March Wrap-Up!

Wow, March has completely flown by! I seriously cannot believe we’re done with the third month of the year, this year is going super fast. Crazy!
I’ve had a pretty good reading month, I haven’t hated anything I’ve read and I discovered some new favourites! 🙂
I managed 4 physical books and 2 audiobooks, I am pretty happy with that!

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The first book I read in the month of March is Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Full review here.

Rating: 3 Stars

The second book I finished was Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor. I have been desperate to get my hands on this book since I read Days of Blood and Starlight back in January. I loved this book! (Not as much as the others)
I have a full series review here.

Rating: 4 Stars

The Third book I finished in March was The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
I needed a feminist book to compare for an essay, this had been on my TBR for a while so it was perfect timing!
I have a full review here.

Rating: 4 Stars

The next book I finished, I listened to on audiobook, Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan
My review of this book can be found here. Rating: 4.5 Stars

The next book I read in March is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. It was pretty good, a solid start to a series and which I will definitely continue. I will have a full review of this up soon! *Review is now up! Here.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

And lastly… the sixth and final book I will finish is another audiobook;
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
I really, really enjoying this, technically I am still reading this but I only have a few hours left and will definitely be finished by the end of today. I am addicted, I have to know what happens!
Review coming soon!
*Update – I finished! And holy sh*t. Review

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Audiobook Review: Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan

“First love can break you. But it can also save you.”

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Synopsis:
‘We’re going to be fine.’ 
He looks around, but there’s nothing out here: nothing but the bottomless black universe on their left, the Earth suspended in glorious technicolour to their right.

Carys and Max have ninety minutes of air left.
None of this was supposed to happen.
But, perhaps this doesn’t need to be the end…
Adrift in space with nothing to hold on to but each other, Carys and Max can’t help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind – at the rules they couldn’t reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return.
For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

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Plot: Let me start off by saying; this book is way more romance than sci-fi, if you’re not a fan of full-on romance or are looking for a strict sci-fi book, this wouldn’t be for you. This book is definitely romance centred with a sci-fi twist. That being said, I absolutely adored this story. It was intense, lovely, romantic, HEART WRETCHING.
I usually just pick up audiobooks for my commute to college, which involves walking and two buses, it’s a great way to pass time and get ‘reading’ slotted into my day. I picked up this audiobook on a whim, I’d seen the cover before but I hadn’t heard much about it and I’m so glad I that I went for it! It definitely exceeded my expectations.

The story switches back and forth future and present, showing you glimpses of the event leading up to Carys and Max being in space with 90 minutes of oxygen left.
I started off liking this book, I was invested from the start, I didn’t think I would end up listening to the remainder 5 hours+ in a day. I was hooked, I couldn’t stop listening, it was just so addictive. I had to know what happened. The story is set in a utopian futuristic version of our world, people in this world don’t get into serious relationships or get married until they’re in their late thirties. The main characters Carys and Max are in their mid-to-late twenties, I believe, and as you can guess, they fall in love.
I am still mind blown by the ending. I’m also so confused.. but in a good way? My heart was removed from my body and I couldn’t get over it. Shook.
I thought I was going to go into a reading slump as I couldn’t stop thinking about this book! (I’m still not over it but I’m trying!)

Characters: I adored both the main characters, you get the story from both their perspectives and I honestly enjoyed both. Usually there is a character I don’t like, but in this case, I really liked both the main characters!
I think I liked Max a *little* bit more than Carys, I adored him, he was so funny I liked his sense of humour.
Carys and Max’s relationship felt very realistic to me, with a lot of romance novels I feel the relationships are so lovey-dovey and perfect, they’re just not true to real relationships. Carys and Max go through ups and downs but they still had a good relationship. I was very attached to Carys and Max, I was definitely emotionally invested.

Narrator: Okay, so, I thought the voice was familiar but I didn’t really think about it for the majority of the audiobook. Randomly, I just thought who is this!? Turns out it’s narrated by Gemma Whelan aka Yara Greyjoy from Game of Thrones! She did a really good job, her voice is very soothing to listen to.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars!

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Series Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone By Laini Taylor (Spoiler Free!)

 

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.”

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Synopsis of the first book:
“Errand requiring immediate attention. Come.

