew of time refugees travel the world aboard The Temptation, a glorious pirate ship stuffed with treasures both typical and mythical. Old maps allow Nix and her father to navigate not just to distant lands, but distant times - although a map will only take you somewhere once. And Nix's father is only interested in one time, and one place: Honolulu 1868. A time before Nix was born, and her mother was alive. Something that puts Nix's existence rather dangerously in question...  Nix has grown used to her father's obsession, but only because she's convinced it can't work. But then a map falls into her father's lap that changes everything. And when Nix refuses to help, her father threatens to maroon Kashmir, her only friend (and perhaps, only love) in a time where Nix will never be able to find him. And if Nix has learned one thing, it's that losing the person you love is a torment that no one can withstand. Nix must work out what she wants, who she is, and where she really belongs before time runs out on her forever.

This book got a lot of buzz around the time I read it and I must say that it is worth the hype. I thought it was a really clever, well-written story with interesting characters. This was one of the books I read during the 24 hours read-a-thon with my book club and it was not hard to read it in one sitting.

Nix sails together with her father on their ship, The Temptation, to any place in any time with the help of maps. I loved this concept, although I wish there were more explanations around the maps. They must be new (no one must have used them to travel before) and I still don't really understand why. If some of them are so rare, why not copy them before use? Anyway, they are looking for a very special map: one where Nix's mother is still alive. This is a difficult matter for Nix, because her mother died in childbirth, and Nix has no idea what would happen if she travels to that time. It could erase her entirely, but the complex relationship with her father makes her motivated to help him with his quest.

And boy, did I love their dynamic. It is clear that her father is a troubled man who can think of only one thing: finding the love of his life and getting her back. It is also obvious he loves Nix in his own way and it was great to have a book where a father/daughter relationship is the center where everything evolves around. His passionate search for this map makes sure that the plot takes us all to different places in the world in different time periods.

Another thing I really appreciated was the diversity in this book. The crew showcases many different people from other cultures and sexuality. Take Kash, a Persian thief who is Nix's best friend. I am someone who does not need much romance in a book and I loved how Heidi handled this. Nix and Kash first start out as really good friends and not too much happens, but that is what made me ship them so hard. Plus, sass and banter!

I think this book was a great start of a series and I very much look forward to the sequel.


 
“Sometimes a person has to let go of something to take hold of something else.”

All good things must come to an end, so this post is the final one for this year's Love-a-thon. It has been a wonderful experience for me. Last year I was a participant and this year I could even help behind the screen to set up this event. Thank you Alexa for asking me, so I could be part of this amazing team with Cee & Hazel! I feel like we've gotten closer <3 The enthusiasm, love and gratitude all around the blogosphere has made me smile. I feel renewed to pick up blogging. Do remember, we should spread love all year around! So, sometimes do a few of the things you've done this Love-a-thon. Tweet an author that you appreciate their books, tell your friends how much you care and try to find new people to support.

Hosted by: Alexa (Alexa Loves Books), Cee (The Novel Hermit), Hazel (Stay Bookish) & Mel (The Daily Prophecy).

If you want to be entered in the giveaway for this challenge, you have to link up at The Novel Hermit. (If you’re not awake yet, don’t fret! The linky will be open until the event officially ends on February 22, so add yours any time before then.)

It’s time for a tea break! In this post, you’ll share which fictional character, book blogger OR BookTuber OR Bookstagrammer, and author you’d want to have a tea party with and why. Feel free to go above and beyond by including more details about your dream tea party!
The first thing I'm changing up at my tea party is that I'm serving hot cocoa with additional whipped cream if requested. I have tried many different flavors and ways to drink tea, but for some reason I just don't like it.

If you're still interested in participating in the Love-a-Thon, you still can! Just visit this post and fill out the form. Then tweet  @alexalovesbooks, or shoot an email to bbloveathon@gmail.com, so you can be added to the official participant list.

For this challenge and giveaway you have to link up over at Alexa loves books. You must make a poem with the spines of books and it is up to you how creative you get! Make photographs, design it, write it down, paint it, it's all up to you.

Hosted by: Alexa (Alexa Loves Books), Cee (The Novel Hermit), Hazel (Stay Bookish) & Mel (The Daily Prophecy)
It is time for another challenge! This was inspired by the lovely Bekka from Pretty Deadly Reviews (Thanks again!) I came up with the final ideas for the card, but the design was made by the talented Hazel.

