jessbookshelf

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

V. E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is easily one of my favorite books of all time. There is no other story that compares to this one. Being forgotten about for 300 years by everyone you meet and still finding the will to live and enjoy life is truly what makes Addie one of the most special characters I’ve met so far. 

In a deal with the devil, Addie gains immortality at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. The only one who truly knows about Addie and remembers her, is the devil himself who she meets on every anniversary. The story is marked by their unique relationship as it shifts from some kind of love to deep hatred. As the devil – Luc – is the only one who remembers her, there is a deep bond between the two of them, which makes their relationship extremely interesting. As someone finally remembers her after 300 years of being forgotten, the curse seems to be broken – except it isn’t.

To me, the relationship between Luc and Addie is what makes the story so special and memorable. I have never read a book with a relationship between two characters that was this complicated and interesting. At times I found myself hoping for a moment where Luc becomes good and sets Addie free. There is definitely love he feels for her, but that does not stop him from being cruel.

Ultimately, I am mesmerized by the atmosphere in this story. I liked to travel through centuries with Addie and experience different time periods through her eyes. Her desperate attempts to make herself remembered by leaving bits and pieces of herself everywhere just shattered me.

Such a good read!

Let me know about any book that you enjoyed recently! ☺️

[jessbookshelf]

As a passionate reader, you’ll always find yourself with a never-ending list of books you want to read. There will either be a physical pile of books in the corner of your room that are just waiting to be your next pick or an Amazon cart (or whatever bookstore you might shop at) filled with books ready to be bought and added to your physical TBR-pile.

Today, I want to mention a few of the books that are already sitting on my bookshelf and those I definitely want to buy next.

My physical TBR pile

Besides the books that I have read this far and deem worthy of a place on my bookshelf, there are a few that I plan to read but haven’t come around to do so, yet. 

For one, we have part two and three of the Magnolia Parks series which is comparable to Gossip Girl – rich teens deal with rich teen problems. I read the first part of the series last year and was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. Usually, I reach for books in the fantasy genre that offer a complete escape from reality, but this series was refreshing. Even with all the drama and betrayal within the story, there is a certain lightness to it, which is why I think I’ll save the next books for summer. I can already picture myself at the beach with one of the Magnolia Parks books in hand. Sounds like a good time to me!

The next book on my pile is Reckless by Lauren Roberts, the sequel of Powerless. Powerless was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and I waited patiently for the sequel to be released, but I haven’t come around to read it, yet. Once again, it’s a fantasy series with Hunger Games vibes with a romance subplot. I liked the characters and how the story unfolded, therefore, so I’m excited to see what happens next. This might be my next read!

Another complete series just sitting on my bookshelf is Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. The series was kindly gifted to me by my boyfriend who’s completely obsessed with the series – he already made me watch the tv adaptation which I enjoyed. The books just seem a little more intimidating to me. I don’t know when I will find the courage to start reading the series.

TBR-list

The list of books on my non-physical TBR list is honestly never-ending and almost daily, books are added onto it. I always keep an eye on popular fantasy series with a similar vibe to what I have read this far. As there are so many, I will mention a few of the books that are high up on my TBR list.

The Belladonna trilogy by Adalyn Grace is one of the series I am interested in the most. For one, the covers are just stunning, but a gothic fantasy romance just sounds too good to be true.

Another book I have heard great things about is Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Although I tried not to listen to too many reviews that reveal the plot, I am intrigued by just how well to book was received. As it is labeled as an enemies-to-lovers romantasy sensation, I am sure that I will enjoy it. Enemies-to-lovers is one of those tropes I just cannot miss out on.

As I read the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy by Stephanie Garber and immediately bonded with the characters, I am curious to read the Caraval series that was actually published before OUABH (guess I don’t do my research properly to know which series to read first). As they are independent series that, as far as I know, play in the same universe, I think I’ll be fine. Recently, I read Phantasma by Kaylie Smith which reminds me of Caraval plot-wise. Both revolve around a game or show of some kind that needs to be survived and won by the FMC (once again, similar to Hunger Games in a way 🤔).

What’s on your TBR? (Is it as long as mine? 👀)

[jessbookshelf]

One thing I am asked about the most by friends, family and colleagues is “How do you find the time to read that much?” followed by “I have so much to do and reading is so boring.”

So, how do I find the time despite having a part-time job and working on my master’s degree? The simple answer: I make time. I prioritize reading because I genuinely enjoy it – it’s my biggest hobby. Even though my studies require a lot of academic reading, I still try to incorporate reading for my own pleasure into my daily life as much as I can. I want reading to remain a source of joy for me, not an obligation. Reading, to me, is a form of escapism – escaping the daily struggles of life.

To make reading pleasurable for you, you need to make it a source of joy. If you don’t like what you read, you simply won’t have a great time. Academic reading is not a source of joy for me, it’s an obligation and, in a way, I connect that to my job and not my private life. Therefore, I try my best to differentiate between readings I do for my studies and reading in my free time. 