The note was on vellum, pierced by the talons of the almost-crow that delivered it. Karou read the message. ‘He never says please’, she sighed, but she gathered up her things.
When Brimstone called, she always came.”

In general, Karou has managed to keep her two lives in balance. On the one hand, she’s a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague; on the other, errand-girl to a monstrous creature who is the closest thing she has to family. Raised half in our world, half in ‘Elsewhere’, she has never understood Brimstone’s dark work – buying teeth from hunters and murderers – nor how she came into his keeping. She is a secret even to herself, plagued by the sensation that she isn’t whole.

Now the doors to Elsewhere are closing, and Karou must choose between the safety of her human life and the dangers of a war-ravaged world that may hold the answers she has always sought.

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Let me just start off by saying; Laini Taylor’s writing is just beautiful. I love her writing so much, I cannot wait to read more from her.

Plot: 
The first book follows Karou, she runs errands for her chimaera family, she collects teeth for them, she knows nothing about who she is or where she came from. Her life turns upside down when the portals she uses to get to her chimaera family are destroyed, she has no way of accessing her family who raised her.
I really like the story of the ‘devils’ (chimaera) not really being the bad ones, it’s a really unique twist on the typical angels and devils stories.

The first book is basically Karou finding out more about herself and the family who raised her. The second book continues the journey of Karou embracing her heritage and her people and the war between the chimaera and angels is blossoming. (You get to see more or Eretz, the chimaera/angel world in this book, whereas the first is set in our world)
The third book is the conclusion, summing up everything, it’s hard to explain the third book without spoilers! However, the third book introduces a new character and I wasn’t overly keen at first, but it was wrapped up fairly well. Though I have to say the third book was my least favourite.

Characters:
Karou –  She’s super cool art student with blue hair and tattoos raised by chimaeras. I love Karou, I really enjoyed her character and her chimaera ‘family’.
Akiva –  He’s an angel, his people are at war with the chimaeras. He is Karou’s forbidden love interest. I ship these two so bad, they’re so cute.
Zuzana – She is a tiny badass and Karou’s best friend. I love Zuzana and Karou’s friendship and Zuzana and Mik’s relationship, they’re too cute!
Ziri – A chimaera, one of my favourites. He is seriously such a cinnamon roll.

Overall: I freaking love these books, they have definitely become an all-time favourite. I look forward to rereading them in the future. I also cannot wait to read more by Laini Taylor, I will be picking up the novella for this series; Night of Cake and Puppets and Strange the Dreamer for sure!
I highly recommend these books to anyone wanting an Urban Fantasy with a bit of romance.

Book Ratings:
Daughter of Smoke and Bone: 4.5/5 Stars
Days of Blood and Starlight: 5/5 Stars
Dreams of Gods and Monsters: 4/5 Stars

Overall Series Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

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Wonder Woman Book Tag!

 

Wonder Woman: Your favourite badass female book character – I have so so many. Here’s just a few: Karou, Vin, Elide, Blue Sargent and Jane Eyre.

Fantasy Island: A book setting you want to escape to –  Velaris (ACOTAR) That place seems dreamy!

London: A hyped book that let you down – The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Steve Trevor: A book that has a beautiful cover and a great story (i.e. good personality) – Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Lasso of Truth: A book you hated – Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

The Amazons: A book that you wish had more/better LGBT+ representation – Hmm.. probably ACOTAR. All the rep was just thrown in, in the last book, wasn’t exactly well done.

Justice League: What superhero book friends do you tag:  

  @Foxynerdyrebelle
@Readctbooks

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Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Before we get into the actual review can we take a moment to appreciate this edition of The Handmaid’s Tale?

I MEAN LOOK AT IT. IT’S BEAUTIFUL 

It has red sprayed pages too. This book is just divine.

Okay, okay. Onto the review:

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Synopsis: The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire – neither Offred’s nor that of the two men on which her future hangs.

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Plot: The Handmaid’s Tale has a slow but intriguing plot. Not a lot goes on, it’s a fairly short book but the interest of the world kept me hooked. The world is terrifying in this novel, women have been stripped of the rights and reduced to be baby-making machines for other people. I can see some 1984 vibes throughout the novel, however, I enjoyed this book so much more! I found the world interesting and eerie.
I would really have liked to know more about the world, like why the population was going down, what was causing infertility? Did this just happen in America?
I can’t say it was an ‘enjoyable’ story, as it is a sad story, but it is a very good book. It’s definitely one to get you thinking.