This time we are having a Bingo! It is time to get to work so you can cross off all these challenging squares. Also, it is not too late to join the. There is still time left to sign-up for the #Loveathon event! Also, don't forget to check out Instagram (with Alexandra (@twirlingpages, Aly (@alybabybooks and Mara (@bookmarauders as our ambassadors), Youtube (with Anabel-In the Book Corner, Kristin-Super Space Chick and Tiffany-About to Read as our ambassadors) and Twitter with the hash tag #Loveathon to keep up with the different platforms!

I already talked about my obsession for Disney in my top 3 favorite Disney movies and 3 of my favorite forgotten Disney movies. Today I want to talk about all the non-Disney/Pixar animation movies that I have fallen in love with over the years.

Hosted by: Alexa (Alexa Loves Books), Cee (The Novel Hermit), Hazel (Stay Bookish) & Mel (The Daily Prophecy)

Hello everyone to this wonderful day. It is the time where we kick off the Love-a-thon event! It is time to post your answer to the questionnaire and to hop around different blogs to get to know new people. This post also contains the list with participating people and even the first giveaway.

Also, don't forget to check out Instagram (with Alexandra (@twirlingpages, Aly (@alybabybooks and Mara (@bookmarauders as our ambassadors), Youtube (with Anabel-In the Book Corner, Kristin-Super Space Chick and Tiffany-About to Read as our ambassadors) and Twitter with the hash tag #Loveathon to keep up with the different platforms!

1. What’s your name?
   Melanie, but Mel to all my friends.
2. Where in the world are you blogging from? The Netherlands, country that is probably known for cheese, windmills, tulips and clogs (plus two other things I would like to ignore)
3. How did you get into blogging in the first place?
   It all started on Goodreads (follow/friend me if you like!), where I saw people linking back to their blog. One day I decided I wanted to do the same and I took the jump.
4. How did you come up with your blog name?
   It is a nod to Harry Potter (The Daily Prophet) and I have no idea, it just popped in my head and I still love it.
5. What genre do you read and review the most on your blog?
   Fantasy and fairytale retellings, my two favorite things in the world.
6. What other types of posts do you do on your blog, apart from reviews?
   I post the occasional discussion post, I have something called Fairytale News where I talk about all the fairytales. I also like to ramble about movies/TV shows, specifically Disney.
7. Best blogging experience so far?
   I think making friends all over the world. I think it is amazing I've finally found people who love to read too. Also, I've gotten so many awesome opportunities, like having my name added in the acknowledgment of Cress, being mentioned on the Harper Collins website with my review for The Queen of the Tearling, starting of my book club and being asked for amazing events like this! Also, meeting Leigh Bardugo was the BEST.
8. Favorite thing about the blogging community?
   Talking, raving, shouting, discussing and ranting about books.
9. Name the 5 books you’re most excited for this 2016!
   Mindy McGinnis – The female of the species.
   Victoria Schwab – This savage song.
   Cat Winters – Yesternight.
   Marissa Meyer – Heartless.
   Sarah J. Maas – A court of mist and fury.
10. Name the 5 books you want to read this 2016 that you didn’t get to in previous years! Rachel Cain – Ink and bone.
    Ransom Riggs – Library of souls.
    Liz Braswell – A whole new world.
    Elizabeth May – The vanishing throne.
    Erin Bowman – Vengeance road.
11. What’s an underrated book or series that you think everyone should read? Everything by Juliet Marillier, hands down.
12. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF? I think a lot of people are going to say this, but I would be best friend with Hermione for sure.
13. Which book boy or girl would be your book boyfriend/girlfriend? I love the moody, serious, intelligent type of guys, but at the same time I also love sarcasm, so I would like to have a blend of Beast (Dark Triumph), Sturmhond (Grisha), Thorne (Lunar Chronicles) and Chaol (Throne of glass)
14. Who would you recruit for your apocalypse squad (5 characters max) Celaena, because she is a bad-ass. [Throne of glass]
    Katsa, that girl knows how to fight. [Graceling]
    Allison, battles with vampires and fights with a katana. [The immortal rules]
    Hermione, because magic always comes in handy. [Harry Potter]
    Nina, because damn girl! [Six of crows]
15. Apart from reading, what are your other hobbies or interests? I'm a big Netflix addict. Give me all the movies and TV shows! I love playing games, board games or PS3/Nintendo. I love hanging out with friends, boyfriend and family. I like writing and I used to paint/draw a lot and I wish to pick it up again.
16. Apart from book shopping, what else do you like shopping for? Clothes, definitely. Wearing new clothes makes me feel so confident.
    
