Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

I'd like to say 2016 was a great year, but was it really? In terms of reality - no. In terms of books, 2016 was great. I read so many interesting (and not-so-interesting) books this year, and I wanted to put it into visuals for everyone. I did this last year, but seeing Cait's post made me remember to do it again!

Books by Rating

From this chart, I can tell that I am quite generous in rating. I don't use stars on my blog, but I do on Goodreads. Should I switch to stars? Maybe I will, but in 2017.

Books by Genre

Which genre is your favourite? I was meaning to read to read more mystery and horror this year, but I got too stuck on Fantasy, as usual. Contemporary just pops up here and there, I don't go actively looking for this genre. Haha, yeah :)

Top 10 Books of 2016

This year has been a good year, like I said already. So here are my 10 favourites - but in no particular order!

1. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
2. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
3. A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
4. Half Lost by Sally Green
5. The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
6. Rebel of the Sands by Alywn Hamilton
7. Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
8. Heartless by Marissa Meyer
9. The Midnight Star by Marie Lu
10. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

All these books were amazing! Have you read any of these ones? All of them? What do you think about them?

Top 4 Disappointments of 2016

Of course, not all books will be good, and here are some of the books I've read this year that have been either a) a pain or b) boring or c) crushed my hopes or d) all of the above. Let's go!

1. Silas Marner by George Eliot
2. Twelve Kings in Sharakhai by Bradley P. Beaulieu
3. Doll Bones by Holly Black
4. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (because I expected so much more from her!)

Most Anticipated Books of 2017

Moving on to the happy category! 2017 - new books, new series, sequels, all that good stuff. So, which great books are coming our way?

1. A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
2. King's Cage (Red Queen #3) by Victoria Aveyard
3. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare
4. A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3) by V.E. Schwab
5. Caravel (Caravel #1) by Stephanie Garber
6. The Dark Prophecy (Trials of Apollo #2) by Rick Riordan

And that's all for today! I hope you all enjoy yourselves today and get ready for 2017! Enjoy the last of 2016 :)

Gemina

Title: Gemina

Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 

First Published: October 18th 2016

Series: The Illuminae Files #2

Genre: YA, Sci-Fi

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 608

My Copy: Physical copy 

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault. 

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Title: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Author: Becky Albertalli

First Published: April 7th, 2015

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: YA Fiction, Contemporary

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 320

My Copy: Physical copy 

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised. 

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Heartless

Title: Heartless

Author: Marissa Meyer

First Published: November 8th 2016

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 449

My Copy: Physical copy 

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be a queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King’s marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship.

Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Movie Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Today, I've finally watched Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them! I was so excited for it - it's been so long since we've seen anything to do with the Wizarding World on movie screen. I had no idea what the plot was (I refrained from reading spoilers) but I had quite high hopes for it.

I was not disappointed!

What I loved

• Eddie Redmayne as Newt was 5 stars. I love Eddie Redmayne as an actor anyway - he's really good! I loved how he played Newt as an awkward, sweet wizard who loves animals. 
• The plot was so intriguing! There is a new big bad - Grindelwald. Remember him? ;) Plus, he's played by Johnny Depp (which is kind of weird, but oh well)
• Tina and Queenie! Badass sisters!
• Queenie and Jacob :) I hope there's a future for the two of them.
• All the beasts! I thought the niffler was very cute and fluffy Occamy? YAS I want one. Plus, the Bowtruckles would be such great companions 
• Newt's mating dance was hilarious
• Tina and Newt's developing relationship
• Hedwig's theme at the beginning of the movie. Really brings back old memories of Harry Potter (*teary sniffle*)
• Basically? Everything

After the fiasco of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, J.K. Rowling comes back with this fantastic movie. It's supposed to be a five part movie, each set in a different place. First New York, next where? I can't wait for the next one (coming out in 2018 *cries*)

Before Voldemort, it was Grindelwald. I'd love to see his evil plans and how Newt and Tina plays into them. Plus, I hope Dumbledore will show up! I'm pretty sure he use to like Grindelwald, so we'll see what happens.

Have you watched Fantastic Beasts yet? Have you seen the cover of the screenplay? It's beautiful.

