The Reader & The Chef

YA Books & Food Lovers. Instagram/Tiktok: @thereaderandthechef

[theheelerbooklifereads]

⁉️QOTD: If you could choose 3 characters to be in your found family who would you choose?

Today I’m excited to participate in the Bookstagram & Creative Tour for Church of Thieves by I.Q. Malcolm hosted by MTMC Tours.

When a priestess discovers a dark secret…she’s murdered to keep it that way. Church of Thieves is a fast-paced New Adult Fantasy published on May 16th, 2023 from Lost Umbrella Publishing.

Quotes that I just love:

"If death was but a common tax, an unexpected loss, then murder was a theft which robbed you of everything you held dear and basked in taunting your anguish."

"As my master says, it is better to ask ignorant questions and be a fool for minutes than to keep it to yourself and remain a fool forever."

Mini Review:

I will be honest: I am still reading Church of Thieves and because of that I will review what I have read so far. I will do a fuller review once I finish the book. Church of Thieves opens up with Mother Sienna's death, which just ends up opening a can of worms and sets the motions for what is to come.

IQ Malcom does a fantastic job with making us the reader feel the pain of the characters and have us questioning why all this is all happening to them.

Church of Thieves is a fast-paced read, which I really appreciate since I have been having the worst time focusing lately due to my ADHD. I am looking forward to learning more about this world and the fingers of the church. As of now, I just landed on a oh crap moment and I need to go pick up my book to find out what is going to happen next since I had to put my book down at 3 AM this morning to go to sleep.

Cover + Description:

Title: Church of Thieves Author: I.Q. Malcolm Publication Date: May 16th, 2023 Genres: Fantasy, New Adult Pages: 290 Format: eBook, Paperback, Hardcover Purchase a copy: Amazon Add on Goodreads!

When a priestess discovers a dark secret…

…she’s murdered to keep it that way.

Can her acolytes uncover the truth in time?

Tallis dreamt of becoming the world's greatest thief. Mother Sienna's death scattered those plans in the wind. With the vultures circling, he would do anything it takes to keep his found family together…

Even if that means following her into the grave.

All Nerea has ever known is struggle. The refugee-turned-inventor agreed to join Cuvar's temple to save her ailing mother. When she discovers she joined a church of thieves, her skills and morals are put to the test.

Can she survive in this secret society…

…or will she become one of Cuvar's misfortunates?

You will love this fast-paced new adult fantasy because it's filled with morally gray characters, political intrigue, and witty banter.

INTL Tour-wide Instagram Giveaway!

Head over to my Instagram account to enter the tour giveaway where three readers will win a hardcover copy + book art of Church of Thieves!  Ends on August 5th, 2023. Winner will be announced on @mtmctours’ Instagram

Tour Schedule:

July 24 @thereaderandthechef - Bookstagram & BookTok July 25 @theheelerbooklife - Bookstagram & Book Blog July 26 @jlreadstoperpetuity - Bookstagram & BookTok July 27 @fromherlibrary - Bookstagram & BookReel July 28 @paperfury - Bookstagram & BookTokJuly 29 @acourtofbooksandrambles - Bookstagram & BookReel July 30 @vintagelygrace - Bookstagram & BookReel July 31 @little_red_cover - Bookstagram & BookTok August 1 @punwithbooks - Bookstagram & BookReel August 2 @bookish.apothecary - Bookstagram & BookReel

About IQ Malcolm:

IQ Malcolm is a YA/NA science fiction and fantasy author. Prior to committing to the genre, he dabbled in the realms of psychological thrillers (The Draxler Program) and middle-grade fantasy (The Land of Unlived Dreams). When he isn’t writing, Malcolm keeps himself busy by teaching middle schoolers in the southwest corner of Wisconsin. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, playing with their goldendoodle, and daydreaming of Jeff Probst putting an immunity necklace around his neck. He lives with his family in Platteville, Wisconsin.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Hosted by:

You can find more about the giveaway and the book over on my bookstagram:

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[thereaderandthechef]

