Review: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

An action-packed, fast-paced tale filled with characters you can quickly come to love. Sanderson shows off his incredible world-building skills, plus adds in twists and turns where you would least expect them, this novel sets the bar on how dystopian-fantasy should be done.

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Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

This series is so easy to put down and pick up again much later due to each book having a different protagonist. As some may think it means, the characters don't lack growth as a result of only having one novel in which the main part of their story is told. Instead, the layers they have are peeled back slowly, changing them with each event that does so. Added to that, skills as an assassin, saints siring children and an historical base, this book really was great.

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Review: The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

An amazing end to a brilliant series. I loved how I was kept guessing throughout and how my fear for the characters made me become invested in the story. Getting to read about military strategy and the other political elements of this series were its strong points. The message about mental strength being just as important as physical strength shone through in this final book and I believe that is a really important message for readers of this series to take away.

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Review: The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye

This book was disappointing to say the least. I went in expecting a great fantasy element to a politics filled Russian tale, but that is not even close to what this novel is. There was so much telling rather than showing, it felt poorly researched and I wasn't invested in the characters. It's fair to say that I will not be continuing with this series.

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Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

I really enjoyed the diversity in this book because though this story is one that is being told a lot lately, the time, place and characters made it a worthwhile read. Unfortunately, the narrative was a bit detached, but the development was definitely present.

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Review: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

A great start to what I believe will become an epic high fantasy series. The ideas in this book are unlike any others that I have seen, which was not only refreshing, but also exciting. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book.

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Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I remember really liking this book when I first read it, but now I definitely love it. Each character is so complex, with lots of opportunities to explore that complexity further in the future. The multiple storylines weave together in a beautifully well-planned way and I cannot wait for the foreshadowing to present itself, though I'm also scared for it to happen.

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Review: Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

A really interesting and beautiful, yet saddening collection of stories. These back stories helped to add more depth to the world of The Lunar Chronicles and made me want to leap right back into Cinder again. Unfortunately, parts were a bit too sappy for me, but apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Five Years Ago

Over time our reading tastes change. It's a natural process because as we read works by new authors and in different genres, we expand our knowledge and we gain appreciation for different styles of writing.

Five years ago, at the ripe old age of twelve, my tastes were very different to how they are now. I was obsessed with the Twilight series, in a very unhealthy way. I would read the series and then reread it and then reread it again in a constant cycle, to the point where I had read each book at least twenty times. (No, that's not an exaggerated number, unfortunately.)

It was bad for me because it not only meant that I couldn't let go of the story, which is important when our actual lives have to be lived, but also because I was lacking that expansion. I was hooked on vampires, werewolves and an unrealistic image of what my high school life would be like. I was limiting myself so much because I wouldn't move on.

Looking back on that time now, I hate it, because I missed out on so many great books because I simply ignored their existence. That's why, now, my aim is to read as many different books as I possibly can so that when I look back at my reading tastes as they are at the moment in five years time, I will look back with a smile rather than a frown.

-E

Moving On and Letting Go

One of the main reasons for me having so many books, apart from my uncontrolled book buying sprees, is that I find it very difficult to get rid of books once I've bought them. I read them and if I like them, I will aim to read them again at some point in the future and that, I find, is quite a justifiable reason for keeping them. If I don't like them, however, I will keep them anyway and even I, the guilty party, find it a bit hard to understand why with some.

With the majority, the reasoning is clear. Though the book may not have been that good, in my opinion, I just can't stand the thought of such a beautiful spine being snapped by someone who doesn't appreciate the beauty of books or it going on to be destroyed, as I have worked in a charity shop and if something doesn't sell after a while, well, I don't really want to think about what happens to it. These reasons might seem a little materialistic, but it's a barrier I can't overcome.

Also, if I'm uncertain on a book, I will let myself keep it because I promise myself that I will read it again at some point in the future, which is an almost impossible task looking at how many books I have on my TBR pile.

