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Friday, July 29, 2016

ARC Review - Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

(UK Cover)
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Buy from Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) || Wordery ||
Book Depository 
First Published: August 9th 2016 by Thomas Dunne Books
Published in UK: August 11th 2016 by Harper Voyager
ISBN-10: 1250073022
ISBN-13: 978-1250073020
*This review is based on an ARC I was sent by the publisher, this however hasn't effected my review of the book in any way, and all thoughts are my own. Quotes used in this review may however be subject to change.*
 
 
 

Synopsis From Goodreads (UK Edition)

 
Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.
Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.
But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.
The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.
The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.
 

Review - 5 Stars

(For 5 quick thoughts on this books click here)
In short this was exactly what I was looking for.
If you know my reading tastes, you will know that I have a love for female assassin books and I have read my share of them (although I am always up for more recommendations). However, these book's always start after the assassin has become...well an assassin, they already are kick-ass and have people cowering at their name, and I have always wanted to know the training processes that they have to go through. (Have you never wondered how Arobynn Hamel made Celaena Sardothien into such an effective killer? We got that glimpse in Assassin's Blade but I wanted more.) So when I read "In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family." from the US blurb I was excited to read how this book was going to portray a assassin's school. (You can see some of my other pre-reading thoughts on my Waiting on Wednesday post.) I have to say this book gave me what I had been missing for the other assassin books I have read (i.e Grave Mercy and Throne of Glass).
Before I get into what I liked about this book I have to praise the writing style and specifically the use of footnotes. I can imagine your confused faces as you read that last sentence, but yes the footnotes added greatly to this book. This is because they allowed the characters in this fantasy world to use 'local' slag and cultural references and also enables the reader know what they are talking about, (by reading the explanation in the footnote at the bottom of the page) with out the -unnatural- explanation often done by character. Also some of them were great side comments which were hilarious and will quite possibly make you laugh out loud. 
The main character of this book, Mia, doesn't start this book as a member of this assassin school (I don't know why I was expecting her to already be part of the school, but I was for some reason) and this is something I am -now- glad of, as it allows the reader to get to know her as a character. within this first section of the book before she gets to the Red Church we get to read these frequent 'historical scenes' from Mia's past, which really helped me to understand her motivation behind her quest and circumstances that made her who she is. Although these where really enjoyable and useful sections to the book I am also thankful that the number of these 'historical scenes' reduced as the book progressed and I got more and more engrossed in the current event in Mia's life.
Another reason I am glad that Mia wasn't already part of the school before the book is we get to read the fascinating first interactions between this group (class?) of killers. Mia defiantly has a skill for getting herself noticed not always a good thing when you are surrounded by murders. That first week of school really show Mia (and of course us readers) how brutal and dangerous this school is going to be a, with all the usual high school rivalries and competition but with a slightly more dangerous edge, and that is only her fellow students. The teachers... well they are in a league of their own, after all they are training teenagers to be heartless assassins.  
 
"You were not maimed, Apprentice. You still have your arm, unless I'm mistaken. This is not a finishing school for young dons and donas. The Shahiid here are artisans of death, charged with making you worthy of service to the goddess. Some of you may never leave these walls."
- Page 199
 
My personal favourite place in this book has to be the library (any one surprised?!?). To have a library of 'dead' books is an enticing prospect, all the knowledge you could gain that no-one else would have. Although I have to say the dangerous and difficulties of this particular library would probably make me steer clear.
 
 
 
I liked the way that the supernatural (magic??) side of this story is done, it wasn't one of the familiar tropes of 'the main character discovering they have powers' or set in a world where the use of magic is outlawed (although in the world created in Nevernight it does seem to be rare) but her abilities just seem to exist. Where the book joins in Mia's life she has this ability, she doesn't understand it (although I look forward to her finding out more about it in the future) and she just uses it.
The last section of this book flew by, especially those last 100 pages! I couldn't put the book down, there was some much bloodshed and action.  We did loose some characters in this last section that I had been looking forward to Mia spending more time with, and getting to know more but there isn't always a 'happily ever after'.  Although we aren't left with a suspenseful cliff hanger for this book I am still bursting with questions and can't wait for the sequels.
Overall, book was a great action packed start to a series. It was slightly more brutal and blood-filled than I was expecting, although I should have been prepare for it after all it is a school for assassins, and it is make quite clear in the prologue that this story isn't going to be romanticized - because of this I would probably class It as 'mature' young adult  (don't really want to give you too many reasons why I suggest this because  ... spoilers).
However, I loved: the tension between the different assassins-in-training; Mia dark history that made her who she is; the friendships; the trials of an assassin school; that library; her mysterious supernatural magic; her wonderful devious mind and those surprise plot twists that I did not see coming. This is a wonderful book which I would highly recommend.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

