Blogmas Day 12: The Christmas Eve Book Tag

Happy Christmas Eve!
Welcome to the final day of blogmas from me.
Thought I finish off with the Christmas Eve Book Tag, very fitting for today.

Christmas Eve morning: what is a book you wake up excited to read? One you anticipate reading or one you read in the past that you want to get back into?

My current read, The Kind Worth Killing, is very addictive and I cannot wait to finish it. I’ve just been so busy/tired I haven’t had enough time to just binge it! Now I’m off I’ll be finishing this one!
Also, super excited to be caught up with Saga, I will be reading the final few volumes over Christmas

Christmas Eve breakfast: what are your favourite treats during the holiday season?

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.
& Yule Log cakes. *drools*

Family Time: What is a book that fills you with happiness and love, or warm fuzzies in general?

This year I read The Tea Dragon graphic novel series and OH MY GOODNESS. THE FEELS. So wholesome. So lovely. Just the fuzziest, cutest, cosy read!

Christmas Carols: What are your favourite Christmas Carols or holiday songs?

I’m actually not a big fan of Christmas music. *gasp*
I do love Last Christmas by Wham, though.

Anticipation: What is a book release you are very much anticipating?

I’m looking forward to Gallant by V.E. Schwab which is described as Crimson Peak x The Secret Garden and I’m so hyped!

I did a whole post about my anticipated reads for 2022 – if you want to check out the rest!

You hear sleigh bells on the roof and are so excited you can’t sleep!: What is a book that kept you up all night?

I’m usually too tired to stay up reading – I know, I’m such an old lady.
I did stay up to finish A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova when I read that. LOVED IT. I couldn’t stop reading.

It’s Christmas morning, and Santa has come: What is a book on your wishlist that you hope to unwrap?

I will be grateful for any book!
However since santa is magic, can he please bring me the Winds of Winter?!

Happy Holidays to all!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, if you celebrate!

The Disappointment is REAL | Blogmas Day 11 – Book Review: Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson

Warning this review may spoil Skyward + Starsight
You can click the titles for my reviews of those!

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Spensa’s life as a Defiant Defense Force pilot has been far from ordinary. She proved herself one of the best starfighters in the human enclave of Detritus and she saved her people from extermination at the hands of the Krell—the enigmatic alien species that has been holding them captive for decades. What’s more, she travelled light-years from home as an undercover spy to infiltrate the Superiority, where she learned of the galaxy beyond her small, desolate planet home.

Now, the Superiority—the governing galactic alliance bent on dominating all human life—has started a galaxy-wide war. And Spensa’s seen the weapons they plan to use to end it: the Delvers. Ancient, mysterious alien forces that can wipe out entire planetary systems in an instant. Spensa knows that no matter how many pilots the DDF has, there is no defeating this predator.

Except that Spensa is Cytonic. She faced down a Delver and saw something eerily familiar about it. And maybe, if she’s able to figure out what she is, she could be more than just another pilot in this unfolding war. She could save the galaxy.

The only way she can discover what she really is, though, is to leave behind all she knows and enter the Nowhere. A place from which few ever return.

To have courage means facing fear. And this mission is terrifying.

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My thoughts:

Where to begin…

This was probably my most anticipated read of the year and it is now my biggest disappointment of the year. It pains me to say it but wow, this was not it.

Firstly, this did not feel like a Brandon Sanderson novel?? It was boring. It felt so much like filler and fluff. Were there some important reveals? Yes. But they were at the very end.

This is a YA series but this felt really childish/ridiculous. The tone and writing felt so different to the previous two. Everything was so off. It didn’t seem to fit with the other novels. Starsight took a bit of a different direction from Skyward but this just went crazy off. After the cliffhanger of Starsight, I expected an amazing sequel and i eagerly awaiting forever for this.

The whole Nowhere was interesting enough but spending the whole book there was a bit of a bore. I found I was dragging myself through this novel. I didn’t want to pick it up and I rarely reached for it. It took over 2 weeks for me to finish and that is so unusual for me. If it hadn’t been a Sanderson, I’d have DNF’d. But I do want to complete the series when the final book comes out, so I persevered.

I even switched to the audiobook to get through the last 150 pages, which helped me read quicker but also kind of ruined it further. Did not like the narrator’s voice for MBOT – a Scottish woman?? It just didn’t seem to fit to me. Definitely not how I had previously imagined the voice. The narrator wasn’t bad at anything else, just wasn’t my personal preference. I definitely will not be reading the next one on audiobook.

The redeeming qualities were the characters, Spensa’s character development is one of the best things about the series. I know a lot of people find Spensa unlikeable – I don’t and never have. She’s a bit odd and quirky but she’s entertaining!

The last 100, maybe 75 pages were definitely the best part. There were some good, Sandersons style twists – which I didn’t see coming. Things did begin to add up towards the end.