🍂INTL BOOKGIVEAWAY🍂 What books live in your head rent free? 👀📚🖤 . Today we are so excited to share a tour stop for An Incarnation of Shadow and Light by S.A. Christianson! ✨ Infighting and betrayal run rampant in the first installment of this New Adult Dark Fantasy series in which four magicians abuse their magic to gain power in a corrupt Victorian-inspired world. . We read this fantastic book a few months ago & we still cannot stop thinking about it. 😩 Chaos & mayhem starts from page one as we enter into this diverting fantasy world where betrayal, vanity and ambition is part of these characters everyday life. Told in multiple POVs & with unlikely alliences forming right at the end, it honestly has us highly anticipating for book 2. 🖤👑 . 🍂INTL TOUR PRIZE:
Three readers will win a physical copy of An Incarnation of Shadow and Light!
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🍂TO ENTER: - Follow us, @sa_christianson & @mtmctours - Like & leave a comment 🖤 .
🍂 EXTRA ENTRIES - Invite friends who might want to enter! - Share this post via stories tagging us, sa_christianson + mtmctours to count your entry - Visit #AnIncarnationofShadowandLightMTMC from February 27th to March 8th for more beautiful tour posts! . That's it! Ends March 11th. Must be 16+ or have parental permission to enter. Results announced on mtmctours' account. (Not endorsed by/IG) ____ #readallday #readingismylife #bookgirl #avidreader #darkacademiaaesthetic #bibliophilelife #booktography #fantasybooks #booksofig https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVtwivPeaI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What books have you recently added to your tbr? 📚🍂😍 . Today we felt in the mood to browse Netgalley & see which books were up for request (as if our TBR needed more books 😂). But anywhoo, we did give in to the temptation and requested a few titles! Of course, we cannot wait for Painted Devils (we loved Little Thieves) and we were just reading about A Multitude of Dreams which is a retelling/inspired tale based on one of Poe’s works & it sounds really good! 😍 . Oh but we also got to download Ebony Gate which is pitched as a female John Wick story with dragon magic set in San Francisco's Chinatown (super grateful to Tor Books for auto-approving us for their titles 🥺🤎). . But seriously, so many good books are releasing this year. We are excited!! . . #bookishfeed #aestheticbooks #anticipatedreads #cosyreading #bookworld #cozyreads #booksaremagic #booknerdigan #bookdragon https://www.instagram.com/p/CpTWCnuPscZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

🍂INTLGIVEAWAY🍂 Would you rather see ghosts or see the future? 📚👀 . Today is our tour stop for The Book and the Blade by A.B. Finlayson! A perfect story for fans of Gaiman and Pratchett’s Good Omens, Shaun of the Dead and The World's End. Arthur Crazy is drunk and seeing ghosts. Too inebriated to recall how he stumbled upon his nascent power, Arthur is burdened with newfound responsibility: he’s the only one who can hear the unfinished business of every dead guy in York, and he’s the only one who can help.
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{Book Review} The Book and the Blade is a heartwarming & darkly funny read featuring a man who happens to see ghosts all around York, while being drunk. It’s in parts a self-reflective read of early years in life and the dead-ends of not seeking ways to improve or move on. Since we get to meet many ghosts, the cast is wonderfully dynamic & it never once stopped from being an entertaining read! This book is the first installment of a new series (out now from Parliament House Press) so I am really curious what will come next in the Arthur Crazy series!
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🍂INTL TOUR PRIZE:
Win a $20USD Amzon Gift Card!
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🍂TO ENTER:
visit us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQyChZvoRT/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ____ #bookpictures #bookflatlay #booksandcoffee #whattoread #readingbooks #bookstacks #bookobsessed #bookster #booksta https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQyChZvoRT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What are your bookish plans for the weekend?! 😍🍂📚 . We are super excited to be sharing a tour stop for Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash by @hr_moore hosted by @mtmctours! 🖤 A king, a queen, and a quest for dragons. Action-packed from the start, big fantasy worldbuilding meets steamy romance in Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash, the first book in a sweeping fantasy romance duology with fae, magic, political intrigue, and a quest for dragons that’s sure to steal your heart. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Danielle L. Jensen. 📚🖤 Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash is currently 99c for the duration of the #KingdomsofShadowandAshMTMC tour & book 2 in the duology, Dragons of Asred, is also out now & available on Kindle Unlimited! You definitely need to add this STUNNING book to your tbr! 😍 (Swipe to read more about it.) INTL BOOKGIVEAWAY🍂 Enter the Kingsumo giveaway (link in our stories: https://kingsumo.com/g/0iwhbw/kingdoms-of-shadow-and-ash-giveaway) to win a paperback copy of Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash! . Ends on Feb 27th at 12 AM EST. Results to be announced by the author. ____ #cozygram #bookwormsofinstagram #unitedbookstagram #readingbooks #coffeeandseasons #booksbooksandmorebooks #bookpost #booksta #bookobsessed https://www.instagram.com/p/CpGdb6NPAL4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What books have made your heart ache? 🥺💔📚 . Forever remembering the Infernal Devices and the PAIN this series brought (Jem!! 😭). Does The Last Hours trilogy also break your heart? 👀 . There actually have been several fantasy series that have made our hearts weep. I think the most painful one was the ending of Warrior Witch (The Malediction Series) & The Iron Fey which made us cry buckets. And recently, Heart of the Sun Warrior which was just really really good. 🥺👌 . Feeling a bit nostalgic over these series, must be our rainy day. 🌧️🤎 . . #bookwitch #readingcorner #unitedbookstagram #booksbooksandmorebooks #cassandraclare #bookishphotography #readinglife #bookstack #shadowhunters https://www.instagram.com/p/Co8N60XPMNS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

