Saturday 31 January 2015

january wrap up

Hi Guys

Today I am doing my January wrap up. A lot of the books I have done a review on so won't be giving a synopsis.

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Delliare

Rating: 5/5
This was the first book I read in 2015 and it was a great start to the year. I was going to do a review but I realised that I couldn't write that much about it expect I really liked it. When I started the book I was terrified that it was going to be 'the perks of being a wallflower' (I didn't like that book) but it was so much better.

The Gift of Charms by Julia Suzuki

Rating: 4/5
I got sent this book for review by the author and I was amazed by how much I liked it. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

A Darker Shade of Magic (except) by V.E.Schwab

Rating: 3/5
I got this book from Netgalley and I was really disappointed. I mean the story was good but the layout of the book was awful. I also have a review on this book.

Love Hurts by Malorie Blackman

Rating: 5/5
I got this book from Netgalley and I loved it. I also did a review on this book.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Rating 4/5
I have been wanting to read more LGBTQI books for a while now as my 2 best friends are gay and bi. I also have heard great thing about David Levithan and I was not disappointed. It was great the only problem was that it was a very unrealistic world,sadly.

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Rating: 5/5
I got this book for Christmas and I wasn't expecting much because I hated 'holes' by him but this was great.



Friday 30 January 2015

january book haul

Hi Guys

Today I am going to do my January book haul. I would first of all like to say that I was extremely lucky this month and didn't have to pay for any of these books. The first four books I got from netgalley. The next 2 I was sent from the authors and the last one I got on a kindle deal.

Love Hurts by Malorie Blackman

I have already read this book and I loved it. I did a review on it so I won't tell you what this book is about.

A Darker Shade of Magic (preview except) by V.E.Schwab

I have also already read and reviewed this and even though it was just the first few chapters I am still cladding this as a book

All Fall Down by Ally Carter
I am currently reading this book. I was so excited when I got sent an arc as Ally Carter wrote my favourite ever series 'the Gallagher girl's. a review will be coming up soon.

How to Fly With Broken Wings by Jane Elson

I am so excited to read this book it sounds exactly like my kind of book.

The Gift of the Charms by Julia Suzuki

I was asked by the author to review this book. I really liked it but like all the books I have already read I talk more about them in my wrap up

casting shadows everywhere by L.T.Vagus

I was direct messaged by the author aging and I quote 'I'd gargle bleach to get you to read the free sample of my book.' this instantly put a smile on my face as all of her tweets do and I felt almost as if I would be a sin not to read the book. I have not yet done a review of the book yet because I just wasn't in the mood for that genre thought I will definitely get to this book in February

the island by Jen minkman

I in all honesty don't really know what it's about but it is a dystopian YA with a cool plot, so I got it. even thought I know it will probably just still on my kindle desperate to be read like Jane Eyre (which has currently been on my kindle unread for 2 years)

Saturday 24 January 2015

Watt pad

Hi guys

I just decided to tell you that I have started posting my poems on wattpad. The book is called 'Bicycle' and I will try to update it every week but it may turn into a fortnight if I haven't written anything ok with sharing with the whole world. My wattpad name is lovelaces2 by the way

Wednesday 21 January 2015

21/1/15 tip 5 authors you want to meet

Hi guys

Today is another top 5 Wednesday. I found this week really hard because I don't really look into what authors are like I just read there books, so there will be no explanation. Sorry. It is in order though.

1) J.K.Rowling
2) Cornelia Funke
3) John Green
4) Roald Dahl (kinda impossible)
5) Kami Stohl and Margaret Garcia 

Sorry about such a short post. I don't really have much to say on the topic. 


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Saturday 17 January 2015

love hurts chosen by Malorie Blackman

*This book was given to me for free by netgalley in return for an honest review, however this doesn't' effect my opinion*

Hi Guys

Today I am doing a review of the book 'love hurts' chosen by Malorie Blackman, which is a collection of short stories and extracts about love. This book is being released 29th January 2015.

Synopsis:
Malorie Blackman brings together the best teen writers of today in a stunningly romantic collection about love against the odds. Featuring short stories and extracts about modern star-crossed lovers from stars such as Gayle Forman, Markus Zusak and Patrick Ness, and with a brand-new story from Malorie Blackman herself, Love Hurts looks at every kind of relationship, from first kiss to final heartbreak. 

Thoughts:
This book was amazing. It had a real variety of love stories. There were some original short stories and some extracts from books. The stories were all written by well known YA authors.

My favourite story was 'the unicorn' by James Dawson. It was superb. I genuinely think that it is worth buying the book for just this story. I went through all the feels in this 10 paged story. I had to put my kindle down and just take in the full effect of the story. It is definitely the best short story I have ever read and that includes 'the magic finger' by Roald Dahl.

I would definitely recommend this book to you it is great, especially for a mourning period. I give this book a 5/5 star rating. Just go PRE-order it.

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Wednesday 14 January 2015

14/1/15 top 5 book series you want to start

Hi Guys

Today I am doing another top 5 Wednesday. I am really wanting to read all of these seires, so there is no order.

1. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand 
This is a seires I have been wanting to read for ages now but I just haven't got round to it.

2. Heist society by Ally Carter
One of my favourite seires' of all time is the Gallagher girls but I can never find this book in store.

3. The girl who circumnavigation fairyland in a ship of her own making by Catherynne M. Valente
I have heard this has been compared to 'Alice in Wonderland' which is one of my favourite books and film.

4. The maze runner by James Dashner 
I am going to jump on the bandwagon I got the boxset for Christmas and now I have no reason not to read this seires.

5. Shatter me by Tahireh Mafi
Another book I have heard great things about but it isn't that popular in the UK so I can't find it in any stores.

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Monday 12 January 2015

A Darker Shade of magic (preview excerpt) by V.E.Schwab

Hi guys 
Today I am talking about the preview I got to V.E.Schwab new book, 'a darker shade of magic'. I was really excited to read this because I have never read anything by V.E.Schwab and I thought this would be a good place to start.

This book is released on 24th February
Synopsis
Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit. 

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive — trickier than they hoped.

Thoughts
The first thing I noticed was the odd set out of the book, there would be a random new line halfway through a sentence and that there was also random numbers in the middle of a sentence. I am not sure whether this was just a feature in this book or whether V.E.Schwab has that set out in all her books. Anyway I wasn't a big fan of that.

That aside I really enjoyed this novel, I thought that the characters were very well written I. This short extract I felt really  connected to all the characters. The world was also very well developed and not confusing at all (I was slightly worried all the different Londons would confuse me).

I have a couple of theories about this book but the only one I will share with you as it doesn't have any spoilers, In case you are completely avoiding all spoilers.i think Kell is Scottish.

I really enjoyed this extract but will not be reading the full book anytime soon as the set out of the book really distracted me from the content but I would definitely recommend it to you if this doesn't put you off.

3/5 stars

Saturday 10 January 2015

The gift of charms by Julia Suzuki

Hi Guys

I got asked by Julia to review this book and here it is. By the way this book was released last year so you can go and buy it.


Synopsis:

In a secret land, far away from the habitation of man, dwell the world's remaining dragons -- hoping the dragsaur beasts have vanished forever. Here they try to live their daily lives, but all is not well and their talents are fading. 

Things change, however, when, from a strange egg, Yoshiko is born - a dragon with a unique destiny. 

Great adventure lies ahead as many challenges must be overcome, leading to a dangerous mission to the human world in attempt to return to the clans their missing magic!

Can Yoshiko make it in time?

Thoughts:
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book as I don't read that much middle grade because I don't really like it. 

I got some odd reason didn't look up the synopsis when I first got asked to do a review. I just went into the book not knowing anything. 

I think the author had a great take on dragons and I also thought it was an original take on dragons which is hard given there are so many dragon books.

I thought the plot line was good, all the caracters were well developed and the world was also well developed the only thing I didn't like about the book was that it was a bit young for me but I found percy Jackson a bit childish so you might think different.

All in all I am giving this book 4/5. I would still recommend that you read this even if it is just as a fun read.

Julia's Twitter: @juliasuzuki_uk

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Thursday 8 January 2015

Book collectors tag

Hi Guys

Today I am doing my first book tag. I have not been tagged but I am doing this anyway.

How many books do you own?
I own around 150 books. Woah that's a lot.

How long has it taken to accumulate your collection?
Some of my books I have had since I was 3 but I probably started really getting into books 4 years ago, so I have accumulated my collection in 4 year

How often do you buy books?
I probably buy around three a month but I am not allowed to buy any books in November or December as I get a lot for Christmas.

How do you arrange your books?
My book are in alphabetical order and then if I have more then one book by the same author, I organise it in year published.

What was the first book you can remember buying?
One of the first books I remember buying is 'I'd tell you I loved you but then I would have to kill you' by Ally Carter.

What was the last book that you purchased?
The last book I purchased was 'boy meets boy' by David Levithan.

What is the longest book you own?
The longest book I own is 'The Deathly hallow' by J.K Rowling.

What is the shortest book you own?
The shortest book I own is 'Of Mice and Men' by John Stienbeck 

I TAG:
Everybody who wants to do this tag.

Let me know if you do this tag in the comments.

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Tuesday 6 January 2015

7/1/15 top 5 most anticipated books of 2015

Hi Guys

Today I am doing my top 5 most anticipated books of 2015. I will start by saying most of these are sequels as I don't really look at other books to be released.

1. Dangerous deception by Kami Garcia and Marget Stohl
Release date: 19/5/15
I am most excited about this book because the first book ended on the worst cliffhanger humanly possible, where it was implied that something awful ( no spoilers) had happened. So I have to know what happens next.

2. Half wild by Sally Green
Release date : 24/3/15
I read the first book late last year after being recommended it by a friend and it was so good. I can't wait to get back into the seires.

3. The last time we said goodbye by Cynthia Hand
Release date : 17/2/15
I radomly found this on good read and I thought it sounded like a good stand alone contemporary.

