Letterbox Love #71

Letterbox Love is a way to show you all of the lovely, lovely books I’ve gotten in the post, bought and everything else over the last week. Summaries are taken from the cover, or Amazon/NetGalley/Goodreads in the case of e-books, unless otherwise stated. Hosted by Narratively Speaking.

For review:

It’s the End of the World as We Know It, Saci Lloyd (e-proof)

Welcome to a world controlled by a megalomaniac Lolcat. A world where data parties, zombies and infobots on surfboards roam free. A world at war over cheese...

When teenager Mikey Malone gets sucked through a wormhole into this parallel world, he discovers a power-crazed corporation is planning to use Earth as a dumping ground for an uncontrollable poisonous algae. It’s a race against time for Mikey and his rebel friends to stop the ruthless tyrants from getting their way.

A laugh-out-loud-funny new sci-fi series from Costa shortlisted Saci Lloyd, perfect for devotees of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams.

This could be awful, or it could be amazing. I hope it’s amazing. Thanks Hodder!

Me and Mr J, Rachel McIntyre (e-proof)

Fifteen-year-old Lara finds her soulmate. There’s just one problem – he’s her teacher.

Lara’s life has changed radically since her father lost his job. As the eldest, Lara tries to keep upbeat, and the one outlet for all her problems in her diary where she can be open and how dire everything is at home, and worse, the fact that she’s being horrifically bullied at school.

And then a shining light comes out of the darkness – the new young and MALE teacher, Mr Jagger. The one person who takes Lara seriously and notices her potential. The one person who is kind to her. The one person who she falls madly and hopelessly in love with. The one person who can’t reciprocate her feelings – can he?

Yay for my favourite type of forbidden romance! Twisted, me? Don’t be silly! Thanks Electric Monkey and NetGalley!

Shadow Study, Maria V Snyder (e-proof)

Once, only her life hung in the balance.

When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part fo the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.

Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands – and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job – and his life – are in danger.

As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. And now she must find a way to keep not only herself, but all she holds dear, alive.

It’s going to be so nice to be back in Yelena and Valek’s world! Thanks NetGalley and Mira!

Bought:

The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton (e-book)

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed...

On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country t begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways...

Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realises the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall?

Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, Jessie Burton’s magnificent debut novel The Miniaturist is a story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.

I finally succumbed to the pressure. I’ve heard endless praise from everywhere about this novel. I do hope it lives up to it...

The Winner’s Curse, Marie Rutkoski (e-book)

Kestrel lives the lavish lifestyle of a Valorian General’s only daughter, and such riches come at a cost for Valoria’s captives – and for her. As the Herrani face death or slavery, Kestrel’s destiny is shaped by her father. He gives her two choices: join his army or get married. Desperate to realise her own future and knowing that it will invite scandal, she pays a small fortune for a handsome Herrani blacksmith at a slave auction. Arin not only plays Kestrel’s power games, he understands what she needs and soon she is torn between loyalty to her people and her feelings for him. But Arin is not all he seems and Kestrel will learn that the price she paid for him is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

The first novel in a stunning new trilogy, The Winner’s Curse is a story of romance, rumours and rebellion, where dirty secrets and careless alliances can be deadly – and everything is at stake.

Like with The Miniaturist, I’ve buckled under the pressure of how much my Twitter timeline loves this book. I'm reading this at the moment and enjoying it, but I haven't fallen in love yet.

Sophie