17. What would your dream library look like?
    Beauty and the beast, oh yeah.

I came across this movie on Netflix and decided to give it a shot. There were some awkward moments and sometimes it was too much 'I'm the bitch of the school' from Madison, but I enjoyed it. Wes is quite pleasing to look at. It made me think about my time in High School and how often I felt out of place. Be aware, I might ramble a little, but I just had a lot of feelings and thoughts. (D.U.F.F means Designated Ugly Fat Friend, the person who is least popular and more approachable in a group.)

This movie made me realize how easily we label people on our first impressions and by how little we know about that person. It also shows how we let other people's opinion influence us and define us by placing us in a box that does not entirely fit. It made me realize how much I cared about what other people thought about me and how much emphasis I placed on those labels when I was their age. Sometimes I've let other people decided how I felt about myself and I placed a part of my happiness in their hands - and some people were not worth that amount of importance.

It made me think back about the fact that I used to feel I should adapt to everyone around me. Despite the fact that it did not work, because some people are simply mean and hateful, I changed something vital about myself; instead of being entirely Mel, I was only the part of myself I thought others would like more, because she might fit in better. It took me a long time to realize that I should never try to fit in with people who could not accept me for who I am. I did not have to change myself, only the people around me. It is still scary and I still want everyone to like me, but at the end of the day I'm pleased with the person I am now. And you should be too!


In a way, The D.U.F.F made me think about This song will save your life. Elise was an outsider who tried to change herself, but eventually realized that she was good the way she was. She just needed to find the right people to surround herself with.


I also think it shows the fact how one word can mean a lot to someone and how it can influence their life. We see the effect of bullying and how this could easily ruin someone's entire life and reputation. More books and movies should express what an influence bullying can have on someone's life and personality. A lot of time it seems to be brushed away, but it can have serious damage and despite the light tone in this movie, I think it conveyed that message. We should all be able to express who we are without being judged by everyone and without feeling ashamed for who we are. Let go of the labels and simply embrace who we are, for who we are.

I think that this is the power of stories, whether they are told through movies or books. They make us think about important things, they tell stories that resonate with us and they make us realize we are never alone.

Did/Do you ever feel like a D.U.F.F?

This is the start of my celebration for my 4th blogoversary. I've been so busy lately, that I didn't have the time to post this on the right date. February 4th was the moment where I started this blog, a short time after I discovered Goodreads and the blogosphere.

For my first blogoversary I looked at some of my stats and my first friends (1st blogoversary post) My second started with a new design (the one I still have), I shared 10 random facts about me, my blogging methods and I talked about some of my favorite TV shows at that time. I sort of forgot about my third blogoversary and I didn’t have the time to celebrate it, but I thought it was time to throw another party!

I think it’s great to get to know a blogger on a more personal level. It changes someone from a face behind the computer screen to a real life person. This is one of the reasons I started doing Monthly recaps (and how I enjoy writing them!) and why I started Mel in Movieland, because I love so many other things besides reading. I think tags are a great way to get more personal too, like the 20 things you might not know about me tag. I opened up a lot on my blog by sharing my bullying story, my fear of making language mistakes and by telling that I’m socially awkward. I think it’s fantastic that I’m able to share all these things with you guys and how supportive you always are.

I told you before that Blogging has changed my life in so many ways – and I still stand behind everything I said. I am now friends with so many inspiring people who motivate me. If I look at how much I have grown as a blogger and how many things I still want to explore, I don’t think I will grow tired of blogging any time soon. Thank you all for sticking around and for being the awesome you.

Now on to the purpose of this post; after a quick look through my older posts, I realized I have never talked about music before. I am someone who listens to music all the time, especially while I’m reading. Silence makes me nervous and too aware of other noises, so I love to put on some of my favorite music. I’ve gone through a lot of different music styles. When I was younger I was a big fan of rock. Kamelot, Nightwish and Within Temptation are three bands I was obsessed with. Nowadays I prefer slower and softer music, so almost everything I listen to is Folk/Indie.