Often the books I didn't really enjoy will go onto my bookshelves and that only makes it harder to let them go because I have given them a place and my mind cannot imagine them not being there anymore.

The books pictured above, however, have been sitting in a box beneath my desk for the past couple of years, having been moved off my shelves for books I vastly preferred. So, in a small summer clear out, I decided it was time for them to go. They weren't doing anything useful hidden away and I just have to hope that they will go to a loving home.

Do you find it hard to clear out your books? If so, why? If not, teach me your ways, please.

-E

Review: All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Whilst reading this story, I was really captivated by it, but as soon as I finished it, I took a step back and looked back over the parts that had been nagging me. Though I didn't take time over them when I was reading this book, now I have finished it, I cannot ignore the faults in it, especially how adults in positions of authority are portrayed. This book didn't feel like real life and that made it less enjoyable. I can see why lots of people love this book, but I can't class myself in that category.

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Review: Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

A truly heartbreaking tale that will make you want to laugh and cry. This book will really make you appreciate the small things in life that we take for granted each day and bring hope into seemingly hopeless situations.

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Six Months In

It's hard to believe that we've over halfway through 2016 already; it seems that time really does fly.

This year, I have tried to be a little stricter with my ratings and I feel like it has given me a more accurate view on which books are my favourites, so far.

Firstly, and appropriately, my first read of the year, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. As someone who loves the Grisha trilogy, I was expecting good things from this book, but I was not expecting it to be that good. This book is simply a brilliant combination of rich character development, humour and high tension. If you're looking for a fantasy read to truly capture your imagination, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Secondly, How Not To Disappear by Clare Furniss. If I'm being honest, this book does not match up to the other two, it falls just short, but nevertheless, it is a heartbreaking and heart-warming tale that had me on the verge of tears. This book makes the list, not only because it is a great book, but also because I'm expecting many more good things to come from Clare Furniss.

Finally, Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin. I almost don't want to give anything away so that you go in completely blind, but I don't think that me saying nothing about it would convince you to go and read it. This piece of alternative reality, historical fiction will leave you never wanting to stop turning the pages and is full of many deep secrets that you as a reader will just be clawing at the novel to find out about. Well, I guess that doesn't give away any of the plot; just trust me that this is a superb book.

What have been your favourite reads so far this year?

-E

Review: See How They Run by Ally Carter

A fun and engaging novel, with just the right amount of tension, drama and suspense. This book reminded me how much I used to love Ally Carter's writing, though, unfortunately, the plot became harder and harder to accept, to the point where I was slightly disinterested in it.

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Are monthly TBR lists more trouble than they're worth?

At the start of each month, my feed fills up with TBR lists, usually at least five or six books, some of them having featured in this person's monthly TBR photos for, well, months. Comparing their TBRs and their wrap-ups, you start to notice those books than keep on falling through the cracks and it's made me wonder whether TBR lists are worth it.

Some major examples for me are Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and Simon vs. the Homo-Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. They feature on my monthly TBR photos again and again, but for some reason, whenever I start a new book in that month, I never feel drawn to pick them up. I don't know why, maybe I'm just not in the mood for them, and that's okay, but I worry that I will pick them up because I feel forced to, rather than because I really want to.

So, from now on, I will not be setting myself monthly TBR's and instead I will just be picking up whatever I'm in the mood to read. I will aim to read certain books within a set time period, like "I really want to read this book by the end of summer!", but they will only be aims, not books I feel I have to read in order to feel accomplished in my bookish endeavours.

What do you think of monthly TBR lists? Are they are a help or a hindrance? Do you just go with the flow or do you stick to them like glue?

-E

Summer Reads Recommendations

Summer will soon be upon us, and for some lucky people it has already started, so I thought I would share with you some books to read in summer.

Personally, I tend to read contemporary books in summer and these are some of my favourites from the past year and a half.

