Wednesday 30 December 2015

Top 5 books i've read this year

Hi Guys

It is my blogiversary today . I couldn't think of any amazing ideas to celebrate but top 5 books I've read this year was one of the blog posts I posted last year. As usual it isn't in any particular order.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
This was one of the last books I read in the year. I got it as a Christmas present from a friend and instantly started to read it. I heard a lot about it at the start of the year and was so excited to read it. It is definitely worth the hype. I don't want to go into much detail about the books in this post but my review is here.

Neverland by Shari Arnold
I loved this book. It was so beautiful. Neverland wasn't an action packed book like Red Queen but it was a stunning slow dream-like book that had me captivated from the first page. Words can't describe how much I love this book. I'll be rereading it soon. My full review is here

We all Looked up by Tommy Wallach
 
This book is about the world pre apocalypse. Which gives a really different take on the ever growing trend of post apocalyptic books. It is told from five different points of view and has a really realistic take on everything. I bought this book as a Christmas present for a couple of people. The only thing slightly bad I have to say about this book is that it does mess with our mind a bit. my full review is here.

Half Wild by Sally Green
This series is quickly becoming my favourite series ever. I can't say to much about this book because it's a sequel and it's best to go into 'Half Bad' blind. All I can say is read it, you won' regret it. if you do you have my permission to throw the book at my head.

Who the Hell is Ricky Bell by John Irving Clarke

My best friend lives a couple of hors away from me and when she came I ignored her for the first couple of hours because I needed to know what happened next. I've met the author and I think meeting the author before reading the book always gives you a different appreciation for the book. It's a teenage romance story but unlike most romance story with teens being the main character, it's actually like relationship at that age. My full review is here

Sunday 27 December 2015

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #1) : Book Review

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen #1)
Publication date: February 10th 2015
Published by: HarperTeen
Genres: YA Dystopian

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart ...


My Thoughts  
This book was phenomenal. It's instantly one of my favourite books of this year and I've had a really good reading year.

The characters in this book were great. They were very realistic I could guess how any of the other characters where going to react, which I think is the sign of a good first person book, to have the same view of the other characters as the main character has. I felt everything Mare felt. Kilorn was my favourite, I thought it was nice that for once in a dystopian it wasn't that the main characters male best friend spent his life looking after Mare but Mare spent her life looking after Kilorn.

The plot kept me constantly on edge. I never knew what was going to happen, there wasn't a singe dull moment in the book. It took a bit of time before the plot really started to pick up but I still really enjoyed those parts. The plot gradually raised throughout the book, so that in the last few chapters I could barely breath from excitement, my heart in my throat.

The only slight problem was the world building wasn't fantastic. It made no sense what so ever in the first few chapter but by the end of the book I had a pretty good idea of the world Mare lived in. I'm not particularly worried about that problem though because in the next book there is meant to be a complete explanation of the world.

In conclusion, you need to read this book. You won't regret it I promise. I'm so excited for the next book which is released on February 9th 2016. I'm giving this a strong 5/5.

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Inside Out Book Tag

Hi Guys

Today I'm doing the Inside Out book tag. This was created by Kristina Horner. The questions are a bit self explanatory but Inside Out is one of my favourite Pixar films, so who cares.

1. Joy - Which book brings you the most joy
I love 'Friendship according to Humphrey' because of how cute it is as a teenager reading it yet you can also see how it sends a great message to children as well.

2. Disgust -Which book disgusts you the most
I tend to stay away from gross books but ''89 Walls' got a bit to gross for me at point. It described some of the slightly sexual scenes in a really grotesque manner. I did have to skip a couple of pages.


3. Fear - What book made you the most scared
Weirdly 'We all Looked up' is the book that scares me the most. The idea that a meteor could hit earth at anytime really freaked me out. I'm not sure I've fully recovered yet.

4. Sadness - Which book made you cry the most
I cried so much at this book, the ending was just so heart-breaking and I wasn't like I was slightly crying. I was full on scream-crying. I think I would have cried less of you told me my dog had died.

5. Anger - Which book made you the most angry
I don't have any books that make me angry I'm general quite a happy person. it takes a lot to get me angry.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Christmas Present Ideas

Hi guys,

It's officially Christmas, so I decided to write a post on gift ideas. Hope this help anyone struggling for any gift ideas.

Book sets
I always ask for these for Christmas, especially if I've watched the films or borrowed the first one from the library. If you don't know what box set to get someone stick to popular YA books such as 'The Hunger Games' or 'Divergent'

Quotes Typography
You tend to be able to get these off websites like Etsy but you can find some in stores. Either go for a quote from a book they love, a popular quote from a book or a quote about books. My personal favourite is  'Do you suppose she is a wild flower' from Alice in Wonderland.