Rating: 2.5 Stars

(it physical pains me to give my favourite author less than 4 stars)

Blogmas Day 10: Anticipated Book Releases 2022

Welcome to Day 10 of Blogmas!
This month is flying by!
Today I’m sharing my most anticipated releases for 2022.
(Click on the title of each book for the Goodreads page)

Contemporary/Romance:

Talia Hibbert Books:
Highly Suspicious, Unfairly Cute & Untitled (Skybriar #1) – No dates but says expected 2022
I don’t know too much about these and Goodreads has failed me. Talia Hibbert writes the most addictive romances ever. I know one of these is her YA debut (I think) and I know she’s writing and Pride and Prejudice retelling, so I assume that’s one of these too. Either way, I’m excited for more from this author!

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
May 3rd

Having really loved her previous novel, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, I am super excited to read this. I’m lucky enough to have a NetGalley ARC! There’s no cover yet, I can’t wait for the reveal!

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
May 3rd

Loved Beach Read, need to read more of this author! This sounds SO GOOD. Plus what book lover doesn’t want to read a romance about book lovers?! I’m sold.

Fantasy:

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
February 22nd

I read and enjoyed XOXO, this one just sounds so good! AND THAT COVER! Gorgeous. Also super lucky enough to have a NetGalley ARC. Cannot wait to pick this up soon.

Gallant by V.E. Schwab
March 1st

Of course, I’m excited about the new V.E. Schwab novel! This is described as The Secret Garden x Crimson Peak – which just sounds incredible!

Untitled (The Dreamer Trilogy #3) by Maggie Stiefvater
Autumn 2022
No title, no release date as of yet. I think she said it would come out next autumn. Fingers crossed! Cannot wait to read the conclusion to this amazing trilogy. Even though I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this world and its characters. *Single tear*

Cursed by Marissa Meyer
November 8th
I loved Gilded, it was so dark and atmospheric! I went in thinking it was a standalone then it ended on a cliffhanger. I need this sequel like now. Waiting a year might actually kill me!

A Duel with the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova
August 18th

The third book in the Married to Magic series, I’m loving these books! I’m not usually a fan of vampires (unpopular opinion) but I’m interested to see Elise Kova’s take.

What are some of your anticipated releases for 2022?

Blogmas Day 9: US vs UK Book Covers 2021 Releases

Welcome to Day 9 of Blogmas!
Today I thought I’d bring back an old series I used to post, UK vs US book covers. I haven’t done one in forever! I think it’s really fun to hear peoples’ opinions depending on where you’re from.

UK covers on left – US on right

Gilded by Marissa Meyer

These covers are essentially the same. However, the UK (left) feels a bit more matchy. It keeps with the golden tones with the title being gold. I like the font on the US one, that looks cool. The US is also more black and dark – which I actually think suits the tone of the book.
Verdict – Tie

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Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney

Both of these covers are super cute! It also nice to see Black rep on the cover, glad neither shied away from that. I prefer the UK cover. I think the US looks more adult? The novel is very much YA.
I also like the art style more on the UK cover.

Verdict – UK cover wins

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The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

I think these covers fit their respect countries. The UK looks British and the US looks American, if that makes any sense. I’ve not read this one yet – it’s on my tbr. I love Beth O’Leary’s cover! They’re simple but cute. Again I’m going to have to go with the UK cover. I prefer the colour palette.
Verdict – UK cover wins

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Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

Another one I didn’t manage to squeeze in this year. I love the covers of this authors books, they’re always gorgeous. Though I will say the UK is slacking here. I’m usually a fan of a white cover but the US darker cover is so much more aesthetic. I can’t comment on which fits the book better as I’ve not read it yet.

Verdict – US cover wins

Do you agree with my verdicts? Let me know which ones you prefer and your thoughts in the comments!

Blogmas Day 8: Bookish Christmas Tag

Welcome to Blogmas Day 8!
Christmas is rapidly approaching and I have so much to do.
Thought I would do a quick christmasy tag today!

Father Christmas: Name a book you received as a child that you treasure to this day.

Well, not a child but a teen – His Dark Materials box set.
The books that made me fall in love with reading. They’re beaten up a bit now but I adore them!

The Ghost of Christmas Past: Is there a book or series you like to revisit each year at Christmas time?

Hmm, no. I don’t really read seasonal books.
Not book related but kinda: I always watch Narnia around Christmas – I don’t reread the books though.

Christmas Tree: Name a series that reaches new heights with every entry.

The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Friends and Family: Name a book with fantastic characters.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Stapes
I am OBSESSED (again) with this graphic novel series. I’m so invested in the characters. Literally all of them – even the bad guys.

Decorations: Name a book with a gorgeous cover you would proudly display on your shelves.

A Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova

I read this on kindle, but BOY do I need a physical copy. So beautiful!

Christmas Cards: Name a book that carries a great message.

Why can’t I think of any?!
Closest I can think of is Pride and Prejudice – Don’t be so judgemental /prideful.

Ice and Snow: Name a book that you were hoping to love but which ultimately left you feeling cold.

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Oh my god, this book. I wanted to love this so much but I didn’t. At all.

Christmas Lunch: Name a book that was big and intimidating but oh so worth it in the end.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson – over 1000 pages. Scary but amazing! Applies to the whole Stormlight Archive. Huge books, but so so worth it!

Mince Pies: Name a book you found sweet and satisfying.

XOXO by Axie Oh

Presents: What book do you wish you could give everyone to read?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Spreading the Festive Cheer: Tag some friends to help spread the festive bookish love.

I tag anyone who wants to do this tag!

Blogmas Day 7: Book Series I Started in 2021

Welcome to Blogmas Day 7!
Today I’m going to be sharing the book series I started in 2021 and my current thoughts and whether I plan to continue…

Islands of Blood and Storms by Kacen Callender

I read the first book, Queen of the Conquered, pretty early on in 2021. I have to say, it was very disappointing. I mainly picked this up as research for uni, I expected to enjoy it as I love fantasy. It was lacking in almost every department, it needed so much more development. Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. I won’t be continuing the series

Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab

I planned to read the whole trilogy plus the graphic novels, alas, I only managed to get to A Darker Shade of Magic. I love V.E. Schwab but ADSOM was just okay. So far I’m not seeing what everyone is loving but I will give the whole trilogy a go.

The Dreamer Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater

I have been hesitant to pick up Call Down the Hawk since it came out. How can anything compare to my precious The Raven Cycle. I loved all those characters so much I couldn’t imagine the story of Ronan continuing without the Gangsey. I will admit I didn’t think it could be done. But she did it. Maggie Stiefvater’s magical writing captured me again. It’s not quite as loveable as TRC but it’s still a great read. I also read Mister Impossible, which was also really good. I actually love the new characters and seeing more of the Lynch brothers. I look forward to book 3 in 2022!

The Blood of Stars by Elizabeth Lim

I started this duology with every intention to binge it. Well, that didn’t happen. I really enjoyed this first book. The setting was super cool and it was super different to what I expected. The romance was pretty cute too. I look forward to (finally) finishing the series early on in 2022!

What series did you start in 2021?

Blogmas Day 6: Books I DNF’d in 2021

Welcome to Day 6 of Blogmas!
Today I’m talking about the few books I couldn’t finish in 2021.
I’m not a huge DNF-er but I’m starting to just stop forcing myself through books I’m not enjoying. I’m usually pretty good at picking books I’ll enjoy or at least can finish.

Let’s jump in:

The Book of the Phoenix by Nnedi Okorafor

I want to enjoy Nnedi Okorafor but I just don’t vibe with her stuff.
I read Binti last year, I think – didn’t really like it. I couldn’t even finish this because it was just too slow. I think this author is the perfect example of great ideas and concepts but the execution just didn’t work for me. Unfortunately.

*Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon

This was a bit of a surprise DNF. I enjoyed The Deep by the same author and was excited to read more. The writing is great in this. It just wasn’t what I expected and I just couldn’t pick it up. I felt no desire to read this or know what happens. I found I was forcing myself through this, so ultimately DNF’d.
This was also gifted to me for a bookstagram tour, so I felt pretty bad giving up on it.

Winter by Ali Smith

This is probably the saddest DNF. I love Ali Smith’s writing – she has such an amazing poetic and pretty writing style. I’m usually captivated by her work. I loved the previous book in this series, Autumn. DNFing this was a huge surprise. I expected to fall in love with this book and for it to be my perfect winter read. Yet I just couldn’t get into it… maybe it just wasn’t the right time. This is probably the only one I’d give a second chance to.

DNF but on hold:

*Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

So this one I’m not officially DNFing but it’s on hold for now. This was definitely a case of not the right time for me. I was sent this by the publisher, so I feel a bit bad not reviewing it on time but alas I will eventually get around to it. I was in the mood for fantasy and this is not fantasy. I’m sorry – but does that cover not scream fantasy??? Turns out it’s a contemporary thriller, which is not at all represented in the cover.

Did you DNF any books this year?

Blogmas Day 5: Books I Shoud’ve Read in 2021… but Didn’t

Welcome to Day 5 of Blogmas!
Today I’m going to share some books I should’ve read this year and my excuses as to why I didn’t.

*Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim

I have no excuse for this one. I won a copy of Spin the Dawn, loved it. The publisher gifted me UTD and I planned to binge the duology. But for some reason, I didn’t?? I keep planning to pick it up and never do. I will definitely be reading this early on in 2022.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

This one I kind of forgot about? I love Beth O’Leary’s other books (The Flatshare and The Switch) but for some reason, though I anticipated its release, this slipped my mind for most of the year,

You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry

I forgot to read this during the summer and refuse to read this until it’s warm and sunny outside.