To break a curse, would you rather: face ghostly creatures OR solve riddles/clues from spiders? 👀✨📚 . Hi friends!! Today we’re super excited to join the cover reveal of THE SONG OF THE SWAN by @karahdactylauthor hosted by @mtmctours! 🦢🍂 A magical retelling of Swan Lake, featuring a clever orphan, a castle filled with enchanted swans, and a quest to unearth the secrets of the past. Join two mischievous thieves as they brave ghostly creatures and solve clues from cryptic spiders to break the castle’s curse. Out on October 24th, 2023 from @knopfkids, with illustrations by @pauhami (cover design by Bob Bianchini). Isn’t this cover the cutest? We are in love!! 🥰 . Here’s a note from Author Karah Sutton: "It’s a thrill to be working with Pauliina again, who did such beautiful work on the illustrations for my debut book A Wolf for a Spell. The Song of the Swan will have more than 30 illustrations by Pauliina, and I can’t wait for readers to see them!" 🦢💖 . Swipe to read more about this amazing Middle Grade Fantasy and make sure to visit #TheSongoftheSwanMTMC to see all of the beautiful cover reveal posts! . . #cozyaesthetic #readerforlife #coverlove #bookishphotography #whatimreading #bookster #booksarelife #allthebooks #lovetoread https://www.instagram.com/p/Cox2d5RyQ3S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What’s your favorite fairytale? 🧚‍♀️💙✨ . Cover Reveal + IntlGiveaway! Today we are super excited to help reveal the stunning cover of EVERGREEN by Devin Greenlee! 😍🌸 . Nature buries secrets—at least until they grow in this m/m coming of age fairy tale retelling (Rapunzel meets The Secret Garden), in which the powerless son of a dryad needs to find out who broke into their magical garden and stole a dangerous plant before it destroys the city – and the prime suspect is the cute new guy next door. (Doesn’t it sound amazing?! 😍🧚‍♀️) . Evergreen will be published on April 2nd, 2024 from Entangled Teen. Make sure to add it to your TBR! 🌸 . 🍂TOUR PRIZE: To celebrate, one reader will win a $25 USD Amzon Gift Card! . 🍂TO ENTER: - Like & leave a comment - Follow us, @entangledteen & @mtmctours . 🍂EXTRA ENTRIES: - Tag friends in different comments! - Share this post to your stories tagging entangledteen & mtmctours - Visit #EvergreenMTMC for more beautiful posts! . That’s it! Ends February 17th at 11:59 PM EST. Must be 16+ or have parental permission to enter. Winner announced on MTMC Tours' account. Not endorsed by/IG. . #fantasyreads #cosyvibes #whatiread #prettybooks #becauseofreading #booknerdigan #coffeeandbooks #toberead #booksbooksbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/Cof2gbNyOle/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

Where are you traveling/visiting in your current read? 📚🍂🤎 . Welcome to our stop in the Bookstagram Tour for Misprized by @nataliesburford hosted by @mtmctours! Misprized is the first book in a YA Fantasy series in which Severine is traded by her grandmother and forced to find a cure for a mysterious illness that plagues the kingdom. To find the cure, she must enter into a competition called the Inquest of the Betrothed, trick a cunning king, and survive against mythological beings who are stronger than she’ll ever be. Out now!!
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{Book Review} Misprized is one of our latest reads & it was a great tale featuring a human girl that enters blindly into an impossible quest!! This is the story of Severine, an adventurous independent young lady that sees the world with wonder while also seeking a peaceful life. I loved how despite being sheltered she was not afraid to take on the challenge of thwarting the fearsome king in search of ingredients to stop a deadly disease that promises to doom them all. And then there is so much to learn of the magical world that she’s living in, from the mythological creatures she’s being forced to compete to the history of this world. Misprized is a compelling, high-stakes story with the chosen one trope (that I will never grow tired of reading) & it’s the perfect fantasy book to add to your TBR! 😍🤎 .
And don't forget to visit #MisprizedMTMC from February 6th - February 15th for more beautiful tour posts & reviews!
. . #yafantasy #booksilove #bookstagramit #yabookstagram #yareads #bookpics #readingaddict #booksbooksandmorebooks #beautifulbooks #ilovebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/Coat4iky9qd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What are your bookish plans for the weekend? 📚🍂 . Oh, we are so glad the weekend is here! A few days ago we were on our way to the airport when a truck crashed into us, and now sister & I are stuck wearing neck braces. 🥹 At first it was only me because I did not had the chance to brace myself for the impact (Isabel did), but a day later sister started to feel the strain and our doctor has also made her wear one. We are quite the pair right now. 😂👌 . But thankfully we are alright & we should be off the braces in a few weeks. And now we are just taking it as a sign to just stay home reading & taking bookish photos. 📚😪 And we shall treat ourselves to new books! I think we deserve them. 👀🍂 . . #bookishfeed #whatiread #bookobsession #totalbooknerd #readingbooks #readerlife #bookcommunity #bookphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn-P6dWyu6A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