Characters: Offred – I did like Offred, her real name is unknown, the handmaids are stripped of their identity and name in order to further dehumanise them. I really felt for Offred, I could definitely sympathise with her. I don’t know what I’d do in her position. I did root for her, she deserved to be happy. I hate that there is no sequel!

One of the side characters I really enjoyed was Moira, she was pretty cool. She’s feisty, brave and doesn’t take crap. I wish I could’ve known what happened to her.

Overall: I think this is a really great book but I wish it was a series. I just hate not knowing. The book is a standalone novel, yet ends on a cliffhanger. It’s so frustrating! I so wish this was a series, the ending really made it feel that way.The ended is the reason I gave it a 4-star rating if it had a sequel or had Offred’s full story I would’ve given 5/5.

I did hear a rumour there may be a sequel, I’m praying it’s true,  Margaret Atwood recently changed the ending to this book for the audiobook. I am so so hoping there will be a sequel!!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

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My Top 5 Favourite Trilogies!

Today I am going to be talking about my favourite trilogies!
I’m just going to say, these are in no particular order, but Mistborn is definitely number one! I consider the Mistborn books to be my all-time favourite in general. The rest are in no particular order as I don’t think I could ever rank them, I love them all a lot!

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
I read the Mistborn trilogy almost a year ago now, it has stuck with me ever since. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a book hangover, the twists and turns will keep you on edge and you never know where things will do next. I’m pretty sure my soul left my body as I read the final chapters of the last book. Nothing compares to these books, I still think about them and I constantly want to reread them!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
This is a recent favourite, I only finished the last book this month, but I loved these books so much! I had to include them. I really love the characters and I know I will be definitely rereading these books in the future.
I have a review of the entire trilogy coming soon!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
I discovered Sarah J Maas last year and boy was I missing out. I ended up reading the ACOTAR trilogy twice last year. I read the first two books in April last year, then read ACOWAR when that came out in May. Then I read them all again in September. I am obsessed. SJM books are like drugs, they’re SO addictive.

Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, for the most part, the ending is.. controversial, to say the least. I love Kelsea, her growth throughout the books is really great. The side characters are just a joy as well, I really love the Mace. I kind of wish this trilogy ended differently but at the same time I kind of like it? It’s heart-wrenching and it did leave a bitter taste in my mouth, but it is memorable and has a lasting effect.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
I had to mention His Dark Materials, these are the books that started my love of reading. I love the multi-verse world, it’s a fantasy series with a sci-fi twist. I really love Lyra’s world and I have forever wanted a Daemon ever since reading this. These books will always have a special place in my heart.

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Predicting 5 Star Reads!

Happy Saturday!
Today I am going to picking 5 books from my to-read list that I think will be 5-star reads! I thought this would be a fun idea, once I’ve read them I can see whether or not I was correct. I’m usually really good at picking books so hopefully, these will go in my favour!
Maybe I’ll do an update post once I read them all.

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1) Night of Cake and Puppets by Laini Taylor
I just finished the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy and I absolutely adored it! My guess is I am going to love this one too. I adore Zuzana and Mik so I’m definitely looking forward to picking this up!

2) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
I have heard nothing but amazing things about this book and series, I have high hopes for this one!

3) The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan
Because, honestly, what Rick Riordan book isn’t 5/5!?

4) A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas
I am so excited for this! If this isn’t a five-star read, I would be very surprised. ACOTAR is just amazing. I love this world and the characters are just everything. I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

5) Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 
This just has to be a five-star read, right? Illuminae was so good and Gemina just blow my mind, it is so freaking good. I am not ready for this to end but I know I will love every moment of this!

Let me know any books you think you’d give 5 stars too!

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Review: Children of Blood and Bone (Spoiler free)| #NowWeRise Blog Tour!

Children of Blood and Bone is out on March 8th. You can order a copy here*

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Synopsis:
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.

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Plot:
It started off well, it a bit dragged in parts but the ending was pretty good. Warning – it ends on a cliffhanger. There were parts I really enjoyed and read pretty quickly, whilst the middle of the book dragged a bit for me. That ending though, fast pace and a cliffhanger, madness! I did find the plot to be predictable, as a lot of YA fantasy is for me, personally. However, I did love the world and the magic and it made up for it!