August Releases


Some of these book I have been anticipating for YEARS, the patience of a book worm in action! I particularly can't wait for 'The Beauty of Darkness' and 'Poisoned Blade' with these series having such good first books, I have high hopes for these two. I was am also excited for Nevernight to come out, I was lucky enough to get a proof for this book and ...afnoccncjcn... such an amazing book (See 5 Reasons to Buy Nevernight ) and I can't wait for everyone else to read it.

 
 

The Beauty of Darkness (The Remnant Chronicles #3) by Mary. E Pearson
Release Date: 2nd August 2016
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) ||
 
Synopsis From Goodreads
This third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles is not to be missed.
Bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's combination of intrigue, suspense, romance and action make this a riveting page turner for teens.
 
 
 
 Nevernight (Nevernight #1) by Jay Kristoff
Release Date: 9th (US) / 11th (UK) August 2016
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) ||
 
Synopsis From Goodreads
Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.
The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.
 
 
 
 A Promise of Fire (Kingmakers Chronicles #1) by Amanda Bouchet
Release Date: 2nd August 2016 (US)
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 
Synopsis From Goodreads
Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.
 
 
 
Kingdom of Ashes and Briars by Hannah West
Release Date: 15th August 2016
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 
Synopsis From Goodreads
Bristal, an orphaned kitchen maid, lands in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she is an elicromancer with a knack for shape-shifting. An ancient breed of immortal magic beings, elicromancers have been winnowed down to merely two - now three - after centuries of bloody conflict in the realm. Their gifts are fraught with responsibility, and sixteen-year-old Bristal is torn between two paths. Should she vow to seek the good of the world, to protect and serve mortals? Or should she follow the strength of her power, even if it leads to unknown terrors? She draws on her ability to disguise herself as a man to infiltrate a prince's band of soldiers, and masquerades as a fairy godmother to shield a cursed princess, but time is running out. As an army of dark creatures grows closer, Bristal faces a supernatural war. To save the kingdoms, Bristal must find the courage to show her true form.

Building on homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jane Austen’s Emma and the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a spectacular debut.
 
 
 Poisoned Blade (Court of Fives #2) by Kate Elliott
Release Date:16th August 2016
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 
Synopsis From Goodreads
In this thrilling sequel to World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's captivating young adult debut, a girl immersed in high-stakes competition holds the fate of a kingdom in her hands.


 
 
The Thousandth Floor by Katharine Magee
Release Date: 30th August 2016
Order From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 
Shortened Synopsis From Goodreads
Debut author Katharine McGee has created a breathtakingly original series filled with high-tech luxury and futuristic glamour, where the impossible feels just within reach. But in this world, the higher you go, the farther there is to fall….
 

***

What is your most anticipated release of August?  

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Teaser Tuesday #8 - Dealing with Stress

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 


Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
 BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Title: ASH (Hive Trilogy #1) 
Author: Jaymin Eve and Leia Stone 
 
Today's Teaser
"I tended to lean on inappropriate humor and sarcasm to avoid serious emotions and get through stressful situations"

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Review Collection #9 - And I Darken by Kiersten White

 
Review Collection is a feature to help people decide if they want to read the featured book (let me know if you found it useful). So, the idea is that I shall be choosing one book and then sharing a range of reviews, of this book from various blogs. Allowing you to get a feel for the different opinions surrounding that book.  
 

 

And I Darken by Kiersten White

 
Hardcover, 475 pages
Published June 28th 2016 by Delacorte Press
ISBN13: 9780553522310
 
 
 
 
 
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS
 
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.
 
 
COLLECTION OF REVIEWS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VIDEO REVIEW COLLECTION
 





 
GOODREADS STATS
 
Data taken from Goodreads 21/07/16
 
 
MY THOUGHTS
 
I love the idea of this book and have had my eye it for ages (that hardback cover -one on the left- really drew my attention). I originally thought it was a YA fantasy but as I have read through these reviews there seems to be some who think it's alterative history rather than fantasy, I personally don't think there is too much of a difference - thinking of The Crowns Game. So as my copy of And I Darken is still in the post, I can't share my own thoughts on the book yet, but here is what I have gleaned from these reviews:

  1) Lada- the main character- seem to have created mixed opinions, some liked that she was just a normal person with determination and didn't need to use magical powers or a pretty face to get what she wanted. Other like the characters are realistically flawed but some thought that Lada spent too much time complaining. 