Title: Ravenous.
Author: MarcyKate Connolly.
Pages:  432.
Published: February 9th 2016 by HarperCollins Children's Books.
Sort: Part 2 of Monstrous.
Source: I received a copy from the publisher on Edelweiss.

A witch has come to the city of Bryre. She travels in a hut that has chicken feet, and is ravenous for children. And once she gets what she desires, she never lets it go. But when the witch captures Hans, Greta’s little brother, Greta refuses to let her have him. The two strike up a bargain. Greta will retrieve something the witch desires in exchange for her brother’s freedom. To get the prize Greta must travel to Belladoma—a city where she was once held captive—which brings back terrible memories. With the help of a new friend, Dalen, a magical half-boy and half-horse, Greta embarks on the journey and tries to overcome both foes and her own weaknesses.

Ravenous is set in the same world and time as Monstrous, but is not much of a sequel. There are a few shout-outs to Kymera and Ren, the protagonist and secondary character from Monstrous, but in principle this book could be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend to read the both of them though, because they are both surprising in their own way.

Greta is one of the kidnapped girls that were kept as food in Belladoma. She returned home, but all that is left of her family is her little brother, Hans. Greta desperately wants to find out what happened to their parents and why they suddenly left, but she knows she must take care of Hans now. The two manage to survive until Hans is taken by a hungry witch. Greta makes a deal: she must bring an old treasure that belonged to the deceased king of Belladoma and in return, she can have Hans back. This is the start of a big adventure, because things does not come easy to Greta. She is not the only one hunting down this item and some are willing to go far to get it in their hands.

I loved Greta and her protectiveness over Hans. She was a clever, brave girl who is willing to sacrifice anything to keep her brother save. Their relationship was definitely a fun addiction to the story. What I also admired about this book is that the author never makes it feel or sound too childish, but at the same time Greta does not feel too old for her age. This results in a book that is great for any age. The author also does not shy away from giving emotional punches, something I also noticed in Monstrous.

The only thing is that the plot could have moved a little bit faster at times, but it also gave time for development. Greta meets a half-boy/half-animal from a village made out of different animal-people and I liked how their friendship develops. In the beginning they are forced to be together, but slowly they start to appreciate each other. I liked their mutual respect.

Definitely a good spin on Hansel and Gretel!

I had to survive in a no-internet climate for four weeks and let me tell you this, it was a challenge. I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm addicted to the internet, but it has integrated itself in my life and it has become an important (and welcome) presence. During those weeks I had to find ways to keep myself occupied – so I would not go crazy about the fact I could not blog, keep up with the blogophere and friends, watch Netflix or stalk Goodreads. I could do a few things on my mobile phone, and boy did I go over my data, and I have leeched on the internet of my parents like a parasite when I had the chance, but having internet is way easier and more comfortable.

1. Re-organize those shelves. Luckily for me, the no-internet problem was caused by moving into my own place. One thing that kept me quite busy was unpacking all the boxes and best of all: re-arranging my shelves! I could start with a blank canvas and for two days I switched books around and carefully thought about a system that would be A. easy in use and B. pleasing to the eye. In case you lose internet with another reason, I highly recommended going through your shelves and do some re-organization.

2. Watching and sleeping. A new job and therefor a new schedule to get adjusted to also worked. Most of the time I was so tired when I got home, I ate some food and then ended up in bed with a movie. These days made it easy to not think about anything else but relaxing and sleeping. I bet watching movies and sleeping could count as survival tips too.

Don’t forget to tweet and Instagram with the hash-tag #fairytaleRC. At the end of this post you can put links to your challenge page/post and every review you post on your blog. Please make this easy to navigate by putting it like this:”

UPDATE  @ your name/blog name. This is your master post, like your challenge page.
REVIEW – book title @ your name/blog name.

My progress:
I already read two books: C.J Redwine - The shadow queen and Megan Morrison - Grounded. Both were really good, so I would recommend them. What did you read?

I always think fairytales are inspirational. Some stories have beautiful morals and I think Disney managed to translate those lessons into their movies. Some people might disagree about the role of Disney princesses, but I already came to the defence of some, so I came up with eight quotes from several movies that made me think. (Also a reminded: don't forget about the bingo card! You have until March to fill in at least one square, so you can join the giveaway in December)