The world – I love the African inspired setting, it is so nice to see something other than European inspired in fantasy, however, there is a serious lack of world building, I really wanted more! Things were said and hinted at but not fully explained. It is a long book, 600 pages, I expected more world-building. Hoping for more in the next one! The Magic system was pretty cool, there are different types of Maji, based on different Gods. The African culture and mythology was definitely my favourite part! Very different from the European/medieval inspired fantasy I usually read.

Characters: I have to be honest, the characters kind of fell flat for me, they’re pretty one dimensional and predictable. I didn’t hate them, (Well except Inan, we’ll get to that later) but they weren’t great.
Zélie – she is a decent main character, I didn’t love her but she’s not the worst character.
Amari  – is a good character, she developed throughout the story which is always nice to see someone grow.
Inan –  All I can say is f*ck this guy. His character was so unlikeable and predictable (to me, at least), I seriously hate him and the things he does throughout the book.

The romance: This was my least favourite part of the whole plot, I have no problems with romance being put into the story but the romance in here was weak. The matching up every main character is getting old. I didn’t like the pairings either.
I also feel lead on, there was hope for an LGBT character, I felt. I thought the character was in love with her friend, she wasn’t. A SHAME! A damn shame, I shipped it. The romance, to me, seemed unnecessary.

Overall opinion: It was just good. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t blow my mind either.
The problem is this book has been hyped up so much and it isn’t even out yet. I think I went in with too high expectations. I really like the concept, I think it has really great potential and I will definitely keep reading the series, as I am interested to see where the story leads. It’s a solid debut novel and I think Tomi Adeyemi deserves all the success coming her way, I would definitely read more from her!

Rating: 3 stars, maybe 3.5? I don’t really know.

*Thank you to MyKindaBook for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book. This was sent to me for free, all opinions are my own, as always!*

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Review: The Truth About Alice – Jennifer Mathieu

 

I really enjoyed Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu when I read it last year when I found out The Truth About Alice was being released in the UK for the first time this year, I was super excited! I was lucky enough to get an e-arc!

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Synopsis: 

Everyone knows Alice slept with two guys at one party.
But did you know Alice was sexting Brandon when he crashed his car?
It’s true. Ask ANYBODY.

Rumour has it that Alice Franklin is a slut. It’s written all over the ‘slut stall’ in the girls’ bathroom at Healy High for everyone to see. And after star quarterback Brandon Fitzsimmons dies in a car accident, the rumours start to spiral out of control.

In this remarkable novel, four Healy High students – the party girl, the car accident survivor, the ex-best friend and the boy next door – tell all they know.

But exactly what is the truth about Alice? In the end, there’s only one person to ask: Alice herself.

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Plot:
This is a really powerful story about bullying, it really shows how rumours and word of mouth can ruin someone’s school life. I felt so sorry for Alice, she’s been labelled as a slut, her ‘friends’ turn their back on her and make matters worse for her. It’s a really sad story. It really touched my heart, I hate bullying with a passion and even though this is fictional, it happens so often in real life. Prepare to hate the majority of the characters in this book (you’re supposed to), but I don’t think I have ever hated a cast of characters so much.

The book was very well written, it felt realistic – I can remember similar horrible things going on in school, the slut-shaming and bullying etc – unfortunately, this is a reality at a lot of High Schools.

Characters:
Kelsie & Elaine – God I hated these two. They are awful people, bitchy, slut-shaming hypocrites! They are seriously horrible, but that is the whole point. They are the bullies, they make Alice’s life a misery.
Josh –This guy, well, I don’t really know what to think of him. He unintentionally caused trouble but he could’ve just told the truth.
Kurt –  THANK THE HEAVENS FOR THIS GUY! BLESS YOU, KURT. What a total sweetheart. Kurt is your typical nerdy genius, who is a loner but he is just a great guy! My favourite character in this book, hands down. 
Alice –Poor Alice, I feel so much for her. Things got so bad for her, everyone is so horrible to her and her home life isn’t so great either.

Rating: 4/5 stars

*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.

The Truth About Alice is out in the UK on March 8th 

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