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

If you're in the mood to be a little sad, then this is the book for you. Nelson's writing really draws you in to the characters and the story. Be prepared to hate certain decisions, but you can love this book through that and that's what makes it really stand out.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This book has been hyped and plugged so much over the past year, so you're probably sick of hearing about it, but I can guarantee that at least one of you won't have read it. So, why should you give into the hype? This book mixes the importance of family, the stresses of schoolwork and exploring new relationships with being part of a fandom, making it extremely relatable and, secretly, we all want Cath's life.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This is my favourite out of Anna, Lola and Isla and is the perfect starting point if you want to explore the contemporary genre. If you're in the mood for a sweet romance and a couple that's extremely shippable, pick this up.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

This book surprised me, in a good way. This is a great story about friendships, new and old, and the perfect way to spend your summer. It's both inspiring and heartbreaking; the perfect holiday read.

If you end up reading any of these, let me know what you think of them! What books would you recommend to read over the summer?

Review: The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne

A beautifully sad tale that offers a different perspective on such a well known era. Sometimes the villain doesn't realise that what they are doing is wrong and this book explores that sensitively, yet realistically. This is a truly though provoking read.

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A Chat With Julie Kagawa

In May I was fortunate enough to win a competition, the prize for which was the Talon series, the books that have been released so far, and a Skype call with the author of the series, Julie Kagawa.

She has been one of my favourite authors for years, mainly with the Iron Fey series, and now with her other works as well, so I was beyond excited for such a great opportunity. Unfortunately, that excitement didn't really help me prepare, so I went in with no notes or prepared questions, save one from a friend who also loves The Iron Fey.

Luckily, we were able to find common interests, including anime, fanfiction and overflowing TBR piles, and the conversation just flowed from there. As a reader, it was so amazing for me to be able to connect with her one on one and to realise that she is just like me.

It may sound a bit over-the-top when I write this, but the Skype call that I had with Julie Kagawa was one of the best moments of my life so far, partly because of the interesting, and sometimes hilarious, things that I found out from her, but also because she was so lovely. I hope that in the future I'm able to do something like that again; it was (and I'm running out of adjectives here) awesome.

-E

Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

A stunning novel that is truly unputdownable. This story is captivating, fast-paced and, despite being set in an alternative reality, very real. I had high expectations when I picked up this book, but they have easily been exceeded.

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Review: Soldier by Julie Kagawa

Though this is the shortest book in the series so far, it had the largest emotional impact. The character development is getting better and better and I cannot wait for Lieutenant now!

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Review: Rogue by Julie Kagawa

A well developed continuation to Talon. I enjoyed seeing the characters becoming more fleshed out and the introduction of new faces. Love triangles aren't really something I get along with, but that was the only let down.

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Review: Talon by Julie Kagawa

A good beginning to a series that has great potential. I have not read any other YA novels, I believe, in which there is even a mention of dragons, so to have an entire series based on them is brilliant. I'm really looking forward to starting Rogue now. 

Review: The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

More a 3.5 star book than a 4 star. This was a sweet summer read, with some very adorable moments in it, though parts of the plot were overly predictable. Still, worth a read.

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Review: Sherlock Holmes Volume One by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A wonderful collection of Holmes related adventures. As a watcher of the BBC TV series, it was great to see the inspiration for many episodes and was even better to read about those that haven't made it onto our screens. This Sherlock Holmes, in my opinion, is the best one and I can't wait to read more about him.

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Review: Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine

This novel is one of those that you just don't want to put down. Its simplicity contrasts beautifully with the complexity of the characters and you always come away wanting more. This is a brilliant work of fiction, I just wish there was more of it.

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Review: There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake

An odd mix of fantasy and crime. I was very intrigued with this novel when I started reading it, but after a while it became more confusing than entertaining. The plot was overcomplicated, though the ideas behind it were good.

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Review: Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

An inspiring, heart-wrenching novel on a topic we have heard about so many times, so much so that we have become desensitised to it, but in such a different way that it manages to breathe new life into an almost dead tale. This novel makes it worthwhile to hear about integration, despite the horrors it makes you confront.