2) The focus of this book seems to be the characters rather than the world building. Some didn't mind this while others thought there should have been a greater focus on building a detailed world.

3) The pacing of the book is an issue that several people highlighted. From what I can gather the book starts with the birth of Lada and from there it 'time jumps' though her life until she is a young adult. People didn't like that this part took so long and made it a slow start to quite a long book.

  Over all it seems like an original, dark, brutal story with courtly intrigue and a potential romance.  


COLLECTING YOUR THOUGHTS

As always I want to know what you thought - let me know in the comments:

 

Have you read this book? What did you think of it (feel free to just type or you can share link to a review)?
 
Was this review collection helpful?
 
Have these reviews made you want to read the book or made you hesitate to pick it up?

Friday, July 22, 2016

First Blogiversary - It Has Already Been A Year!

WE HAVE SURVIVED A YEAR FULL OF ASSASSINS, MURDERS, THEIFs, UNCOUNTABLE INJURIES AND BROKEN HEARTS (at least fictional ones).

That's right reader exactly a year today I posted my first review, and since then it has been a wonderful ride.
It has been packed with amazing books, (an ones I wish I had spent so long reading), so many wonderful packages full of books (as well as agonising waits for the postman), I can't count the number of times I have re-arranged by bookshelf or the hours I have spent trying to get a 'good' photo of my latest book or agonising over the best way to express my feels on a book.
It has all been worth it.  
 
 

My, Oh, My, How Much The Blog Has Changed


We aren't perfect yet, but we are different!
I look back at July last year and wow, I didn't realize how much of a change the blog has gone though in the last 12 months. There are three major things that I think have changed;
 
1) My reviews are much longer now. I don't know if think this is a good thing or not (I try not to make them TOO long so you don't feel like you are reading an essay!) but back when I started I wrote reviews which were generally less than 200 words, since then I have gradually been writing longer reviews and some have grown to 900 words!  
 
2) My content has become more diverse. Originally -for about the first 3 months - I focused almost exclusively on writing reviews, but in October 2015 I started joining in this memes such as Top Ten Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday. Since then I have continued to participate in these memes as well as creating my own features such as  Show Me The Books and Review Collections.
 
3) Interactions with others have increased. When I originally started to blog I only focussed on writing my reviews, but as time went on I started to want to interact with people. So, I joined in with twitter chats (oh man, I had now clue how chaotic but amazing they were going to be), began to read and comment on other peoples blogs (and learnt a lot from those wonderful blog about how I waned my blog to look/work) and I can still remember how excited when I got my first 'consistent commenter' who didn't just comment once but cared enough to stay around and comment on several posts.
 

What We Have Been Up To

Number of Posts: 187
Number of Book Reviews: 50
 
Most Viewed Book Review: Gifted (The Hayven #1) by J.A. George
Most Viewed Series Review:  My Pack by Lane Whitt
  
 

Memorable Moments

Every physical ARC has been a memorable moment of there own, as a small blog getting physical ARC's isn't something I thought I would get. In the last few months I have got a few, my first few came through bookbridgr and more recently directly from the publishers! I could barely contain by excitement when the postman handed me each of these packages!!
 
My first #FairyChat (the twitter chat hosted by @FairyLoot), it was during the last few hours of a horrible car journey, I was on my mobile with patchy signal, so I am surprised I manage to join in at all, but I had a great time chatting with my fellow bookworms and I also won a my first twitter giveaway!
 
Fighting with code! Now, I get on fine with my computer I generally can make it do what I want it to, but you see that black dropdown menu bar at the top of my blog? That took hours of questioning and cursing my computer to get it to work right ( I am not a coder and it just wouldn't 'play ball').
 
And so many more, like the first time an author asked me to review their book, the first time an author thanked me for a review and shared it on facebook and twitter, the first time a 'big' blogger visited my blog or talked to me on twitter....I could keep going but I think I would bore you so I won't.
 
***
 

So that it for today we some SUPER EXCITING NEWS (+ a giveaway) lined up to share with you tomorrow, so I hope you will check back in with us then to find out more. In the mean time I would love to know if you have a post of our which is a favourite of yours, or have you own memorable moments with us you would like to share?

Thursday, July 21, 2016

5 Reasons to Buy Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

So I was lucky enough to get a proof copy of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff and I loved it. There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding it in the last few months, so I thought I would share a few quick reasons why not to ignore the hype, and try the book for yourself.
 