Notebooks
My best friend is an avid writer or otherwise known as a notebook hoarder, she must have over 50 not filled notebooks but you can never have too many right. I personally love the notebooks in paperchase, they have a really wide variety.

Sunday 13 December 2015

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins : Review

 
6148028
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Publication date: September 1st 2009
Published by: Scholastic
Genres: YA Dystopian

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol -- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.


My Thoughts
I went to see Mocking jay part 2 for my friends birthday after only having seen and read the first book but I still loved it. Peeta confused me a bit. I went home a shortly watched the rest of the films and I've just finished reading the second book and I'm  desperate to get my hands on Mockingjay.

After seeing the films first I knew what was going to happen at every point there wasn't many additional scenes that they removed from the movie. Yet it still kept me captivated b the story at all times, I didn't find it boring for a second.

I know loads of peole hate Suzanne's writing style but I love it. I really enjoy books that are writing very simplistically.

I totally fell in love with all the characters especially Finnick. They all had their flaws and the strength and each character was quite different from the next.

In conclusion, I am officially the last person on earth to have read this book. so you are either agreeing with me or shaking your head at every word I said. I don't know why but I just cant give it 5/5 so instead I'm giving it 4/5.






Sunday 6 December 2015

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck : Review

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Publication date: 1937
Published by: Penguin Books
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Depressing

The compelling story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world. Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing in the world except each other and a dream--a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California’s Salinas Valley, but their hopes are doomed as Lennie, struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy, becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes such as the friendship of a shared vision, and giving voice to America’s lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men has proved one of Steinbeck’s most popular works, achieving success as a novel, a Broadway play and three acclaimed films.


My Thoughts
This book is my second favourite book ever, I love it but I recently had to reread it for class and it gave such a different perspective of it. Especially with everyone else's input on there thoughts on the books. I got into quite a heated debate with my teacher who was saying that George was vicious towards Lennie.

The book is known for it's sad ending but one thing I found throughout the book was that it was filled with hope, that at some points I had a mile from ear to ear. The friendship between Lennie and George is heartbreakingly beautiful, it is so strong and compassionate. I also have a weird love for Curley's wife, who I've decided is actually called Daisy. If you put the novel into context Curley's Wife is an extremely strong character.

The plot is stunning and filled with hints of what is going to happen but placed so carefully that you really have to look. It gives an interesting view of the world.

In conclusion, you have probably already read this book but if you haven't it is definitely with a read but keep tissues with you at all times, it will leave you broken. 5/5 stars.

Sunday 29 November 2015

The 100 by Kass Morgan (The Hundred #1): Review

The 100 by Kass Morgan (The Hundred #1)
Publication date: August 29th 2013
Published by: Hodder and Stoughton
Genres: Dystopian, YA

An epic journey from the depths of outer space to a wild, futuristic Earth

In 3010, humanity lives in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland . . . before it's too late.

Now a hundred juvenile delinquents are sent on a high-stakes mission to re-colonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community and to get over their dark pasts. In order to survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.


My Thoughts
I've been in a huge reading slump for the past month and this book was exactly what I needed. It was fast paced and not very deep but great fun to read.

I loved all the characters which were all quite twisted and deceitful no one wasn't hiding a pretty big secret. My favourite was definitely Bellamy, he is definitely not an original character but he is my favourite type of character because mysterious, angry boys who have a rough upbringing always seem to be my favourite. I also thought Clarke was a great strong independent women who didn't need any man to look after her and practically held the 100 together when they first landed.

I actually liked how it constantly point of view. It gave different views on the situation. I thought adding Glass was a great idea while I didn't really like her as a character I thought she really added to the story.

The plot constantly kept me entertained. It was always taking twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, especially the ending. I liked how nothing was skipped but nothing was skimmed over either I think Kass got the balance just right.

In conclusion, though most people don't particularly like this book series I loved it. It was always different and kept me interesting. I haven't seen the show so I can't tell you how it compares but by itself it is a really unique take on an increasingly popular genre (dystopian). I'm giving this 4/5 stars because none of the characters where very unique






Wednesday 25 November 2015

Sunday 22 November 2015

Florilegium by Nostalgiia : Wattpad Review

Florilegium by Nostalgiia
Publication date: On Going
Published by: Wattpad
Genres: Poetry

❝stories that could have been, but never were.❞










My Thoughts
I use Wattpad mainly for poetry and Florilegium is my favourite. I find them really easy to relate with a wide variety of topics. Sometimes it also great to read through the comments, they really show you what other people have got out of that poem.

