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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Fight and Flight (Out of Orbit #2) by Chele Cooke

(Spoilers for Out of Orbit Book 1) 

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Georgianna Lennox is now a slave, serving an Adveni master and caught in the middle of a brewing war between oppressors and insurgents.

As the rebels increase their attacks against the Adveni, Georgianna is recruited as their eyes behind enemy lines.

But the lies she is forced to tell her owner are nothing compared to the secrets she must keep from her friends.

Secrets that could change the war in their favour, and lies that might destroy them all.





4 Star Review

After such a dramatic end to the first book I just had to keep reading this series. I spent most of the prologue trying to work out who was talking but the convocation was useful reminder of the situation that the first book left us in (as if you could forget). The first few chapters explored one of my favourite situations to read about – a female imprisoned – I always find it intriguing to see how they cope with the brutality of prison and often –as in this book- surrounded by male criminals. These first chapters remind us of Georgianna stubborn side as well as her vulnerabilities.

I felt as though the first half of this book was character driven we get to see more of the motives, personalities and history of various characters. Edtroka’s character fascinated me in the first book and I am so glad that we get to read more about him in this book. Originally as Georgianna spends more time with him in this book he seem to have two sides to his personality firstly the distant and sometime mean side where he treats Georgianna like she is nothing to him, and the other side where he is kind and almost friendly towards her.  By the end of the book as we are learn more about Edtroka’s ambitions the switch of moods does make more sense, and I think that Georgianna deals with the mood swings very well while she is kept in the dark about these goals. Kieran has always been another character with unclear motives and in the first half of the book his character becomes even more mysterious and motive even more confusing.  With so many secrets and mysterious happenings it is no surprise that Georgianna has to tell lies and guard secrets, as well as wonder and worry over who to trust.

The second half of this book is full of fights and action, deaths and running for their lives. There were tenses moments I wasn’t sure who would live and who would be captured. I am glad that by the end Georgianna has what I hope will be a friend – one that hopefully isn’t a possible love interest – and she can finally have someone to talk. We get another dramatic ending which once again leaves you wanting more.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Tis the Season Book Tag

ONE WEEK LEFT TILL CHRISTMAS!!


So I thought I would do a Christmas related book tag;Tis the Season Book Tag was make last year by RichardDenney over on YouTube and have recently watched a few people do this tag so thought I would give it a go. I feel as though over the last few months I haven't really been blogging that much so I can't wait to talk/share books with you all. So we have 7 (quite easy) Questions to get through so let get started:

1. Do you have a favourite Winter read?

In short no. I read about all these people who change their reading list to fit the season but when I have tried to do this I haven't kept to it (also one of the reasons I haven't done TBR posts yet) so I don't have a favourite book to read  in winter I just read what I fancy at that time.


2. Find a book with blue on the cover!

So this was very easy and yet quite hard. I have so many blue books on my shelves but I have chosen Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore and this is purely because the cover is blue and has these snow coverd mountains in the background and moody clouds, I have to say that I wasn't impressed by the actual story in this book, I loved Graceling which is the first book in the series but the cover is green so I couldn't choose that one.


3. Find a book you’d use as the star on a Christmas tree?

For this one I would have to choose Winter by Marissa Meyer the fourth and last book in the Lunar Chronicles. I chose this because firstly its called winter could your think anything more appropriate? Also the cover is so pretty although I am not sure that it would stay on the tree considering it's size!!





4. Pick one fictional place that would be perfect for a Winter vacation!

I feel as though everyone has used Hogwarts as their answer for this question but I have to agree with them. Hogwarts is portrayed as so pretty in the Films during the Christmas scenes that is defiantly were I would want to be.


5. Pick one fictional character you’d take with you on your Winter vacation!

I would want someone who was fun to be around who was sarcastic and knew how to party but could also be serious when I needed them to be... Jace from the Mortal Instruments series? OH NO wait..Thorne from the Lunar Chronicles! Yes Thorne would be perfect though I fear for all the ladies, I can just see him hang out around the mistletoe!
 

 6. Name one book on your Wishlist this year!

 

Snow Like Ashes by


7. Favourite Holiday drink, treat, & movie?

Favourite drink? Well I love Hot Chocolate all year round but I often drink it more as the weather get colder but for my Christmas drink I would have to choose Mulled Wine, it just lovely and for the last few year I have managed to get mum to make us some.
 
Favourite treat? Well I like my homemade mince pies but not the shop bought ones so I can't say that I like all mice pies. However I adore chocolate log I can't make this myself (believe me I have tried!) and all the bought ones I have tried have all been delicious!   
 
