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!

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 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!

End of the Year Book Tag

Happy Monday!
Long time no see. I’ve been super busy moving and working. I’ve had no time to juggle blogging. I’m hoping to change that now I’m more settled.
Since we’re reaching the end of the year, this is the perfect tag to get me back into writing posts!

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino

I’ve only just started this but I feel it’s going to be a slow read for me to get through, despite being very short. It’s interesting, just not bingeable.

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

I read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
Which feels autumnal, to me, although it’s set across quite a big time period. The edition I have (penguin vintage classic) screams autumn to!

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?

Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson
Super super super excited to get my hands on this! It comes out at the end of this month.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

I hate making TBRs because I will literally never stick to them. For some reason, it completely turns me off reading it haha
However, I do want to read some ‘festive’ books for the Christmas season…
I’ll give the ones I might read:
Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand (if I can find a copy, seems to be hard to find in the UK)
Winter by Ali Smith


Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?

If I manage to squeeze in Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson that could become a favourite… but I might hold off til 2022 – not sure yet. Also maybe Cytonic?? (How many times will I mention BrandSand in one post- can you tell who my favourite author is)

Have you already started making reading plans for 2022?

I have…
I try not to plan reads but I have started planning. I want to reread the Mistborn books by Brandon Sanderson and catch up with the second series ready for the last book which will come out at some point in 2022.

Cosy Autumn Book Tag!

Hello everyone!
Hope all is well with you all.
I’m finally doing a tag! It’s been forever since I last did a tag. I’ve missed it!

1. What book always reminds you of fall/autumn?

Vicious by V.E Schwab
So dark and moody – perfect read for this time of year!

Also have to mention Autumn by Ali Smith – beautiful book and of course, as the title suggests, it’s set in Autumn.

2. What is your favourite autumnal book cover?

Hmm, I haven’t got many autumnal covers on my shelves.
I think Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater is quite autumnal looking.

3. What is your favourite autumnal drink to read with?

I’m such a boring person, I mostly drink water. I do like a cup of Earl Grey in the mornings, so that if I’m reading in the morning. Or for cold evenings a hot chocolate!

4. Do you prefer to read late at night or early in the morning?
Both! Depends on my mood.

5. Halloween is coming! What is your favourite spooky read?
I’m not into spooky books. I just read Gilded by Marissa Meyer (gifted) and it was so much darker than I expected! Perfect Halloween read, in my opinion!

6. What is the ultimate comfort read for you?

I used to say ACOTAR by SJM – But I’ve fallen out of love with SJM.
I think any reread of a favourite is the ultimate comfort read. I’ve reread Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson a few times and want to reread again soon!

7. What is your favourite autumnal reading snack?

Chocolate. Or cookies. Or Flipz (chocolate covered pretzels) – they’re my recent obsession!

8. What is your favourite autumnal candle to burn whilst reading?

*whispers* I don’t burn candles. Like ever.

9. When you’re not reading, what is your favourite autumnal activity?

I’m not sure I do any autumn specific activities. I wish I could for beautiful autumn walks with orange trees and such but I live in Wales and it’s grey and damp. I’d also love to go to a pumpkin patch. I need to up my autumn activity game!

10. What is on your autumn/fall reading list
I don’t really make lists/tbrs – I’m such a mood reader.
But I really want to read these:

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson (comes out end of Nov, so might not make the autumn reading)
Passing by Nella Larson

I tag anyone who wishes to do this tag! Please leave me a link/tag me in the post – I would love to read your answers!

Popular Opinions Book Tag!

1. A popular book or series that you love

Mistborn & Warbreaker (basically any Brandon Sanderson)
They’re SERIOUSLY worth the hype!

2. An underhyped book or series that you love and wish was more popular

Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan – Criminally underrated. It’s a sci-fi romance and it made me cry! I rarely cry at books but this touched my icy heart.

Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney – A recent release I’ve not seen around much! I absolutely loved this!

3. A romance (love triangle or OTP) that you love

I’m not a massive fan of love triangles but it is done perfectly in The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson. I also love who the main character ends up with.

4. Your favourite genre + a popular genre that you want to read more often

My favourite is fantasy for sure!
One I want to read more often: Sci-fi!

5. A popular or beloved character that you love or a character that you feel deserves more love

I’ll answer both because why not!

A popular character I love – Tyrion Lannister. He’s amazing. You cannot argue otherwise.

A character I think deserves more love is Lia from The Remnant Chronicles. She’s one of my faves of all time. Underrated!