Room

Title: Room

Author: Emma Donoghue

First Published: September 13th 2010

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Fiction

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 321

My Copy: Physical copy

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Halloween - Books, TV Shows and Movies

It's Halloween everyone! It's also one of my favourite holidays in the year >:) So in honour of Halloween, I've decided to do another Halloween theme post - this time with books, TV shows and movies to enjoy during this Halloween. Are you ready?

BOOKS

1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I remember reading this entire book in one sitting - it was that good! It's not that scary, just bordering on creepy/spooky. I loved it so much and now I just want to reread it! :)

2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman - both the movie and book. I adored the movie though it did freak me out a bit. (I was 8 when I watched it - bad idea, yeah I know) The concept is so creepy and yet so thrilling!

3. Slasher Girls & Monster Boys, which I haven't actually read yet but seems pretty good. It's an anthology of horror stories, including some of my favourite authors: Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu and Jonathan Maberry! YES this is perfect :)

TV SHOWS

1. Supernatural, of course. Yes, there are 12 seasons and counting, but what a better than to start season 1 if you haven't already? There are so many monsters, demons, plot twists that can keep you entertained.

2. American Horror Story, if you are into more horror, gore and whatnot. Sure, there are scenes that make 99% of viewers uncomfortable, but what can you do? If you want more ghosty stuff, go for season 1 and season 6 ;)

3. Scream Queens, if you want something a little more light-hearted. It's a horror-comedy, and I thought the characters are pretty funny if not stupid at times. They are all sassy though, which makes up for it.

MOVIES

1. The Shining - both the book and movie works. There aren't many jump-scares or anything like that, but it's the atmosphere and tension that builds up, making the movie that much more effective. 

2. The Conjuring (the first movie) because it's way better than the second one. Also, the plot is more interesting than the other spinoffs (Annabelle I'm looking at you) , but that's just my opinion. 

3. The Exorcist - a all-time classic. I think it's pretty good, but same as in the Shining, there aren't many jump-scares since they also focus on the creepy atmosphere and rising fear.

So, here are my 3 suggestions in each category! Do you have some for me? I hope you all have a fun Halloween :)

The Midnight Star

Title: The Midnight Star

Author: Marie Lu

First Published: October 11th 2016

Series: The Young Elites #3

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 316

My Copy: Kindle Edition

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

The thrilling finale to the New York Times bestselling Young Elites series from “hit factory” Marie Lu.

There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she’s achieved.

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.

Bestselling author Marie Lu concludes Adelina's story with this haunting and hypnotizing final installment to the Young Elites series.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Movie Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

So, I finally got round to watching Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children! The trailer looked really really good, and I was really excited to see it! I had some minor doubts, such as them changing Emma's ability in the movie, but in the end, I went.

Thoughts

• It stuck to the book (mostly) which I was glad about. Okay, I lied a tiny bit. The ending was not at all like the book, which threw me off a bit. I thought it was going to cut off when Jake was being dramatic with his "I've got a plan" line, but then it continued. 
• The creepy music and photos right in the beginning was perfect. It really set the scene and made my heart race a little :)
• TIM BURTON!
• Loved the jump-scares >:D
• I loved how Tim Burton could easily maintain the eerie and slightly creepy atmosphere of the book. Every moment was thrilling to me.
• Emma's ability switch from fire (books) to air (movie) wasn't that bad. It wasn't absolutely critical to the movie for Emma to have her air ability, but it was quite useful a number of times.
• Asa Butterfield as Jake? A+
• The ending was pretty nice and sweet, but everything seems to be solved so I don't know if there will be a sequel or not. I'd love one, but I don't know where it would be going...
• This film was a nice break from all the action-dystopia movies we get in the YA film adaptation category these days.

So, have you watched this movie yet? If so, did you like it? Hope to see your responses! :)

And I Darken

Title: And I Darken

Author: Kiersten White

First Published: June 28th 2016

Series: The Conqueror's Saga #1

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 457

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Merchant Of Venice

This week, I had the great opportunity to watch The Merchant of Venice as performed by the Globe. No, I wasn't in London, but I watched them when they were on tour. I had to study The Merchant of Venice for school, and our English teacher thought it would be a good idea to bring us to watch the play live. I felt a bit skeptical at first, but once it began, I really enjoyed it!