Nostalgiia is written by a girl in high school, so it's super easy to understand what she is writing about. There are loads of poems on love, friendship and what if's. Quite a lot of her poems are also almost short stories

Some of my favourite poems are 'Mark Twain', 'Danced Away' and 'What Then' but there are so many other good poems. It was so hard to pick.

In Conclusion, I love this book it's one of my favourites. It is updated really regularly, so you don't need to worry about her just stopping one day. I'm giving this 5/5 stars.

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Sorry

Hi Guys

I'm so sorry Wattpad November was an absolute flop. I found I got scared to read anything that wasn't on Wattpad, which then made me feel stressed and I currently have been reading the same book for the whole month. I do have a wattpad related post for next Wednesday and my review this Sunday is of my favourite poetry book on Wattpad.

I've taken a bit of a break from blogging and feel so inspired to read and write. I really needed it because I can't not do a special post on my blogiversary. Saying that I have no idea what I'm doing for it.

Wednesday 4 November 2015

October Wrap Up

Hi Guys

I had an awful reading start to the month then I went on holiday and read 3 books and haven't finished a book since. So an okay reading month.

The Secret Fire by C. J. Daughtery and Carina Rozenfield
I was able to meet C.J. Daughtery at the end of last month and she was so nice. It really helped enjoy the book more. It was a  fast paced adventure fantasy novel that had great character development. My full review is here

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
I was slightly underwhelmed by this book but it was still a really fun cutesy contemporary. Though it lacked any depth. My full review is here..

The X Factor by Ivan Sivec
I loved this book, it was so original and unique. The writing style was so different and the topic was on I had never read before. My full review is here

Leslie's Study of Femininity by Justlyd
I was extremely disappointed by this book. I thought it was going to be a super empowering book about how women don't have to fit the stereotypes but it ended up being an unrealistic romance story.  My full review is here.

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
I loved this book. It was perfect. The kind of book I want every contemporary to be. It was cute and fluffy yet also had depth and meaning with realistic and loveable characters. Lea is literally me. The way it was set out ws so different from any or book I've read. One of my favourite books this year. 5/5 stars.

Sunday 1 November 2015

Leslie's Study of Femininity by Justlyd : Wattpad Review

Leslie's Study of Femininity by Justlyd
Publication date: September 16th 2015
Published by: Wattpad
Genres: ChickLit

Everyone tells Leslie she's one of the guys, so she sets out to prove that there are no rules to being a girl.









My Thoughts
I was actually really disappointed by this book. I was so excited by the premise of the book, which I had take to be about how women are still women even if they do stereotypically masculine things. I was fully prepared for ultimate girl power book. But instead it quickly turn into a romance novel and a pretty unrealistic one at that.
All the characters were well written. They were individual and realistic. Les was a great character to read about, her reactions to everything were entertaining to read about.
The plot was mainly based around Les' new relationship with her best friend Greg. I thought their relationship was unrealistic because of how fast it was. By the end of the book they are married with kids.
In conclusion, this was a very sexual book with a lot of swearing but usually it was a in context and helped move the plot along. I was quite disappointed into the story as it wasn't what the blurb said it was going to be. I'm giving the book 3/5 stars.

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Gift ideas for the Book Lovers : Postcards

Hi guys

Recently my best friend moved to Australia and the main way I've been keeping in touch with her is via postcard. This has lead to hours of searching through Etsy and Zazzle and it turns out there are thousands of book related postcards. So, I decided to share a few of my favourites from Zazzle. There may be another one later with postcards from Etsy.

She Reads Books To Live Book Lover Postcard 
by kat_parrella
$0.88

A beautiful quote by Annie Dillard "She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live." A wonderful shirt for any book loving woman or girl. In swirling curling lettering with a sweet little stack of books, this design is feminine but fun.


I Would Challenge You To A Battle Of Wits, But... Postcard
by Aristotle's Muse
$0.98

I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed. William Shakespeare quote.










Mad Hatter Funny Motivational Quote Postcard
by Kirsten Star Designs
$0.98

This design says "Screw The Box, I Think Outside The Straight-Jacket" with a public domain image of the Mad Hatter, colored in by me.










Never grow up postcard
by Randoms
$1.03

Never grow up / J. M. Barrie / Peter Pan













Tiger Lily Postcard
by nobigao
$1.28

Cat disguised as Tiger Lily from Peter PAN.