6. An autobuy author

Brandon Sanderson
He could release his shopping list and I would read it.

7. A popular book trope that you love reading about

Enemies to lovers!
Everyone loves this but yeah, it’s definitely one of the best. Especially if the romance is slow burn. *Swoon*

8. A popular series that you are excited to read

The Gentlemen Bastards Series by Scott Lynch
I’ve heard so many great things about this series. Hoping it lives up to the hype. I’ve had the first book on my shelf for a while, this year for sure!

9. A popular book + film where you love the story in both formats

I’m going to change this to tv, because I cannot think of a film…
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen & BBC Pride and Prejudice
When I say perfect adaptation, I mean it. It is probably the best book adaptation ever. It’s just perfection.
You may be thinking, there’s a P&P film with Kiera Knightley and…. Just no.

I wrote a whole post about BBC Pride and Prejudice, check it out for my full thoughts!

I tag whoever wants to do this! Definitely link back/leave a link if you do, I’d love to read your answers!

Nope Trope Book Tag!

Hello guys!
It has been a while since I did a tag, so when I saw Emily from BooksWithEmilyFox do this on her booktube channel, I just had to do it too! It was originally created by Zoe’s All Booked.

1. Eavesdropping w/ miscommunication – Name a book you heard great things about and expected to love but ended up hating.

I can name so many for this question but I’ll go with House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas. I am a huge SJM fan (or was). I’ve liked both her previously series, so I fully expected to adore this one like everyone else. I have a ranty review explaining why I hated this.

TL:DR: It’s just a mash up of ToG + ACOTAR. It feels very YA despite being marketed as adult.

2. Love Triangles – Name a series where you can’t pick your favourite book.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
THE cutest graphic novel romance series. I love all of the book so far, I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite!

3. Not Like Other Girls/Didn’t Know I’m Beautiful – Name a book that has a pretty cover but was boring as all hell.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Ugh, it pains me to say this… This book was just such a drag!! More in my review.

4. All-Consuming Love – Name a book that gave you a book hangover

So many!!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert was the last one I can remember. I didn’t pick anything up for a while after that. It was just so sweet!

5. Douchebag Boyfriend – Name a book that took you a while to get into, but you ended up loving.

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab

6. Tell us your favourite or least favourite trope!

I love the chosen one trope. I know it’s cliché and quite overdone, but if it’s well done, I will love it.

Least favourite/will never read is those incest-y one *shudders*

I tag:
Morgane – Book Me Some Time

Dhwani – The Written Journey

Allie – The Wandering Nerdette

Get to Know the Fantasy Reader Tag

Hello everyone!

Bree Hill originally created this tag as the Get to Know the Romance Reader Tag, and The Book Pusher adapted it for fantasy readers. 

What is your fantasy origin story? (The first fantasy novel you read)

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass in the US)
Most people grew up with HP – I didn’t never read nor watched it, never will.
I was a late bloomer when it comes to reading but I made my mum buy me the His Dark Materials box set when we were in The Works when I was a young teen and it made me fall in love with reading and SFF.

 If you could be the hero/heroine in a fantasy novel, who would be the author and what’s one trope you’d insist be in the story?

Ooo. Author is an easy one for me: Brandon Sanderson!
I’d want to be a chosen one, so that trope. (also need cool magical powers.)

What is a fantasy you’ve read this year, that you want more people to read?

I haven’t read a *ton* of fantasy this year. But I did reread The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson. I think this series is so underhyped. It’s seriously one of the best YA Fantasy series.

What is your favourite fantasy subgenre? What subgenre have you not read much from?

My favourite is High Fantasy, of course! I absolutely love being transported to new worlds. I haven’t really read much paranormal stuff… if that counts as a fantasy subgenre?

Who is one of your auto-buy fantasy authors?

So that I don’t answer Brandon Sanderson for everything… I’ll go with Sarah J Maas.

How do you typically find fantasy recommendations? (Goodreads, Youtube, Podcasts, Instagram..)

Booktube, Bookstagram, Goodreads & of course, book blogs!

What is an upcoming fantasy release you’re excited for?

Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore!
I’ve been dying for more Graceling books and my wish has been granted. I’m so glad the author decided to return to this world.

What is one misconception about fantasy you would like to lay to rest?

Women who write fantasy write for the YA or kid audiences…. WHY do people think women can’t write adult fiction?!

If someone had never read a fantasy before and asked you to recommend the first 3 books that come to mind as places to start, what would those recommendations be?