I apologise for the Chinese :)

What I liked

• The interpretation. In this performance, they took the sympathetic path towards Shylock, so we would feel really bad for him. When I first read the play, I already felt pity for Shylock. As a class, we had also watched the 2004 movie version, but they portrayed Shylock as a cold bully in that one, so there was less sympathy for him. I liked the Globe's portrayal a lot more.

• The interaction. I haven't seen many plays in my life, but this is the first time where there was actor to audience interaction! It was very funny when the actors would call some of the audience up on stage and I thought this was a really good way to keep the audience interested.

• The humour. In words, the humour Shakespeare was trying to put through got lost during the decades. Shakespearian humour and 21st century humour is pretty different. However, they still kept the original humour and managed to pull it off!

• The ending. It was so powerful. They added a little bit more after the last line of the play, which showed Shylock's conversion to Christianity as part of his punishment. This wasn't in the original script, but I thought it was really powerful to add it in. You can clearly see the anguish in Shylock and it just reinforces the sympathy we feel for him. It is quite dramatic though :)

I'd put another title with "what I disliked", but I really can't think of anything! It was really good! So, if you ever get the chance to watch it performed by the Globe this year, do so! You won't regret it :)

Greek Mythology Tag

Hi everyone! Here's another tag for you: the Greek Mythology Tag a while back, but finally, I've gotten round to doing it! Before beginning, I just want to thank Tasya @ The Literary Huntress for tagging me - THANKS TASYA :D You can check out her answers here. So, let's begin! :)

Zeus (Jupiter) : God of the sky and thunder / King of the gods

Favourite book (choose your own category!)

How do I even choose? Well, I know my favourite category is Fantasy, but which book from it? Ah, I know! I adore A Court of Mist and Fury, which I thought was so good. It was packed with action, world building, plot twists... Everything I need! :)

Hera (Juno) : Goddess of marriage and fertility

Cutest book couple

How can I choose? I have so many OTPs, but I think the one that rises above the rest is Percabeth. No arguments there. All the sass and banter is so fun to read about. Oh yes, and Solangelo ;)

Poseidon (Neptune) : God of the seas and earthquakes

Book that drowned you in feels

I think we can all agree that Clockwork Princess was filled to the rim with feels and angst. The love triangle, JEM, WILL, basically everything. UGH :(

Athena (Minerva) : Goddess of wisdom, handicraft and strategic warfare

Series with the best world building

The Grisha series. One of the best world building I've read. Would you want to live there? I'd like to be a Grisha, it seems so cool. Who hasn't dreamed of having special powers?

Hades (Pluto) : God of the Underworld

Favourite book with dark/ominous plot

Asylum by Madeleine Roux, which kind of reminds me of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, especially because it also has many creepy photos inside. I always love books with mental asylums in it, so that was a bonus as well.  

Aphrodite (Venus) : Goddess of love and beauty

Most beautiful cover on a 2016 release

Ares (Mars) : God of war and bloodshed

Most violent book you've ever read

I don't think I've read a book with as much violence as As I Darken by Kiersten White. It is a retelling of Vlad the Impaler, so no surprises there about the amount of bloodshed. 

Hephaestus (Vulcan) : God of blacksmiths and fire

Scorching hot swoon worthy character

Can I choose Will Herondale? He's so sarcastic and sassy all the time. ;) 

Artemis (Diana) : Goddess of the hunt and virginity

Favourite kick-ass heroine

My favourite heroine is and will always be Katniss Everdeen. She's strong, ruthless when needs to be but also isn't afraid to show her emotions. 

Phoebus Apollo (Apollo) : God of light and healing

Sequel that redeemed the series

I think this will fall to Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd. I did enjoy The Madman's Daughter, but I thought the second book really did push the series even further, so that it was even more intriguing. 

Hermes (Mercury) : Messenger god of thieves and commerce

Book with best message

There Will Be Lies by Nick Lane is one of the best contemporary-mystery books I've ever read. The plot, the style, the character development, everything. I recommend you to read it right now.

Hestia (Vesta) : Goddess of the hearth and home

Book with most relatable story

Book with the most relatable story? I think this would fall into the Contemporary book category, therefore: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr. I find it relatable because it's all about classical music and piano, another one of my interest! ;D

Demeter (Ceres) : Goddess of fertility and agriculture

Favourite bookish setting

The Londons in A Darker Shade of Magic. Who doesn't like the idea of different Londons? As I've said before, Red London seems to be the best to live in. 

