Her Majesty’s Dragon - Naomi Novik (Temeraire #1)

Book: Her Majesty’s Dragon/Temeraire (UK)

Author: Naomi Novik

Releasedate: 28th of March, 2006

I already owned the UK version of Temeraire in my bookcase, but I hadn’t gotten around it yet to read it when a coworker offered me the whole series for my bookcase. So I am the proud owner of the first book in the UK version as well as the regular, lol. So it was for me quite confusing when I found out that there were two titles for the same first book. 

Anyway! 

I do love books with dragons! So when I found out that this particular story sets place in the time of Napoleon, I was definitely intrigued. Usually you find them in fantasy stories and definitely fantasy settings, but to create a world in a time we are familiar with, that is quite something. Because how would you shape the world when you have dragons around?

I really like that take she used for it and the fact that dragons have their own intelligence and manners! It’s really cool! I kept being hyped through the book and kept telling my husband (who adores dragons more than I do) that he should really read it too! 

I’ve read several books of Naomi by now and as always, her writing style is amazing. The amount of work she put into the details and worldbuilding is absolutely great! 

So if you love dragons and historical stories, you definitely should start reading this series! 

Lost in Snowy Valley - Heather Trim

Book: Lost in Snowy Valley 

Author: Heather Trim

Releasedate: 9th of November, 2023

Twelve-year-old Via has been diagnosed with severe scoliosis and forced to wear a back brace and seeks comfort in her family's ceramic Christmas village. But she notices something is missing—her favorite figurine. 
Either by miracle or magic, Via and her mother are suddenly transported into the Victorian Christmas village on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she realizes that it's not only the figurine that was lost, but a part of herself that can only be found in the enchanting world of Snowy Valley. 

Oh boy. If you want to get in the mood for Christmas with a heartwarming and heartfelt story, then this is your go to this Christmas. 

The story is very suitable to read with younger children as well, but it’s also entertaining for the teens and older if you like a feelgood story.

Heathers writing style is easy going and she paints the picture just perfectly. You almost feel like you’re there in the story with Via and her mother. I love the tiny details she has put in the story for the Victorian time. I do have a soft spot for Victorian stories, so she had me there. Heather does have the talent to make people feel what the main character is feeling and you get why Via thinks how she thinks. 

It’s not a superlong story, so you can easily read it with an afternoon, a cup of tea and a blanket!