 
Add on Goodreads
 

Synopsis From Goodreads

Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.

Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.

But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.

The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.

The shadows love her. And they drink her fear
 
 

1) Such a Beautiful Cover Design.

Photo from author's twitter.
 
Look at these covers and THOSE PAGES!! Got to love coloured pages, imagine all the wonderful pictures that are going to be created featuring this book, can't wait. I am personally not a huge fan of the US cover for this book but the UK and AUS one is so pretty and detailed. You can also check out some Pictures of Inside which I found from the publishers over on twitter.
 

2) It Felt Like A Real School For Assassins

Okay so I don't know what a real school for assassin would be like but  honestly this is the kind of place I would imagine. As the synopsis says it 'is no Hogwarts' it really means it, this place it brutal and full of dangers from the most unlikely places.  
 

3) The Most Awesome Library

Now as book lover I of course love a good library and The Red Church's library is unique is so many ways that I just had to love the concept. Although getting the knowledge from this library has it's own ... difficulties.
 

4) The Glorious Use of Footnotes  

I don't think that I have ever read a book with footnotes and I loved the way which they were used in this book. They were wonderful for expanding our knowledge of the world, as well as some great side comments from our narrator which are hilarious.
 

5) It Should Appeal To The Masses

I don't quite know what this book is being marketed as, young adult or adult but I think it will appeal to a wide age range of fantasy lovers. Although this book totally has some more 'adult' content I think the young adult fantasy readers will love it ( I mean look at the reaction to A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas! ) any way the YA genre is constantly changing.

***

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #16 - Diplomatic Immunity by Brodi Ashton

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating!
 
 
Release Date: 6th September 2016 by Balzer + Bray
Pre-order on: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 

Synopsis From Goodreads

 
Aspiring reporter Piper Baird decides to write a scathing exposé on the overprivileged students at an elite Washington, DC, school, only for her life to change when she begins to fall for the story's main subject, in this new realistic contemporary romance from Brodi Ashton, the author of the Everneath trilogy.

Raucous parties, privileged attitudes, underage drinking, and diplomatic immunity...it’s all part of student life on Embassy Row.

Piper Baird has always dreamed of becoming a journalist. So when she scores a scholarship to exclusive Chiswick Academy in Washington, DC, she knows it’s her big opportunity. Chiswick offers the country’s most competitive prize for teen journalists—the Bennington scholarship—and winning will ensure her acceptance to one of the best schools in the country.

Piper isn’t at Chiswick for two days before she witnesses the intense competition in the journalism program—and the extreme privilege of the young and wealthy elite who attend her school. And Piper knows access to these untouchable students just might give her the edge she’ll need to blow the lid off life at the school in a scathing and unforgettable exposé worthy of the Bennington.

The key to the whole story lies with Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador—and the boy at the center of the most explosive secrets and scandals on Embassy Row. Rafael is big trouble—and when he drops into her bedroom window one night, asking for help, it’s Piper’s chance to get the full scoop. But as they spend time together, Piper discovers that despite his dark streak, Rafael is smart, kind, funny, and gorgeous—and she might have real feelings for him. How can she break the story of a lifetime if it could destroy the boy she just might love?
 

Why I Am Waiting

This is my 'normal' kind of book, but I have always had a fascination with Embassy Row's. I loved Ally Carter's Embassy Row series (at least so far) and the huge potential of international incidences makes a story all the more exciting! So I can't wait to check this book out.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Teaser Tuesday #7 - Fire Exit!!

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 
 
 
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
 BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• 
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
Title: Losing Lila
Author: Sarah Alderson
 
Today's Teaser

"The Unit had found us. How on earth had they found us? I let Alex pull me through the door of our motel room. He threw our bag over his shoulder and we started sprinting down the hallway towards the fire exit at the far end." 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Bookish Thoughts #4: Unfinished Series - Why Series I Read are left Unfinished.


I haven't done a Bookish Thoughts post in ages, and was inspired the other day after reading a string of books which were all parts of different series. Then I was scrolling through my twitter and saw some bookworms discussing how they 'need' to read the sequels of a book series, and I started to think about the reason I have so many unfinished series on my bookshelves. So, here are some of the main reasons (in no particular order), why I haven't completed the series I have on my bookshelves:

 

This has to be the main issue I have when it comes to series! I start this amazing book and I get to end and then have to wait a year for then next book (which I often devour in a few days), and then have to wait ANOTHER YEAR for the third book! A constant waiting 'game' and leads to many unfinished (at the moment at least) series.  