Dionysus (Bacchus) : God of wine and celebration

2016 release you are most anticipating

So, that's the end of the tag! I hope you enjoyed reading it! :) 

I tag:

Fiona @ A Girl Between The Pages

Caroline @ Just Another Bookish Blog

Kayleigh @ A Booklovers Playlist

And anyone else! 

Since You've Been Gone

Title: Since You've Been Gone

Author: Morgan Matson

First Published: May 6th, 2014

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 449

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.

On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um...

Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go skinny-dipping? Wait...what?

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Da Vinci Code

Title: The Da Vinci Code

Author: Dan Brown

First Published: March 28th 2006

Series: Robert Langdon #2

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 481

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

An ingenious code hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. A desperate race through the cathedrals and castles of Europe. An astonishing truth concealed for centuries . . . unveiled at last.

While in Paris, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is awakened by a phone call in the dead of the night. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, his body covered in baffling symbols. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist Sophie Neveu sort through the bizarre riddles, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci—clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Even more startling, the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion—a secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci—and he guarded a breathtaking historical secret. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle—while avoiding the faceless adversary who shadows their every move—the explosive, ancient truth will be lost forever.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Illuminae

Title: Illuminae

Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

First Published: October 20th, 2015

Series: The Illuminae Files #1

Genre: YA, Science Fiction

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 599

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. 

This afternoon, her planet was invaded. 

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit. 

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again. 

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ruler of Books Tag

Hi everyone! After a long while, I'm back with another tag! So, I'd like to start off with a huge THANKS to Caroline @ Just Another Bookish Blog for tagging me in this :) You can find her post here. Without further ado, let us begin!

Not my picture. Credits to Caroline :)

1. What book would you make everyone read?

I would probably make everyone read Illuminae, because it's such a unique book and I enjoyed every aspect of it!

2. What would you abolish from book construction?

Probably the fact that there are some books where the next chapter follows directly from the last sentence on the same page. I mean:

blah blah blah. (end of chapter)

Chapter 3 (for example)

I don't know why, it just makes it a lot more difficult to read. There are no breaks whatsoever and my poor eyes water. 

3. What author would you commission to write every book ever? OR what author would you commission to write a book for you?

So many authors to choose from! My top 5 will be:

1. J.K Rowling

2. Cassandra Clare

3. Rick Riordan

4. Suzanne Collins

5. Sarah J. Maas

4. What book would you demote to the library basement to make room for new books?

I would probably pick Paper Towns by John Green *hides from angry mob*. I really didn't enjoy the book or the movie, for that matter. I don't get what the hype is all about, but oh well. 

5. What cover artist would you commission to paint a beautiful mural?

I'd get Alison Klapthor, who designed the cover of A Thousand Pieces of You! It looks amazing and having a mural like that? SO cool!

6. What character's face would you put on a coin?

I'd put Katniss Everdeen on one of them, because she's one of the most badass protagonists I've ever read about. No one comes close. Not even Tris.

7. What book would you give the Ruler of Books award of 2016 to?

Oh, I've read so many good books in 2016, so how do I choose? I think my top 2 books of 2016 are A Court of Mist and Fury and A Gathering of Shadows! I equally loved the two of these books! :)

So, I hope you enjoyed reading this little tag! Now, I nominate:

Tasya @ The Literary Huntress

Fiona @ A Girl Between The Pages

Kayleigh @ A Book Lovers Playlist

Laura @ Blue Eye Books

And anyone else who wants to join in! :)

Lady Midnight

Title: Lady Midnight

Author: Cassandra Clare

First Published: March 8th 2016

Series: The Dark Artifices #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 698

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

In a kingdom by the sea… 

 In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.  

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love. 

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them. 

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare.

  Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Author: John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K Rowling

First Published: July 31st 2016

Series: Harry Potter #8

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 330

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places

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How Hard Can Love Be?

Title: How Hard Can Love Be?