Personally, I like reading at any time of the day – late at night, early in the morning or in the middle of the day. I also try to use my time wisely and read as much as I can. Sometimes, I even take my Kindle with me when I go to the gym and read while working out on the treadmill or whenever I take the train to university. Even if I read just a few pages at a time, this helps me to stay on track and keeps me motivated.

Here are a few rules – or hacks – for incorporating into your daily lives and enjoying it:

#1 Find books you enjoy

The #1 rule of making reading enjoyable for you is finding a book that truly interests you, no matter the genre, length or complexity. Even if it’s just a short book, if you have a good time reading it, that’s all that matters! 

#2 Find a comfortable space

Find a place where you can read in peace without being distracted. Some people prefer reading in the quiet of their home, while others like sitting in a busy café. Whatever works best for you!

#3 The right time

Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you enjoy reading late at night under the moonlight or would you rather like a great book on a sunny afternoon with a coffee in your hand? Discover what works best for you and make reading as enjoyable as possible.

#4 Make time

Instead of spending hours mindlessly scrolling through social media, reach for your book. Take a look at your daily routine and find time that you can actively use for reading – even if it’s just a short ride on the bus, time in a waiting room or the last 30 minutes before bed. Make the most of the time you have. 

#5 No pressure

Don’t force yourself to read, finish and enjoy a book that isn’t working for you. If you don’t enjoy it, put it down and reach for another. Reading should never feel like a chore. Spend your time wisely and not with books that make reading feel like a chore. You don’t have to finish each book or be a fast reader. You do this for you!

Above all, make sure you have fun!

What about you? Where do you like to read? Let me know! 🫵🏻

[jessbookshelf]

"Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom… very much."

– a quote that gives me goosebumps everytime.

Have you ever read a book series that made you completely disconnect from the real world? For me, Throne of Glass did just that and I can’t wait to share why it holds such a special place in my heart.

Throne of Glass is a series of 8 books which might seem intimidating at first. And it is a lot – timewise and emotionally – to say the least. If you plan on picking up this series, prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster. 

I have never entered a world so richly created with an abundance of settings, from the salt mines of Endovier to the grand and powerful capital of Rifthold, the wild and majestic kingdom of Terrasen with vast forests and mountains, the lush and deep forests of the Fae Lands or the desolate land of the Wastes and the Witch Kingdom, the vast desert of the Southern Continent, exotic and rich in culture and, lastly, the dark Morath with an eerie atmosphere. Each setting has its own atmosphere and complex history that influences the story. The attention to detail and depth of the world makes it feel so real and immersive. The world is not just a backdrop but plays an important role in shaping the characters and the plot. 

Another important aspect is the magic system within the story. As magic, at first, is suppressed by the King, different types of magic are introduced over the course of the story as well as characters of different species: humans, fae and witches. Each of the characters’ stories are deeply entwined with and influenced by their heritage. 

The characters in Throne of Glass are complex with unique personalities and compelling storylines about their developments and the relationships with each other. From strong female leads to morally grey characters and well-written villains and antagonists, the series offers a great variety of characters to be loved and despised and storylines to be explored. 

The FMC of this series – Aelin – has to be the greatest character of all time. From a self-centered assassin she transforms into a selfless queen who willingly sacrifices herself for her land. Her story and character is shaped by the unimaginable hardships she has to endure that, ultimately, make her stronger. Her sass and humor, combined with her intelligence, strategic mind and power and her extreme loyalty and love for her friends make her the most complex and well-loved character of any book that I’ve read so far. I have laughed and cried with her as I explored her transformation and character-growth. Reading the series, I felt so deeply impacted and inspired by Aelin’s story.

I cannot recommend this series enough. Even though it is a commitment, you will mourn the loss of this rich world and its characters as soon as you finish this series. If I were to lose all my memories, Throne of Glass would be the first thing for me to pick up and read again. I would do anything to be able to experience this series and the feelings I had – good and bad – again for the first time.

Have you read Throne of Glass? If so, let me know what you think! If not... what are you waiting for? 😨

[jessbookshelf]

As there is a never-ending list of books that I desperately need to read and, realistically, not enough time to ever follow up on that list, you need to drop some books sometimes. As bad as it sounds, sometimes you need to whether it’s worth continuing a book you did not immediately connect with and give other books a chance instead. 

Usually, I get inspired by other readers’ recommendations and put those books on my TBR-list (To Be Read). Sometimes, I start reading one of those books and somehow, I don’t really seem to get into it. Reading, then, feels more like a chore than something that I look forward to all day. That’s when I know it is time to drop the book. At first, it feels bad as I wanted to enjoy the book, I wanted to have a good time, but I simply didn’t. Why should I force myself to finish a book, if I don’t have a good time? – Right, I shouldn’t!

The most recent book that, sadly, put me into a reading slump, was The Wraith King by Juliette Cross. I really wanted to like this book and I had such high hopes for this one as it isn’t one of the typical well-known popular reads like A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing (which I both really enjoyed, btw). Sorry, DNF at 62%..., I tried!!!