 

I don't often do this any more (I am a bit impatient) but I managed to wait and marathon The Winner's Curse and I am glad that I did. I am currently do this for  Six of Crows and Passenger, I figured I should have more success with duologies as I won't have to wait as long. With The Queen of the Tearling I have read the first book (and loved it) but am now waiting for the third book be released before I read book two - wish me luck!

 
 

This is a bit of an obvious one, I don't often keep books I haven't enjoyed but the ones pictured above are the ones I still have floating about.

 

 
Changes of POV's within a book can work well but when the sequels are from a different POV I am always a bit hesitant to pick it up. The first time I was disappointed by this was with The Cry of The Icemark, where I loved book one but was disappointed by book two which followed the main characters son. It then happened with Sabriel too, then with the Graceling trilogy (that one was one of my biggest disappointments I just wanted more Katsa and Po). When it read that the sequel to Grave Mercy was from a different POV I decided I wasn't even going to try and read it. I think my issue is I get too attached to one character!
 
 

I have failed to get the matching editions so many times, but I do currently have a few which I am waiting for. One example, is the newest book in The Mercy Thompson series which is out in hardback but I wanted it to a paperback edition to match the other books in series. It is torture, I mean the book is available but I just can not let myself be tempted!

 
 


There are a few series which are just so long, I am slowly working my way through them but I haven't managed to read them all, yet. The longest one I have at the moment has to Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series (I am at book 13 and I am still enjoying them!)


 
 
I have several series where I read the first book (or two) ages ago and I need to re-read the series so I have any clue about what is going on. This somehow makes reading the sequels less enticing?
 
 
 
 
I don't have that many series where I don't know the reason for not reading the sequels, but I do have a few, the main one being, the third book in the darkest minds trilogy. Originally I was waiting for the third book to be released in paperback so I could have a matching set, but the paperback came out... months ago (about 6 months I think??) so I no longer have an 'excuse'.
 
***
 
So there are the 8 reasons I have so many part-read series on my bookshelves. I would love to know; what are some of the main reasons you have unfinished series? Do you have any different ones to me?

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Show Me The Books #9 - Classic Retellings

 
Show me the Books is a feature where I share with you some books within a theme, and then hopefully you, will tell me in the comments (or link to your own blog post) other books that you have heard of or have read within that theme.
 
This weeks theme is retellings of classic stories.
 
 
 
So though I have never actually finished reading any of the classic books, I have watched quite a few of the BBC adaptations so I feel as though I know the stories. This post is about re-telling of these classic stories (not fairy tales I don't think I could do ONE list of them, there is soooo many), I haven't read that many but here are the ones I know about: 
 

1) Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

 
 
Add on Goodreads
Buy from: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) || Wordery
 
4.5 Stars
 
Okay this one isn't totally a re-telling of Jane Eyre but it leans heavily on the ideas and the story line of Jane Eyre. I love this book and you can see my full review here.
 
 

2) Ironskin by Tinna Connolly

 
 
Add on Goodreads
 
3.75 Stars
 
This book is also a re-telling of Jane Eyre, but with fey and a bit more of a fantasy feel. Although I am a lover of fantasy, I have to say that I just couldn't fall in love with this book, I enjoyed it but I much preferred Jane Steele.
 
 

3) Prince of Shadows by Rachel Cane

 
 
Add on Goodreads
Buy From: Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US) || Wordery
 
3.5 Stars
 
Prince of Shadows is a re-telling of Romeo and Juliette from the point of view of Romeo's cousin. I really enjoyed this book and it really brought a new perspective to this classic tale, see my review for it here.  

 

4) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame Smith

 
 
Add on Goodreads
Buy from Amazon (UK) || Amazon (US)
 
3 Stars
 
I don't think this book need any intro it is what it says it is!
 
 

5) Ivory and Bone (#1) by Julie Eshbaugh

 
 
Add on Goodreads
 
On My TBR
 
This is a recent release and I have yet to buy it but I have heard lots of talk about it recently in the book community, and it sounds amazing. It is meant to be a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice (gender swapped I think?) but set in prehistoric times, like mammoth's and caves and all that basic survival stuff. Sounds so unique and can't wait to read!   
 
 
NOW IT'S OVER TO YOU 

Have you read any of these book's I've mentioned? What did you think of them?

Can you recommend me any good classic story retellings, that I just 'have' to check out? 

 
Me and Mr Darcy shall sit here, drink tea and wait for your recommendations.