Favourite Christmas movie? I have yet to find a great Christmas film! Every year me and my family watch some version of the Christmas Carol (my favourite version is the muppets Christmas carol) and also Miracle on 34th Street. This year we have actually bought a load of new (to us) Christmas films to try out including Elf which I can't remember the last time I watched (so it much have been quite a few years ago.) So I am hoping to find my favourite holiday film soon.
 
Well that's for this tag I hope you enjoyed it, if you haven't done this tag before I am now tagging you, go and get into the Christmas Spirit!!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Arcadia Awakens (Arkadien #1) by Kai Meyer


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Synopsis From Goodreads


To New Yorker Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic, and wholly unknown. But when tragedy strikes, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where her sister and aunt have built their lives and where centuries of family secrets await her. Once there, Rosa wastes no time falling head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both intrigue and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Ancient myths brought to life in the Sicilian countryside, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a long history of familial bloodlust prove to Rosa that she can’t trust anyone—not even her own family. Torn between loyalty to her aunt and love for her family’s mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love . . . or run as far and as fast as she can.

5 Star Review

I heard about this book in one of Benjaminoftomes YouTube video's and thought it sounded interesting. I love the idea of female protagonists within a mafia setting. I have read a few series around this subject but none of them had the supernatural twist that this series has.

I really enjoyed the way in which this book started, the 'My Death' song was a ominous beginning you really begin to notice that Rose is not entirely normal when she starts explaining about her staple gun. It really fascinated me trying to work out what involvement she had in the mafia within these first few chapters. By the end of the first chapter or two I had some many unanswered questions that I just had to keep reading.

I enjoyed reading Kai and Rose relationship grow as they spend time together. I also liked some of the more secondary characters I especially liked  Fundling he seems to be one of those reserved but dangerous characters.

I don't want to give too much away as this book is just AMAZING if you start without know much about it. I will say that there is a lot of action, deaths I didn't see coming and surprise histories all within an ever growing web of lies, mystery, suprise alliances and mafia secrets.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday # 8 - Rebel of the Sand by Alwyn Hamilton

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating!

Release Date: 4th February 2016
Publisher: Penguin
                  Add on Goodreads
                  Pre-order on Amazon (UK)
                  Pre-order on Wordery
            

Synopsis from Goodreads  

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.


Why I am Waiting

Fugitive female protagonist in a world with magic, western feel, handsome foreigner and romance!  Amazing cover to top it off? Who could as for more? This book sound actioned packed and I hope it lives up to the high expectations I have for it.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Bookish Gift Websites 2015

Christmas is on the way and I thought I would put together some of the bookish gift websites to give you some ideas for any book lover friends you might have or maybe even a little something for your self?!

 

HillcraftofHarris

Most of HillcraftofHarris products are made with Harris Tweed but they have just put on their website this cotton book shelf design cushion, check it out here.
 
 
 

Craftedvan

Craftdvan is based in Vancouver and does these cool bookmarks but unfortunately for those of us in the UK Christmas delivery isn't possible. Check out their website here
 
 
 

Literature Emporium  

 
Literary Emporium sells gifts including jewellery, stationery and accessories. Designed and handmade in Somerset, all items are inspired by works of literature. Check out their website here.



Bookworm Boutique

Bookworm Boutique has a large range of different items with bookish quotes on, including t-shirts, tote bags, cup and cushions. Check out their website here.
 
 

PaperHeartDaily  

PaperHeartDaily does necklaces with various  book related designs. Check out their website here.
 
 

The Art of Young Adult

The Art of Young Adult does a whole range of different items which have YA book quotes and YA book inspired art on them. Check out their website here.
 
 
 

 GoliathGeek

GoliathGeek has a Etsy shop which paints and decoupages different things with comics and books, see the website here.
 
 

 

LaPortadiMoriaShop


This another Etsy shop, this one specializes in book related jewelry, check out their website here.




BookishlyUK


BookishlyUK sells items which feature book quotes such as framed wall hangings and journals. See their website here.

 

Evie Seo


Evie has a wide range of products ranging from mugs to duvet covers all featuring bookish quotes, see these products and more here.

 
 

 So there you have it; a selection of book themed gifts and the websites to find them! I love so many of these things I so wish I could buy from all these website *wishful sigh*. I would love to know in the comments down below or on Twitter if any of you have ordered from any of these sites.  

Happy Shopping!!!

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #7 - The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating!

 Release Date: 3rd May 2016

             Publisher:  St. Martin's Griffin
                       Add on Goodreads
                       Pre-order on Amazon (UK)
                       Pre-order on Wordery
                       Release date: 3rd May 2016

Synopsis From Goodreads     

Cursed with a horoscope that promises a marriage of Death and Destruction, sixteen-year-old Maya has only earned the scorn and fear of her father's kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her world is upheaved when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. But when her wedding takes a fatal turn, Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Yet neither roles are what she expected. As Akaran's queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar's wife, she finds friendship and warmth.