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Review: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Given how much I loved 'Emma', this work of Austen was slightly disappointing. It took me a good hundred pages to become interested in the characters and, whilst the outcomes of many events were entertaining, I didn't care enough about those involved to share in their joy or sadness. Still, this was an insightful novel that has reaffirmed my gratefulness for not living in such a restricted society.

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Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

This book was a disappointment, especially given all the amazing reviews and ratings that I've been seeing. For me, there were too many characters, so I didn't feel like I genuinely knew some of them, and being told information in lengthy paragraphs quickly became old. My two biggest annoyances with this book were, firstly, constantly hearing about characters from past series (they had their own series, I don't need to hear every detail about their current lives) and, secondly, the levels of relationship drama; I felt like I was reading a sitcom. Of course, this novel was not all bad. The mystery and the glimpse into the lives of the Fey was interesting, it's just a shame it had to be mixed with so much pointless drama.

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Review: The Iron Warrior by Julie Kagawa

It saddens me to write this review. When you have read a book series for so long, become so invested in it and then realise that there are no more new books to look forward to, it leaves you feeling pretty empty inside. What I love about this book is that it doesn't shy away from the fact that to win, you must also lose and that heroes will never be 100% good. I will miss hearing the tales of the Good Neighbours and their interactions with the humans they come across, though I know that if I do want to go home again, the pages are well within reach.

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Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Another beautiful, yet scary, look into the dark side of the Fey. The main message that this book gives me is that friendship is the most important form of love and that we should hold it dear because our friends will be there for us when we need them most, even if we don't realise we need them at the time.

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Review: The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

This novel is much more complex than I first thought it would be. It deals with a multitude of issues, some of which are less relevant today, though many are still prominent. Faith is a strong female lead, who, despite her lack of rule following, is a great role model for anyone who wants to pursue a career that is dominated by the opposite gender and for all who want to discover the truth.

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Review: The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick

A complex novel, which will not only make you feel great compassion for the characters, but will also mess with your mind a little bit. I am still uncertain about reading the sections in different combinations as overall, I do prefer chronological order, but I am certain that this is an amazing book.

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Review: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

A refreshingly different tale about the Fey, which shows them as they truly are. This side of the story is not all rainbows and unicorns and I must praise Kagawa for enabling me to feel Ethan's emotions so strongly; I truly felt for him and wanted what he wanted. Of course, I miss hearing all about Meghan, Ash and Puck, but this story, which only features them slightly, is just as good.

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Review: The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa

A wonderful collection of short stories from The Iron Fey series that will fulfil all your Ash, Puck and Meghan needs.  

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Review: How Not To Disappear by Clare Furniss

This is a beautiful book, and not just because I was lucky enough to get the hardcover edition. Furniss is not afraid to deal with hard-hitting issues, yet she does so in a way that is mature and personal, making it seem that much more real. This story is one that will leave you constantly guessing and, sometimes, make you shed a few tears. It's a strong reminder that whilst every ending may not be 'happy', it's your choice to move past certain events and make the best of the life you have.

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Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

I loved this book, though it is more of a 4.5 star novel than a 5 star. It was so interesting to get a look into Ash's life and his history in this final instalment; it helps to explain so much about his personality and characteristics. Seeing more of Puck the prankster was also brilliant. I have truly appriciated the characterisation in this series and The Iron Knight  was no different. I already miss the amazing characters and adventures and I know that at some point in the future I will definitely be re-reading The Iron Fey series, again.

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Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

This book is so close to perfection. It had a brilliant mix of family ties, friendship and romance. There was never a dull moment in this novel and Kagawa's writing style made you feel truly at the heart of the action. Another amazing segment of a stunning series.