The Poppy War Series by R.F Kuang

It’s pretty much tradition at this point to keep putting off this series. I have owned the first book since 2019 and have since bought the two sequels. All of which were kindle 99p deals. I don’t know why I’m scared to start this series!! 2022 for sure!

There are obviously so many more books I’ve had sitting on my shelves judging me all year, but these are the main ones!

What books didn’t you get around to this year?

Blogmas Day 4: Books to Read While it’s Cold Out (Wintery Book Recs)

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of Blogmas!
Today I’m going to be recommending some books I think would make perfect winter reads! I’m not much of a seasonal read, I’m especially not a Christmas book reader, so there’s no Christmas themed books I can really recommend.

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
(also known as The Golden Compass)

This is the book that got me into reading. It’s a wonderful series – this book especially would make an amazing winter read. It’s set in winter, it has a polar bear (armoured bear actually.) It’s pretty dark in places but it’s a great story!

*Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Another snowy tale.
This one is very folklore/fairytale-esque.
The writing is beautiful and it’s a very enchanting. Perfect for reading around Christmas if you’re not into Christmas themed books.

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

If you’re looking for a cosy romance, this one is lovely!
Enemies to lovers. Elves. Fantasy romance.
It’s everything I love in one book. It’s such a happy read, it really brought me joy when I read it last November. A warming read for the winter!

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

If you’re looking for a moodier read. This is a fantasy/dystopian. The world is pretty grey and ashen – it’s not a depressing story, however.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The token non-SFF rec
I really enjoyed this confusing and complex mystery thriller/ historical fiction novel. It’s really not my usual thing but this won me over! I don’t remember what season it’s actually set in but I think it’d be a good one to read during winter. I think mystery/thrillers are good for the ‘darker’ months.

Ice by Anna Kavan

This is probably a wildcard rec.
It is by far the weirdest book I’ve ever read but truly unforgettable.
This was a required read for uni, I’d have never picked it up otherwise. It’s fairly obscure and I’ve never heard anyone talk about it. It’s definitely perfect for winter – an ice age is sweeping the world. It’s very unsettling and creepy and odd. But fascinating and interesting to analyse and discuss.
I can’t really say if I loved this book or hated it? It’s definitely one I will never forget.

I’ve come to the end of this post and realised it’s mostly SFF books, whoops!

Leave some wintery book recs below! (especially contemporary or romance would love to read some wintery ones!)

Blogmas Day 3: All I Want for Christmas Book Tag

Happy Monday! Welcome to Blogmas Day 3!
Today I’m going to do a Christmassy book tag!
Everyone loves a good tag.

I’m not sure of the original creator but if you know, leave a comment and I will credit them!

1) What fictional character do you want Santa to leave under your Christmas tree?

Kaladin Stormsblessed (The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson)
I just love the grumpy bastard. I feel like we’d be great friends or more *wink wink*

2) What character do you want to kiss under the mistletoe?

Hmm… Mr Darcy

3) You write your Christmas list for Santa, what are the top 5 books on it?

I don’t usually get many books *shock horror* my family are sick of me asking for more books…
Here’s my hypothetical list anyway:
–Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (leatherbound edition)
– Lore Olympus Volume One by Rachel Smythe
– The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
– Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
– The Winds of Winter by George R.R. Martin – Santa is magic so he can definitely deliver this, right?! Magic is the only way this book will get to me it seems.

4) It’s secret santa at Hogwarts, what do you most want to receive?

I haven’t read HP and never will. Cannot answer this question…

5) You get to spend the day with the characters and movie adaptation actors from one fandom, what do you pick?

Shadow and Bone!! I know it’s a TV show but still. I’m not a massive fan of the books but I loved the show and the cast is AMAZING. I would totally love to hang with them!

6) What fictional animal would you like to replace Rudolph and be able to meet on your roof?

A dragon – toothless maybe? Imagine that!!

7) You invite 10 fictional characters to your new years eve party, who do you pick?

Adolin Kholin & Shallan Davar(Stormlight Archive)
Lia (The Remnant Chronicles)
Aelin (Throne of Glass)
Tyrion Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire/GoT)
Nathaniel (Sorcery of Thorns)
Thorne (The Lunar Chronicles)
Ferius Parfax (Spellslinger)
The Darkling (Shadow and Bone)
Nina (Six of Crows)

8) What character would make a good santa (Doesn’t have to be appearance, personality counts too)?

Ohh, hmm. Someone generous and kind…
Maybe Ned Stark… he was a good man…

You’re tagged if you want to do this tag. Tag me in your post I would love to read answers!