🍂COVER REVEAL🍂 What are some of your all-time favorite book covers? 😍🖤📚 . In 2023 we have an epic lineup of covers to reveal with @mtmctours & today we are so excited to share the stunning cover of FIRES OF THE FORSAKEN by @stephelizabethwrites! 🔥 At the end of time, there is only fire. And neither Addie nor Lass will escape unscathed. Fires of the Forsaken is the first book in the Across Time series, a Fantasy Romance set in the hellscape known as Sakar, a place where Wraiths flame-broil humans and Celestial armies wage war with each other over a centuries-old spat. Fires of the Forsaken will be published on May 17th, 2023 from Midnight Tide Publishing & the stunning cover was designed by @milabookcovers. Make sure to add this exciting dark fantasy read to your TBR & don't forget to visit #FiresoftheForsakenMTMC for more amazing cover reveal posts! . . #cozycore #bibliophilia #bookishgirl #darkacademiavibes #fortheloveofreading #booksofinsta #bookaesthetic #bookstagrammers https://www.instagram.com/p/CniDogAS4-p/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What format do you read the most: ebooks, audiobooks, paperbacks or hardcovers? 📚🍂 . Today we are excited to join the cover reveal of CASTELON by Alyssa Roat, the third book in The Wraithwood Trilogy! 😍 The sword of legend, ancient magic, and a dead man’s secrets—together they could save Brinnie’s world or end it forever. Castelon is a contemporary YA Fantasy featuring shadow magic, hidden portals, grand balls, secret libraries, and a magical war. The fate of the world hangs in the balance as fifteen hundred years of Arthurian legend hurtle to an epic conclusion. ✨ Castelon's stunning cover is by Lynnette Bonner (Indie Cover Design) & it will be published on March 15th, 2023 from @mountainbrookfire. Make sure to add Castelon to your TBR! 🍂TOUR PRIZE🍂 3 lucky readers will win a physical copy of Wraithwood (book 1) sent via Book Depository! HOW TO ENTER: - Like & leave a comment - Follow me, @alyssawrote & @mtmctours EXTRA ENTRIES: - Tag friends in different comments - Share this post to your stories tagging mtmctours & alyssawrote - Visit #CastelonMTMC for more beautiful cover reveal posts! Ends January 20th. Results announced on MTMC Tours' account. Not affiliated/endorsed byIG. . #lectoras #darkcottagecore #readerforlife #capturequiet #bookishpost #readersgonnaread #prettybooks #bookaddicted #bibliophilelife #alwaysreading #bookphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CnXrOxzSqiV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

What books are you looking forward to get soon? 🍂📚👀 . Bookmail has been quiet this week but we got a notification that our copy of The Stolen Heir finally shipped so we are hoping it arrives in the next week or two. 😂 Mail is slow over here, particularly when we buy from Waterstones or other bookstores! But no matter, the wait will be worth it. 🥺🤎 . As a side note, loving the extra shelf space in our wardrobe which we actually call it our “Cabinet of Curiosities” because this is now where we are keeping all kinds of props & items we use for bookstagram. The bottom part has drawers & we are now feeling extra organized! 🕰️ . . #warmvibes #doortomywonderland #bookshelvesofinstagram #beautyofstillmoments #whatiread #calmversation #beautifulbooks #bookishlove #darkacademiastyle #cottagecoreaesthetic #vintagehome #bibliophile https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSksRSSUe8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

