Author: jilljemmett

Jill lives in Toronto, Canada. She has studied English, Creative Writing, and Publishing. Jill is the creator and content producer of Jill’s Book Blog, where she has published a blog post every day for the last four years, including 5-7 book reviews a week. She can usually be found with her nose in a book.

Review: The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3)

Title: The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3)
Author: Holly Black
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Little, Brown
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: November 19, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

He will be destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne. 

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power. 

Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics. 

And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity… 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, comes the highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy.

Review:

This was an amazing conclusion to the Folk of the Air series!

I love Holly Black’s writing. She paints a clear picture of the faerie land, without dragging on. Some fantasy series can have long descriptions that distract from the storyline, but there is just enough description to understand what is going on.

I also love how the real world is included in this story. The girls travel back and forth between the faerie world and the human world. It’s funny to see these two groups interact. It also makes the story relatable, because it is occasionally set in our contemporary world.

There were thrilling twists throughout the story. Almost every time the characters made a plan, something happened that changed it. It made the story unpredictable because nothing happened the way they thought it would. I had no idea how it would end, right up until the final chapter!

This book definitely lived up to the hype! I loved it!

What to read next:

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Other Books in the Series:

Have you read The Queen of Nothing? What did you think of it?

‘Waiting on’ Wednesday – December 4

This is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. In this post we highlight a book that’s highly anticipated.

The book that I’m waiting on this Wednesday is Husband Material by Emily Belden. The expected publication date is December 30, 2019.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sometimes love is unpredictable…

Twenty-nine-year-old Charlotte Rosen has a secret: she’s a widow. Ever since the fateful day that leveled her world, Charlotte has worked hard to move forward. Great job at a hot social media analytics company? Check. Roommate with no knowledge of her past? Check. Adorable dog? Check. All the while, she’s faithfully data-crunched her way through life, calculating the probability of risk—so she can avoid it.

Yet Charlotte’s algorithms could never have predicted that her late husband’s ashes would land squarely on her doorstep five years later. Stunned but determined, Charlotte sets out to find meaning in this sudden twist of fate, even if that includes facing her perfectly coiffed, and perfectly difficult, ex-mother-in-law—and her husband’s best friend, who seems to become a fixture at her side whether she likes it or not.

But soon a shocking secret surfaces, forcing Charlotte to answer questions she never knew to ask and to consider the possibility of forgiveness. And when a chance at new love arises, she’ll have to decide once and for all whether to follow the numbers or trust her heart.

What books are you waiting on this week?

Review: Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight

Title: Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight
Author: Kelly Sue DeConnick, Dexter Soy, Emma Rios
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Marvel
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

The “Mightiest” of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is back! 

Ace pilot. Legendary Avenger. One hundred percent pure bad-@$$. Carol Danvers has a new name, a new mission – and all the power she needs to make her own life a living hell. As the new Captain Marvel, Carol is forging from a challenge from her past! 

It’s a firefight in the sky as the Banshee Squadron debut – but who are the Prowlers, and where has Carol seen them before? And how does secret NASA training program Mercury 13 fit in? Witness Captain Marvel in blazing battlefield action that just may change the course of history! Avengers Time Travel Protocols: engage! 

Review:

I liked this graphic novel much more than the first Captain Marvel graphic novel I read.

This story wasn’t an origin story, but it told the story of how Captain Marvel got her powers through time travel. She travelled back in time to figure out why she was left a plane by her mentor, Helen. Through this adventure, I learned about how Carol Danvers became Captain Marvel.

In the middle of the story, Captain Marvel went to a battle in World War II. I didn’t really understand why that was included in the book. It didn’t tie into the main plot of Carol learning about Helen’s past, but it did show what it was like to be a female pilot during that time.

I really enjoyed this book!

What to read next:

Captain Marvel, Vol. 2: Down by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Christopher Sebela

Have you read Captain Marvel, Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight? What did you think of it?

Top Ten Tuesday – Holiday Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and it is now hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s theme is Holiday Reads. These are the holiday books I plan on reading this month. Here’s my list:

1. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

2. A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan

3. Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler

4. We Met in December by Rosie Curtis

5. One Week ‘Til Christmas by Belinda Missen

6. 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

7. Christmas at the Second Chance Chocolate Shop by Kellie Hailes

8. The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

9. My True Love Gave to Me by Stephanie Perkins (editor)

10. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

(All photos taken from Goodreads)

What’s your list of books on your Top Ten Tuesday?

Review: The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe

Title: The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe
Author: Angela Kelly
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 29, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

THE OFFICIAL BOOK, FULLY ENDORSED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.  