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Re-Reading

Coming back to a well-loved series or novel after going a long time without it is like coming home after years away to find that everything is as you left it, but at the same time everything has changed. You notice details you missed the first time round, grow to like certain characters more or less and notice subtle hints at what's to come that the author snuck in there.

It's a brilliant thing, but it's something we barely ever make time for. If a new book in a series has come out, instead of re-reading the books, I will usually google the plotline or check on goodreads for the spoiler reviews as they give a recap without me having to spend time going through all of the previous books, when there are so many others that I haven't read yet waiting for me.

I think that my ways are going to begin to change, though. Re-reading the Iron Fey series over the past couple of days has shown me how important it is to re-read series that you love and how much fun it is to do so.

That's my challenge to you. Over the next week or month, instead of picking up that new, shiny book that everyone's been raving about and you really have to read, stop, and go over to your bookshelves. Pick up a book that you loved when you read it, but haven't touched in years. Read it and enjoy.

-E

Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

It's amazing what little, and big, details you can forget when you haven't read a book in a long time. I had forgotten what an insight we had gotten into Mab's court, the heroic acts that had taken place and scheming of those clever little plans. This series is a pleasure to read and my only reason for not giving this novel five stars is that it lacked a bit of 'wow factor', though maybe that's because I already knew what was coming.

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Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

What let this novel down was its beginning. Once you get past the first few chapters, this novel becomes an action-packed adventure full of fantasy wonders, politics and intrigue. Though this is clearly a first novel, with all the difficulties that that presents, it is a great start to an epic fantasy series.

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Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

I have to admit that from the cover and blurb, I went into this book expecting a typical romance with a slightly big-headed, unlovable main character. I did not expect a gripping dystopian tale filled with family ties and threats. Though this book is not a masterpiece, it certainly is worth reading and I'm excited to continue on with the series.

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Review: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

This novel deals well with an incredibly difficult subject matter. The situation Maya and Lochan faced I don't think can ever be considered 'normal' or an 'everyday problem' and I will never be able to relate, but it is that difference that makes this book so interesting. Forbidden is a sad tale of circumstance that will stay with you long after you've put it down.

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Review: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

This book offers a unique perspective on the workings of society under extreme pressure. It shows us all just how fragile the system is and how fragile we all are. Though there can be joy found in We All Looked Up, this is not a joyful book; it's a story of truths that haven't happened.

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Review: Girl Online: On Tour by Zoe Sugg

This book is a great read to curl up with when you're ill, as I currently am, and you need a story that doesn't take up too much brain power, but will still keep you entertained. I'm impressed with the improvements from the first book in the series, though it definitely still lacks an element of realism and the writing style is boringly simplistic. Having said that, I'll probably buy the next in the series when it comes out for the times when you just need this sort of book.

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Review: Champion by Marie Lu

A fitting end to a brilliant trilogy. This novel is action-packed, intense and eye-opening to the workings of society. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and I must praise the epilogue, which left me with enough happiness and satisfaction to last for months. My only issue with this finale is that parts of the plot followed the typical storyline for the final book in a YA trilogy too closely and if you've read this series, as well as others, you'll know exactly what I mean. Overall, though, this novel has brought to an end a fantastic series in a breathtaking way.

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Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

As a lover of the Hush, Hush series, I was very excited to hear about this new release. If you are looking for a YA novel that is completely different to any other you've read before, then this is most definitely the book for you. I was on the edge of my seat throughout, wondering and worrying about what would happen next. My main criticism of this book is that it failed to feel real for me, both because of the characters actions and their half automated speech. Still, this is a gripping tale that has the power to truly inspire fear.

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Review: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

This book was a disappointment in truth. The premise was good, but it failed in execution and characterisation. One of the main reasons for this is that it tried to balance on the line between YA and adult dystopian/fantasy fiction, which ended up making certain components fail to have their desired effect. It didn't help that Kelsea was annoying and unlikeable; not ideal for the main character. If I find the sequel in the library, I'll pick it up, but I won't be purchasing it nor will I go searching for it.

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