But Akaran has its own secrets - thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Beneath Akaran's magic, Maya begins to suspect her life is in danger. When she ignores Amar's plea for patience, her discoveries put more than new love at risk - it threatens the balance of all realms, human and Otherworldly.

Now, Maya must confront a secret that spans reincarnated lives and fight her way through the dangerous underbelly of the Otherworld if she wants to protect the people she loves.

 

Why I am Waiting

The main reason that this book caught my eye was because I follow The YA Book Traveller on twitter and she made this cool book trailer for it (see it here) and this spiked my interest so it now been added to the other book which are coming out on the May 3rd (seems to be quite a few coming out on this date!).
 


Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday - Authors I Read For The First Time In 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish
This week's topic for To Ten Tuesday is authors that I read for the first time in 2015. I could only find 6 author that I read for the first time in 2015 which I would consider to be great authors so here they are:


















































So there we have it 6 more author which I have to watch closely for their every book release!!

Thursday, December 03, 2015

November Reading Wrap-up

So November is over and December has arrived! December is just the perfect month to curl up with a book but before I get around to that here is the books I read in November:

 

Science Fiction and Dystopian   


Breathe by Sarah Crosson
3 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
(Re-read)
3.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Assassins in Love by Kris DeLake
(Adult/ New Adult)
3 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
 
 

Fantasy


Arcadia Burns (Arkadien #2) by Kai Meyer
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Arcadia Falls (Arkadien #3) by Kai Meyer
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Clariel by Garth Nix
Check out my review
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
 
 

Fairy-Tale Re-telling's


Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer
4.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
3.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnson
3.75 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
3.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
 
 

Elemental Assassin Series


Widows Web (Elemental Assassin #7) by Jennifer Estep
(Re-read) (Adult /New- Adult)
3.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin #9) by Jennifer Estep
(Re-read)
4.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)

The Spider (Elemental Assassin #10) by Jennifer Estep
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)

Poison Promise (Elemental Assassin #11) by Jennifer Estep
4.25 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
 
 

Urban Fantasy

Omega (War of Alphas #1) by SM Reine
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Beta (War of Alphas #2) by SM Reine
3.5 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Alpha (War of Alphas #3) by SM Reine
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK)
 
Pas (War of Alphas #4) by SM Reine
4 Stars
Add on Goodreads
Buy on Amazon (UK) 
 

So there we have it the 18 book that I read this November I would love to know if you have read any of these because who doesn't love to talk about books?!

 

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

November Book Haul

So I bought 7 new books in November and the covers of most of these books are so pretty! Would love to hear from you if you have read any of these books!

 

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnson

Add on Goodreads
 
 
I have seen this book on so many booktube channels and also loads of lovely pictures are on Instagram that I just had to check it out. The physical book is so beautiful and it has an attached ribbon bookmark- why doesn't every book have one of these?

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by



This book had been so hyped up around it's release date that I was a bit scared it wouldn't live up to it's expectation but I just had to get it so I could finally finish the Lunar Chronicles. Also it is so BIG I knew that I was going to be long but the book is so thick!  
 

The Calling (Endgame #1)  by



 
 
 

 
 
After reading the first book in this series Arcadia Awakens I just had to check out the rest of the series and they haven't disappointed so far.
 

Spider (Elemental Assassin #10) and Poison Promise (Elemental Assassin #11) by Jennifer Estep

Add on Goodreads
 
 
These two books are part of a adult/new adult urban fantasy series which currently had 13 books with more in the works - it just seem to just keep going which is great because the main character is a fab kick-butt female protagonist. 
 
 

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten 2016 Debuts Novels We Are Looking Forward To

So this weeks Top Ten Tuesday is debut novels that I am looking forward to coming out in 2016. I surprisingly found it difficult to find debut author's novels. I did find a few so here they are (in no particular order):

 

Burning Glass by
 

Sword and Verse by
Add on Goodreads
Release Date: 19th January 2016
See my Waiting on Wednesday Post - Here
Check out 'The YA Book Travelers' cool book trailer - here
 

Rebels in the Sands by 


 

Check out 'The YA Book Travelers' cool book trailer here.
 

Assassin' Heart by 
Add on Goodreads
Release Date: 2nd February 2016
See my Waiting on Wednesday Post - here


Revenge and the Wild by
 
 
Into the Dim (Into The Dim #1) by
Add on Goodreads
Release Date: 1st March 2016
 
A Shadow Bright and Burning by

So there we have it, debuts that I can not wait for to be released, a whole month until 2016 so... plenty of time for more books to be found. If you find any debuts books that are coming out next year that you think I might like, PLEASE let me know after all there is no such thing as too many books right?