Usually, I like the enemies to lovers trope, especially if it’s a slow burn. This one, quite frankly, really disappointed me. It started out strong with great worldbuilding, unique characters and an intriguing magic system. I was hooked – for a while – and then the whole story just felt rushed and predictable. The enemies became lovers – yes – never were real enemies, though, only their folks were. 

I really wasn’t a fan of Una, the FMC. She had great potential as a strong-willed woman who willingly sacrifices herself for her folk. I don’t really understand why she just accepts her fate after being kidnapped, stolen from her land and sold to the demon king with the intent of bearing his child and providing him with an heir. For what feels like a minute, she actually despises the MMC before hate and disgust turn into arousal. It doesn’t make sense that, after being kidnapped, sold to the demon king and put through and extremely abusive ritual to be marked as his property, she falls in love with him and basically forgets about what he put her through. The depth and personality of the characters just went missing at that point, which made the story simply uninteresting for me. To keep on reading just felt like a huge waste of time.

My final rating is based on the 62% of the book that I read.

What did you think about The Wraith King? Should I give it another chance? 🤔

[jessbookshelf]

After thinking about it for months and many instances of almost hitting the “buy now”- button, I finally caved in and invested in a Kindle. Controversial, I know. Many people love them – many people hate them, but what do I have to say? 

I am in love with my Kindle. Honestly. I think I have never read that many books over that short of a timespan before. Between December and end of January, I read ten books in total and noticed some immediate benefits to reading physical books. 

For one, physical books tend to be on the pricier side while with e-books you usually get great deals. As my Kindle came with a three-month trial for the Kindle unlimited membership, I definitely saved some coins by reading books that are available on there as I was then free to choose from an abundance of books. To my surprise, many books on my wish list were on there, free for me to read.

Even though I really like to place physical copies of the books I enjoy on my bookshelf, I tend to be very picky about the books I actually want to put on display. If I did not 100% enjoy them, they won’t get to stay on my shelf and either find their way into the dustiest corner of my room or a dark box in the basement. Money down the drain, right? That’s why I enjoy reading books – or testing books – as e-books first. As they are usually cheaper and you can definitely get some great deals on them most of the time, I feel better about spending a little money on them if they then don’t fit my vibe. However, if they do and I enjoy them, I don’t mind spending some more money on a physical copy for my bookshelf.

Sometimes, I buy the e-book version of a book I already have on my bookshelf. Why, you might ask? Because I don’t want to hurt my precious, precious books. I want to keep their spines as intact as possible. My books need to look as if no one has ever had a peek inside or even touched them. They need to be spotless, or else they are not worthy of my bookshelf. Bad habit, I know… expensive habit. So, sometimes I buy the physical book if I already know (!!!) that I will enjoy it and place it on my shelf like a trophy. Then, I buy the e-book as well and comfortably read it on my Kindle, while I don’t have to worry about destroying my precious book with my grabby fingers. 

Also, reading on my Kindle is so much more comfortable. While with books I make sure not to open it too much and usually keep it halfway closed, I don’t have to worry about that when I use my Kindle. I can read on it wherever I am at and whenever I choose to: in bed? No problem. In the shower? Sure thing, it’s waterproof, duh. Outside? Don’t worry, the light adjusts to sunshine and shade. At night? I never have to use a headlamp like a cave explorer again and still read in complete darkness like the night owl I am. On car rides, train rides, at a café, in the park, at home, on a walk… 

I already feel like I am no longer able to enjoy physical books as much as I did before receiving my Kindle. It changed my reading habits for the better. I read much faster as I can adjust the font and font size to my personal preference and run through books like there’s no tomorrow. You’ll never catch me without my Kindle ever again. 

What do you prefer: reading on an eReader or reading physical books? Let me know!

[jessbookshelf]

˗ˏˋWelcome!´ˎ˗

📚 Dear reader,

if you were to step into my room and glance at my bookshelf you'd be confronted with a combination of neatly lined up books and others that just seem to be... there. There is fiction, non-fiction, classics, guilty pleasures, books I have actually read and books I totally meant to read, I promise, and now just use as decor. My reading style? A little bit structured and a little bit "let's grab every book I see on social media that looks somewhat promising (or has a pretty cover)", but always fueled by a mild book-buying addiction.

This blog is basically my bookshelf in digital form - a place where I can ramble about what I am reading, overanalyzing and obsessing over. It will save the people around me from being bombarded with my obsessive thoughts and theories, my reviews and analyses of the book I am currently reading. Expect book reviews, deep dives into reading habits, strong opinions no one asked for and occasionally going down the rabbit hole of something only loosely connected (because, honestly, staying on topic is harder than it should be).

Like my actual bookshelf, this blog will grow in its own chaotic way. Some posts might be polished and well-thought-out while others will be post-it notes typed at 2 AM. Either way, we’re rolling with it.

So, welcome! Make yourself comfortable and grab a coffee, hot chocolate, tea (or wine?) and let's talk about books. What's on your shelf?