Author: Holly Bourne

First Published: February 1st 2016

Series: Normal #2

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 480

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

Amber, Evie and Lottie: three girls facing down tough issues with the combined powers of friendship, feminism and cheesy snacks. Both hilarious and heart-rending, this is Amber’s story of how painful – and exhilarating – love can be, following on from Evie’s story in Am I Normal Yet?

All Amber wants is a little bit of love. Her mum has never been the caring type, even before she moved to California, got remarried and had a personality transplant. But Amber's hoping that spending the summer with her can change all that.

And then there's prom king Kyle, the guy all the girls want. Can he really be interested in anti-cheerleader Amber? Even with best friends Evie and Lottie's advice, there's no escaping the fact: love is hard.

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July Wrap-Up, August TBR & Book Haul!

Hi everyone! I know, I have been inactive for a while, but blame that on... anyone but me ;) How has everyone's July been? It's already August! Time really flies, especially during the summer. Just one more month and I'm back in school... :( But enough about me and my life. Let's get on with the post!

July Wrap-Up

Books read:
(links are to my review)

• Summer Days & Summer Nights, edited by Stephanie Perks - 8.25/10
• All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - 8/10
• A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas - 9/10
• Inferno by Dan Brown - 8/10
• Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton - 8.5/10
• Twelve Kings of Sharakhai by Bradley P. Beaulieu - 7/10

I'd call this quite a productive July! So, from the ratings, I'd say my favourite was A Court of Mist and Fury, followed by Rebel of the Sands - two books I'd been putting off for a while. My expectations were met and I enjoyed both books a lot! However, I was a little disappointed by Twelve  Kings of Sharakhai. I picked it up because of the compelling blurb and cool cover, but the story itself was not that enjoyable. It was really slow, jumping back and forth from past and present, and action was minimal except for the scenes where Çeda fights in the arena. More on that later.

August Book Haul & TBR

I went on a shopping spree for books yesterday for no reason. We never need reasons to buy books, right? :) 

1. How Hard Can Love Be? by Holly Bourne. Yes, another Holly Bourne book! I adore all her books, especially the ones in this series. It's the second book in the Normal series, but this time about Amber, our hardcore feminist! I'm really excited for this one!

2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K Rowling. 

*Inner Potterhead takes over* YYESSS LET'S GET READING! CAN'T WAIT! YAAAAAAS! Ahem, excuse my shrieking. :P All over Instagram, people were so hyped and so excited - and I was too! Many people also talked about waiting hours in line, but here? I'm lucky to live in a place where not many people read at all, let alone Harry Potter. So, quite easy to get your hands on books you want :) 

3. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman. I've heard quite a lot about it, and it does seem like an interesting book to read, especially since the sequel is coming out quite soon. Have you read it? What do you think? I think it looks really cool! 

4. My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier. I saw this book on Cait @ Paper Fury's blog, on her post on Australian Recommendations, and I thought it was a really intriguing book. It's a YA Thriller - goodness knows I don't get enough of that genre in my life. If you also want some horror in your life, read it too!

That's it for today! Have you read any of the books mentioned above? What did you think? Feel free to drop me a comment, I'd really appreciate it! :)

Rebel of the Sands

Title: Rebel of the Sands

Author: Alwyn Hamilton

First Published: March 8th 2016

Series: Rebel of the Sands #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 320

My Copy: Kindle Edition

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there's nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can't wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up "wed or dead," Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she'd gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan's army, with a fugitive who's wanted for treason. And she'd never have predicted she'd fall in love with him... or that he'd help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

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Inferno

Title: Inferno

Author: Dan Brown

First Published: May 14th 2013

Series: Robert Langdon #4

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 461

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

In his international blockbusters The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown masterfully fused history, art, codes, and symbols. In this riveting new thriller, Brown returns to his element and has crafted his highest-stakes novel to date.

In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . . before the world is irrevocably altered.

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All the Light We Cannot See

Title: All the Light We Cannot See

Editor: Anthony Doerr

First Published: May 6th 2014

Series: Stand alone

Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 530

My Copy: Physical Copy

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.

Doerr’s “stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors” (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times).