When it comes to book covers, what are some of your favorite elements? (Color scheme, font, illustrations?) 📚🍂 . Not sure why but we love covers with skulls 😂 they are dark and mysterious, almost always promising tales set in old castles/buildings or forests. Not to mention dark magic or necromancy!! 👀👌🖤 But that aside, the covers always look great and are usually black with gold/red. Absolutely fave combo! 😍 . Anywhoo! Tonight’s plans include going to a Christmas Market & then coming home to read and eat cake. So looking forward to it! 🍂 . . #cozycore #readingrecommendations #vintagesoul #cozyaesthetic #bookflatlays #alwaysreading #booksbooksbooks #bookalicious https://www.instagram.com/p/CmcYgX3S_CR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

If you suddenly switched places with the main character of your current read, what would you be doing right now? 📖🤎🍂 . Isabel would literally be eating books because she’s reading The Book Eaters!(Imagine tho, eating our books!! What an expensive diet. 😂📚) . Meanwhile, I finally got back to finishing Nona the Ninth and it is safe to say my odds of survival are not good. But I do love Nona. 🥺🤎 . With that aside, sister is being competitive and stayed up late reading AND baking until 4am (look at this pie 😍🤎), meanwhile I went to sleep at 10pm because I am weak and did not sleep the day before. 😪 . . #fantasybookstagram #cozyaesthetic #readerlife #bookwormlife #bookstagramcommunity #booksta #bookstagrammexico #bookishgirl #cozyreading https://www.instagram.com/p/CmSAsYBP25l/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

🍂INTL BookGiveaway!🍂 What’s the format of your current read? 📚 . We’re thrilled to share a stop in the PromoTour for Epilogues for Lost Gods by Cat Rector! Epilogues for Lost Gods is a story about grief and healing, and is the final chapter of The Goddess of Nothing At All, a queer Dark Fantasy Norse Mythology retelling that follows Sigyn and Loki through the stories we know and love, challenging the ideas of right and wrong, fate and choice, love and loyalty. . We absolutely love this duology! 🧡 It is perfect for fans of Circe, The Witch’s Heart, and The Silence of the Girls. Read more about it in our stories and don't forget to add this exciting new release to your TBR! . 🍂TOUR PRIZE🍂 Three readers will receive digital copies of the Unwritten Runes duology + the novella! . TO ENTER: - Like & leave a comment - Follow us, @cat_rector & @mtmctours EXTRA ENTRIES: - Tag friends in different comments! - Share this post to your stories tagging @cat_rector & @mtmctours so they can see your entry! - And visit #EpiloguesforLostGodsMTMC from December 12th - December 18th for more beautiful tour posts. That’s it! Ends December 21st. Must be 16+ or have parental permission to enter. Results announced on MTMC Tours' account only. (Not endorsed by/IG) . #cozybookstagram #darkacademiaaesthetic #prettybooks #bibliophiles #fortheloveofbooks #booksaremagic #bookstagramming https://www.instagram.com/p/CmPp6rrSoRi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thereaderandthechef]

🍂INTL BOOKGIVEAWAY🍂 And a classic question! What are you currently reading? 😍📚 . Welcome to our stop in the Bookstagram Tour for Charlie Hernández & the Golden Dooms by Ryan Calejo! The Lightning Thief meets the Story Thieves series in this middle grade fantasy inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America. The third book in the Charlie Hernández series follows Charlie as he fights against an army of the dead. Out now from Simon Kids!

{Book Review} It is always a lot of fun to start a new series & Charlie Hernández is packed full of adventure with great characters! It was easy to get caught up in Charlie’s world who, in book 1, suddenly finds out that the familiar myths & legends that every latine has grown up hearing about, are not only stories—but 100% real. Including Charlie himself. With humor, epic quests & mysteries to solve (not to mention coming across dangerous beings!), Charlie Hernández is the perfect series to binge, particularly if you are fond of Latin American folklore! 😍📖🙌 
🍂INTL TOUR PRIZE🍂
2 readers will receive a hardcover copy of Charlie Hernández & the Golden Dooms (book 3!)

TO ENTER:
- Follow us, @ryancalejo & @mtmctours
- Like & leave a comment

EXTRA ENTRIES:
- Invite friends who might want to enter!  
- Share this post via stories tagging us, @ryancalejo + @mtmctours to count your entry
- Visit #CharlieHernandezMTMC from December 12th - December 21st for more beautiful tour posts!

That's it! Ends December 24th. Must be 16+ or have parental permission to enter. Results announced on mtmctours' account. (Not endorsed by/IG) . . #bookstagramit #prettybooks #toberead #unitedbookstagram #bookflatlays #booksaremagic #bookstagramcommunity https://www.instagram.com/p/CmFXlvpJycA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=