4. Heartless by Cornelia Funke
Release date: 20/2/15 (in Germany)
There is currently no release date for this book in English but I believe it is coming out this year. I have got 2 reasons for wanting this book 1) it is by by my favourite author 2) it is the final book in my favourite seires.

5. I am not really anticipating any other books this year. Sorry


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Social media

Hi Guys

I still haven't figured blogger out yet and I can't find out how to link your other social media so today I am just listing some of my social media.

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Feel free to contact me on any of these.

P.S I also haven't figured out how you link  to things so your just going to have to bear with for now.

Monday 5 January 2015

Escape

Hi Guys

Today I am going to share a story that I had to write for my english class. It isn't very long don't worry. Hope you enjoy. I would also really like it if you left your thoughts in the comments.

Escape

 I found myself in a dimly lit box with opaque glass. I was tied up by tight metal chains, which were secured by a huge golden lock. I stared at my pale refection in the glass. “Alice Elizabeth Browning. What did you do this time?”. 
  
My jet black hair was swept back into a small bun on the top of my head with one loose curl hanging over my face. I was wearing a beautiful red and gold dress which made me look like I was going to a wedding. I would have looked stunning had it not been for the chains wrapped around me so tight, I was struggling for air. I could only move my hands, yet even that was a struggle.
   
“Are you okay?” said that all too familiar voice. I was tempted to snap back some clever comeback but instead I was a good girl and held my tongue. 
Instead I replied, through gritted teeth “Yes, everything’s fine.”
“After I pull this curtain you have got 5 minutes to escape” Wait what did he just say? 5 minutes, more like 5 hours, I’m not superwoman!
“Oh and one last thing there’s going to be water.” He added with a gleeful manner. He pulled the thick, dark velvet curtain, so no one could see or hear me or anything I was doing.

The water started to trickle in, by the first 30 seconds the water was already half a foot deep. I started to scream and holler but no one heard me. My hands were shaking, I have been scared of water since seeing ‘Titanic’ when I was 5. It is enough to scare any child of that age. I just remember thinking that drowning seems an incredibly slow and painful way to die or even live through and if the unsinkable ship can sink, what stops everything else from sinking?

I looked back at the water remembering it is still rising, I’m pretty sure I didn’t sign up to a suicide mission! In case you can’t already tell, I am a magician’s assistant. I feel like this is impossible to do but I do trust him and he said that he would place the key inside the box. 
“Now, where is it?” I thought to myself. I looked around moving my head as far round as it would go without the chains digging into my skin. I squeal in excitement. There it is, just above the water which is now at my waist. Just a bit more to the left. 
“NO!” I shout, it is too far for me to reach. I want to scream and shout and kick and punch my way out of this stupid tank but every time I even try to move my feet I end up losing my balance.

I go to my last resort “Help, Please.” I was bawling in desperation, seriously can’t someone hear? I stood there waiting upon my impending doom.

I had my head just above the water when I started to think about why I was in this mess in the first place. I think about how right now I should be in the French countryside with Jamie Smith on our honeymoon with me being Mrs Alice Smith. That would be perfectly horrid. Jamie is the shallowest person you could ever wish to meet, in fact he is so shallow you wouldn’t even want him in your nightmares. I don’t even want to think of what it would be like to be his wife but in my family it is tradition to marry who our parents choose. I mean we are in the 21st century, not the 19th century.

So instead of marrying that slime ball, I ran away to the circus because that it what it is like in every book, the main character runs from whatever trauma it is they are facing to go to the circus and ends up very happy and content with life. It seemed like such a good idea to start with, now I am not so sure. Maybe, just maybe my mother was right and maybe I should have listened to her when she told me that this was a stupid idea because it turns out this isn't much of an escape after all.

Saturday 3 January 2015

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry review (The Giver 2)

Hi Guys
Today I am reviewing 'Gathering Blue' by Lois Lowry.

Synopsis:

In her strongest work to date, Lois Lowry once again creates a mysterious but plausible future world. It is a society ruled by savagery and deceit that shuns and discards the weak. Left orphaned and physically flawed, young Kira faces a frightening, uncertain future. Blessed with an almost magical talent that keeps her alive, she struggles with ever broadening responsibilities in her quest for truth, discovering things that will change her life forever.

As she did in The Giver, Lowry challenges readers to imagine what our world could become, and what will be considered valuable. Every reader will be taken by Kira's plight and will long ponder her haunting world and the hope for the future.

Opinion:

I went into this book not expecting much as I had not found The Giver that great but this book was 10x better then what I expected. Gathering Blue did everything I wanted it to do and more it was free from clique and had a twist at the end. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact it had nothing to do with 'The Giver' but I have a feeling that that problem will be resolved in the finale novel

All in all I found this book very enjoyable and I will definitely be reading on. I give 'Gathering Blue' 4 out of 5 stars


P.S: I am sorry for not posting the past 2 days I had manage to crash blogger.


FTC Disclaimer:
All items mentioned were purchased by me.  This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  No affiliate links were used.