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A Court of Mist and Fury

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury

Editor: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 3rd 2016

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 640

My Copy: Kindle Edition

My Overall Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

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Summer Days & Summer Nights

Title: Summer Days & Summer Nights

Editor: Stephanie Perkins

First Published: May 17th 2016

Series: Stand alone

Genre: YA, Romance

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 400

My Copy: Physical copy

My Overall Rating: 8.25/10

Goodreads Summary

Maybe it's the long, lazy days, or maybe it's the heat making everyone a little bit crazy. Whatever the reason, summer is the perfect time for love to bloom. Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, written by twelve bestselling young adult writers and edited by the international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, will have you dreaming of sunset strolls by the lake. So set out your beach chair and grab your sunglasses. You have twelve reasons this summer to soak up the sun and fall in love.

Featuring stories by Leigh Bardugo, Francesca Lia Block, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Brandy Colbert, Tim Federle, Lev Grossman, Nina LaCour, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth, Jon Skovron, and Jennifer E. Smith.

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Monsters Of Men

Title: Monsters Of Men

Author: Patrick Ness

First Published: May 3rd 2010

Series: Chaos Walking #3

Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 603

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8/10

Goodreads Summary

Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?

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The Beach Book List - Books To Read On The Beach!

Hi everyone! Now that summer is right upon us (actually, it had already arrived a while back), I've decided to make a list of books that are perfect for the summer, especially if you're relaxing on a beach. Doesn't that sound nice? Okay, let's go!

(I don't know why but I associate summer with Contemporary and Mystery, so the majority of this list are books from that genre)

The Beach Booklist

1. Summer Days & Summer Nights by Stephanie Perkins

This is actually on my TBR list for July! I really enjoyed My True Love Gave To Me, so I have really high hopes for this anthology as well. The authors I'm most excited about are Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare and Veronica Roth! Plus, Stephanie Perkins herself wrote a story as well. Isn't this the perfect book for the beach?

2.  We Were Liars E. Lockhart

Yes, old book I know. I read this one last summer and it blew me away. The writing was really good and it kept the suspense until the very last moment. I loved the cleverly crafted plot twist! It's a really good mystery book for anyone who enjoys a good mix of contemporary and mystery.

3. There Will Be Lies by Nick Lane

I love this book! It starts slow at first since you have no idea what the heck is going on. The narration is fragmented, lacking some important punctuation - until you figure out why. Then it all makes sense. That's when I began to appreciate the book. It's beautifully written, making a compelling story. It's also mystery, but nothing too drastic. There is a bit of fantasy in it, but more on the magical realism side. Great book that is perfect with a refreshing smoothie ;)

4. The Way Back To You by Michelle Andreani

Okay, I haven't actually read this one yet, but I came across it when browsing Goodreads. It sounds really interesting! It's just a cute contemporary story, but I think it's quite appropriate for summer. Plus, the cover seems quite cute, no?

5. The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

This book is amazing! I was sucked in from the first word (probably because I love music and play piano myself). So basically, it's about a girl who is a champion piano player who stopped playing due to... unsaid reasons that you will find out over the course of the book. It even comes with a short playlist of songs at the end! It's a really cute book. Really cute.

6. The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

This book is a whole mix of emotions. There are laughs, sobs and everything in between. The whole story gives you so much hope (ergo the title) and it really makes you appreciate life for the little moments. I don't want to give away the ending, but I'll warn you fellow readers: be prepared with tissues.

And that's it for me! Here are some recommendations that would potentially make your summer reading list a lot brighter! I hope you do try out some of these books, and if you have already read them, what did you think? Worthy to be on this list? Are there any books you recommend for the summer? Let me know! :)

Plus, have a great summer everyone! :D

The Ask and the Answer

Title: The Ask and the Answer

Author: Patrick Ness

First Published: May 4th 2009

Series: Chaos Walking #2

Genre: YA,  Sci-Fi, Dystopia

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 536

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

We were in the square, in the square where I'd run, holding her, carrying her, telling her to stay alive, stay alive till we got safe, till we got to Haven so I could save her - But there weren't no safety, no safety at all, there was just him and his men...

Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...

"The Ask and the Answer" is a tense, shocking and deeply moving novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. This is the second title in the "Chaos Walking" trilogy.

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The Hidden Oracle

Title: The Hidden Oracle

Author: Rick Riordan

First Published: May 3rd 2016

Series: The Trials of Apollo #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 376

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

How do you punish an immortal?

By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour.

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

Goodreads