‘For the nearly seven decades of her reign, Her Majesty The Queen has used clothing to create a powerful visual identity that transcends fashion and has made her perhaps the most readily identifiable person on the planet. Angela Kelly, building on the work of the great designers and milliners who have worked with Her Majesty through the years – including couturiers Sir Norman Hartnell, Sir Hardy Amies, and Ian Thomas, and milliners such as Simone Mirman and Freddy Fox – brings her own imagination to bear on an iconic ‘uniform’ that suggests continuity and tradition, and ensures that the wearer is always the most visible person in a room or a crowd.’–Anna Wintour, Vogue

When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.

In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support. Sharing never-before-seen photographs – many from Angela’s own private collection – and charming anecdotes of their time spent together, this revealing book provides memorable insights into what it’s like to work closely with The Queen, to curate her wardrobe and to discover a true and lasting connection along the way.

Review:

Angela Kelly has a unique job: she is the Queen’s dresser. She designs, creates, and picks out all of the Queen’s clothes. This has created a special relationship between them.

This book had so many interesting details about the Queen’s life, which I had never heard before. This includes how they choose outfits for special events and how her luggage is packed for a trip. Angela’s job as dresser is so important, yet I hadn’t given much thought to this job before reading this book.

There were also lots of candid moments between the Queen and Angela. There were moments where they learned from each other, and other times where they played tricks on each other.

This book is a collection of special stories that I’m so glad that I read. I will be looking back at this book for years to come!

What to read next:

Dressing the Queen: The Jubilee Wardrobe by Angela Kelly

Have you read The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe? What did you think of it?

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? – December 2

This blog meme is hosted by Book Date. It is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile!

What I just finished:

This weekend I finished The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly.

What I’m currently reading:

I’m currently reading The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black.

What I’m reading next:

Next I will be reading Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung.

What are you guys reading this week? Have you read any of these books?

Jill’s Weekly Wrap-Up – December 1

Here are my reviews for the week with my ratings:

I did 8 weekly blogging memes:

I also wrote a post about the Reindeer Readathon I will be doing throughout December:

How was your week? What did you guys read?

Sundays in Bed With… The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe

The meme that dares to ask what book has been in your bed this morning? Come share what book you’ve spent time curled up reading in bed, or which book you wish you had time to read today! This meme is hosted by Midnight Book Girl.

This Sunday I’m reading The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly.

Goodreads Synopsis:

THE OFFICIAL BOOK, FULLY ENDORSED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.  

‘For the nearly seven decades of her reign, Her Majesty The Queen has used clothing to create a powerful visual identity that transcends fashion and has made her perhaps the most readily identifiable person on the planet. Angela Kelly, building on the work of the great designers and milliners who have worked with Her Majesty through the years – including couturiers Sir Norman Hartnell, Sir Hardy Amies, and Ian Thomas, and milliners such as Simone Mirman and Freddy Fox – brings her own imagination to bear on an iconic ‘uniform’ that suggests continuity and tradition, and ensures that the wearer is always the most visible person in a room or a crowd.’–Anna Wintour, Vogue

When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for twenty-five years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.

In The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen has personally given Angela her blessing to share their extraordinary bond with the world. Whether it’s preparing for a formal occasion or brightening Her Majesty’s day with a playful joke, Angela’s priority is to serve and support. Sharing never-before-seen photographs – many from Angela’s own private collection – and charming anecdotes of their time spent together, this revealing book provides memorable insights into what it’s like to work closely with The Queen, to curate her wardrobe and to discover a true and lasting connection along the way.

What book are you in bed with today?

Six for Sunday – Books Set Over Christmas

This meme is hosted by Steph at A little but a lot. The weekly prompts for 2019 can be found here.

This week’s prompt is Books Set Over Christmas. Here’s my list:

1. Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

2. My True Love Gave to Me by Stephanie Perkins (editor)

3. No-One Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day by Tracy Bloom

4. Snow in Love by Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, Kasie West

5. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

6. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Did you write a #SixforSunday post? What was your list of Books Set Over Christmas?

(All book cover images from Goodreads)

Reindeer Readathon TBR!

Hey everyone!

This December I will be participating in the Reindeer Readathon, which is hosted by BreakEven Books. It takes place between December 1-31. You have to read books that fit into a list of prompts to earn points for your team.

It is the last day to sign up (November 30).

This is the list of prompts:

This is my TBR for the readathon:

  • Dasher: Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
  • Dancer: On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
  • Prancer: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  • Vixen: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
  • Comet: Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah, Winnie Yeung
  • Cupid: A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
  • Donner: The Gown by Jennifer Robson
  • Blitzen: Guts by Raina Telgemeier
  • Rudolph: Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki, Steven Pugh
  • Christmas Star: The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter

The sign up link is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-37r5VhJt7m8wPmgbJI0jxsfiqKmwJ-hL8_ZipHTYKbwptA/viewform

After you sign up, you will be placed in a team. My team is the Mistletoe Team!

Who else is doing the Reindeer Readathon or any other holiday themed readathon?