Sunday 25 October 2015

The X Factor by Ivan Sivec : Review

The X Factor by Ivan Sivec
Publication date: August 16th 2015
Published by: ICO d.o.o., Slovenia
Genres: Real Life, True Story

Confessions of a naïve fashion model.

It takes three mistakes to be swallowed up and spat out by the fashion industry.
You trust the wrong people.
You think you know everything there is to know about life.
You take drugs.

Maja started off as a regular 17-year-old high-school kid, fighting her inner insecurities while dreaming to become an actress like Marilyn Monroe.

At a party her boyfriend Klemen introduces her to a renowned modelling agent. He sees a special X Factor hidden insight her. And a great business opportunity for himself...

Fast forward a few weeks later. Maja’s charm and talent land her a modelling contract in the trendy and exciting fashion capital of Milan. She’s completely enchanted and determined to make it in the fashion world.

But things don’t turn out the way she had planned.

Exhausting long photo shoots, stressful fashion shows, strict dieting and wild parties start taking their toll on her soon enough. In desperate search for help Maja reaches out to her agent and other false friends from the fashion industry that emotionally and physically exploit her to the point where ‘Maja the Great’ is merely a shadow of her former self.

She starts battling drug addiction that ends up in a tragic event.

Maja has been finally swallowed up and spit out by the fashion industry with its endless traps. What price will the girl with the X Factor have to pay for her naivety?
The young adult novel The X Factor by the bestselling Slovenian author Ivan Sivec is based on a true story and takes the reader on a frightening journey into the world of drug addiction among teenager fashion models.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. Ivan has a unique writing style htat at the start of the book I hated but by the end I loved it. His writing style meant that you could read the book with no prior knowledge of the modelling industry.

This is a true story, so I can't really talk about the people or the plot because it really did happen to those people.

It was super interesting learning more about the modelling industry and what really happens behind the scenes. It was also fun being able to see how her culture effected her decisions. As Maja is Slovenian. It was odd seeing how differently she reacted to situations compared to what I would do.

In conclusion, it was a great read that really makes you think about what happens in the process of making fashion magazines such as vogue. It did have some mature themes but nothing was described in detail, only briefly mentioned. I'm giving this book 4/5. A very thought provoking read.

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Trick or Treat Book Tag

Hi Guys

I'm getting really excited for Halloween this year so decided to do the 'Trick or Treat Book Tag'. I first saw this on Miainnarnia but it was created by Pucksandpaperbacks. Without further ado let's get started.

1. Kit Kat Bar - An anticipated release
This is the sequel to 'Half Lies', a novella based on Gabriel before the 'Half Bad Trilogy'. I will read anything that Sally Green writes, she is one of my only auto-buy authors. I'm so happy that I don't have too wait much longer only till the 3rd November.

2. M&MS - A book with a colourful cover
'The Secret Garden' is one of my favourite books I own three different copies of it. This one is by far my favourite. It is smaller then most books and feels really old fashioned hen you read from it.

3.Milky Way - A book that made you feel all gooey in the middle
As much as I have my problems with 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before', Jenny Han really knows how to write a love story that will melt your heart. I loved Lara Jean and Peter's relationship from the get go and every twist and turn made me melt just that little bit more.

4. Sugar Babies - An underrated book
'Reckless' is my favourite series ever. I know big statement. I get that a lot of people find this book confusing, though never had that problem myself. It is a beautifully written book that really enthralled you and gets you excited and attached to the characters.
 
5. Sour Patch Kids - A book that started off sour but then got sweet
I actually put the book down numerous occasions before I forced myself to read past the first three chapters. 'Since You've Been Gone' is a really feel good book that was centred around friendship. There needs to be more books like this one.
 
6. Hersey's Kiss - Your favourite first kiss
Warning this contains spoilers for Half Wild:
My favourite first kiss is when Gabriel and Nathan kiss. I put the book down and did a little dance. It was so perfect and cute and awkward. It was also one of those rare kisses in books that really adds to the plot line.




Sunday 18 October 2015

November Reviews

Hi Guys

I know I'm meant to write a review on Sunday's but I've only read 2 books so far in October and I've already reviewed them.
My plan for November is only review books from Wattpad. As a sort of homage to nanowrimo. I constantly read new books on Wattpad. I think it is a great way to get your books out into the world without having too be published. I want to try and read as many different genres as possible. If it goes well I might do this every November.

Wednesday 14 October 2015

My Favourite Quotes

Hi guys,

I love reading posts about people favourite quotes. So, I'm finally making my own. I've limited myself to just quotes from books and only one Dr. Seuss quote. It was so hard just picking one. I will probably post another one of these at a later date but right now these are my favourites.