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Who is the most recent fantasy reading content creator you came across that you’d like to shoutout?
I haven’t actually come across any new ones lately…
If anyone has any recs please let me know!

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Tagging:
Kirsty @ Kirsty Reads Blog
Rachel @A Cascade of Books
Amy @ Amy Jane Alice
Allie @ WanderingNerdette

+ anyone else who wants to do this tag!

Christmas Song Book Tag! | Blogmas Day 9

Hey guys!
Today for blogmas day 9 I’m doing another tag!
For blogmas day 4 I did the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

This tag was originally created by TheArtsyReaderGirl

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You”: Favourite bookish couple.
I have so many!
A recent one is Luella and Eldas from A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

2. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Name a book where a character is away from home (school, vacation, etc.).
The Switch by Beth O’Leary

3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Name your favorite “little” book (children’s book, short story, novella, etc.).
I read Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman this year, it’s a very short but lovely read!

4. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“: What book(s) do you hope Santa brings you this year?
I don’t *think* I’m getting any books for Christmas. *SHOCK HORROR*
I didn’t ask for any as I already have too many unread books. Sigh.

5. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Which book turned your nose red (made you cry)?
I don’t cry very often at books, the ending of The Switch did have be a lil emosh.

6. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Your favourite book/kind of book to read during the holidays.
I don’t really read seasonal books or anything. I tend to read more fantasy during the winter in general.

7. “We Three Kings”: Your favourite trilogy.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson & The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson

8. “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”: A character you would love to be snowed in with.
Cassian from ACOTAR

9. “Last Christmas”: A book that seriously let you down.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

10. “White Christmas”: An upcoming release you’re dreaming about

Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore
I am SO exciting to get back into this world!

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I tag anyone who wants to do this!

12 Days of Christmas Book Tag | Blogmas Day 4

This tag was originally created by LizzieLovesBooks on Booktube but the questions have changed a little. I’ve seen a few different versions on various blogs, I’m not sure who change what or when haha.

1. A Partridge in a pear tree: Favorite Stand-Alone Book?

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

2. Two Turtle Doves: Fictional OTP/Favorite Ship?

I have SO MANY OMG!
Here’s a few:
Elide and Lorcan from TOG
Lia and who she ends up with from The Remnant Chronicles (it’d be a spoiler to tell!)
Jude and Cardan from Folk of the Air

3.Three French Hens: Favorite Trilogy?

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

4. Four Calling Birds: Favorite Fictional Beast/Creature?

Dragons!
Is there any other answer here?! Dragons are the best.

5. Five Golden Rings: One Ring to Rule Them All: Who’s your favourite villain?

Does Victor Vale count? He’s kind of an antihero
I also love Cersei Lannister

6. Six Geese a Laying: Rotten egg- What’s your least favorite book?

1984 by George Orwell
I really, really don’t under how anyone enjoyed reading this book. It has cool ideas and concepts but GOD. The writing is awful. The book is less than 300 pages and it felt like I was reading a 2000 page book. It was endless.

7. Seven Swans a Swimming: Who’s your favourite animal sidekick?

Reichis from Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell
I LOVE animal sidekicks. Reichis takes it to the next level. He is freaking hilarious and seriously the best. I love that murderous lil squirrelcat. Yes, squirrelcat. Go read Spellslinger, it’s amazing.

8. Eight Maids a Milking: What fictional food do you wish you could taste?

I have no idea. I must really not pay attention to food in books because I can’t think of any.

9. Nine Ladies Dancing: Favourite dance between two characters?

Is there any other answer but Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.

10. Ten Lords a Leaping: Favourite Book-To-Movie-Adaptation?

Stardust (2007)
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million more times, this is the best book adaptation ever. It’s better than the books. Yes, I said that. I’m sorry Neil Gaiman but the film took the story to a whole other level!

11. Eleven Pipers Piping: Favourite Book-To-Movie-Adaptation Soundtrack?

Does the Wonder Woman soundtrack count? It’s a comic book adaptation so I’m going to count it. I feel like that soundtrack is highly underrated. I really enjoy writing to it!

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming: It’s the end of the song; What’s your favourite book ending?

Ooh that’s an interesting question. I could write a whole essay on book endings.
I think I’ll go with The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson. I don’t think an ending has ever surprised or messed me up more than that. I felt my soul leave my body and I honestly couldn’t move for like an hour. Mind blowing.

I tag anyone who wants to do this tag!