New Year’s Resolutions 2015

These are my New Year’s Bookish Resolutions and Have Written 12.

 

1. Read a few more classic novels.
2. Try not to get ‘too’ caught up in fandoms.
3. Try to read more books and get out of book slumps quicker.
4. Try not to let my wish list build up so much.
5. Make sure you don’t spend all your money on books, it won’t end well. (especially when it comes to buying Christmas presents).
6. Read some graphic novels and comics.
7. If you do any features/memes, try to keep up with them.
8. Read out of my ‘comfort zone’
9. Complete the goodreads 2015 reading challenge with fifty books.
10. Try to do a few more reviews on books I’ve read.

What are yours? Comment Below!

Book Haul #2: December 2015

Book Haul #1: December 2015

 

So aside from the fact it was Christmas, I just sort of went on a book buying spree and bought a load of books. Let’s face it now, I’m broke. After having to buy both Christmas presents and my own books, I have no more money for anything…

But on the plus side, I have lots of books to read now!!!

So these are the books I bought this month (click on the title of each books for a link to goodreads:

 

 

1. The Baker Street Boys Box Set Collection by Anthony Read

This series came in a box set that I found after trying to find a series that was short but thrilling. I chose this series mainly because of my love for thrillers/ mysteries and a love for the BBC show Sherlock.

2. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I know this book has been out for a while and has won two Carnegie medals. For some reason I never really looked at it but recently I did and I thought it sounded amazing. I then went on to read the first chapter of it and decided to buy it straight away. It is part of the Chaos Walking series and I look forward to reading it in the Christmas holidays in around 4 weeks time.

3. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo   

Wow. I bought this book on the first of November and finished it on the first of November. It was amazing and I thoroughly recommend reading it. It is so well written and I loved it. But… I don’t think I’ll ever finish the series. I think it would have worked better as a single, stand alone book but I guess that’s just my opinion.

4. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

I read the first book after watching the movie *horrified gasp*. Anyway I loved it and now have the second book to read. Some people have told me that the sequel is -meh- but I might as well try it if I enjoyed the first book so much.

5. At First Sight by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Don’t ask why I have this book and not The Death Cure. In a moment of hurry and panic for the waterstones closing for the day, I rushed in and picked up Scorch Trials and what I thought to be The Death Cure, but as you can see, it wasn’t. Hopefully I will enjoy Scorch Trials so that I read the next book and etc… but who knows? We’ll see…

6. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

I have read the first book and I swear it finished way too soon. They are making a second series of its TV adaptation but I know the TV show is very different and am scared it might give away stuff because I’ve heard it moves much faster. Anyway I enjoyed the 100 and am now going to read the next book some time in the holidays.

7. The Death Cure

Honestly, this book was just bought for school for my GCSE English Literature. I will read it before hand as it is quite famous and well spoken of but I’m not sure, it isn’t a genre or time/era I usually read so who knows?

8. The Giver by Lois Lowry

I have seen this book in shops many times and have stopped to pick it up, but I always then found a book I had been meaning to buy for a longer length of time. Finally I have bought it and though the movie cover, it still looks pretty cool. I am looking forward to this book mainly because though dystopian, it is different. It seems like more than just another ‘evil government’ book.

9. Sabriel by Garth Nix

This book has been around me for years but for some reason – unlike The Giver – I never thought to pick it up. Finally I did and wondered what was wrong with me to constantly miss it out, time and time again.

10. Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Two Words: High Fantasy. The reason I even looked at it. Actually this book was tucked away in a box in the bookshop, not yet un-boxed. Trying to find another book to complete the 3 for 2 deal I looked through the box and found this. It is a really lucky find and I am looking forwards to getting to reading it.

Cosy Christmas Reads

As it is only 3 more days till Christmas, (that’s right, you heard me, 3 Days!!!) I have decided to compile a list of 5 books that you can snuggle up to with a mug of whatever hot beverage you desire, some novelty slippers and the Christmas dinner leftovers.

Just to let you know that, for me, ‘cosy reading’ makes me think of high fantasy or a cheesy YA romance novel. Basically I choose to go for, either super light reading or a proper bulky high fantasy book.

Links go to Goodreads

Disclaimer: I have not read all these books, instead they are recommendations friends have gi-ven me. I will not necessarily be reading all of them.

1.   Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas

I have not read this series yet but I am planning to read it in 2015. It is part of my new year TBR (which I’ll be posting next year) and I cannot wait to read it. I have only heard good things about it and it is definitely right up my street. High Fantasy, female assassin, lots of mystical creatures? Perfect.

2.   Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Laura Myracle

I have not read this either but just look at the title and guess why I chose it. It’s even set around Christmas. What could be better than that?

3. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

If you have not read this yet then what the hell have you been doing? Pick up this book and get started. It is one of the best books of all time and I thoroughly recommend reading it as soon as possible. I might even reread it this winter it was so good and it’s high fantasy which makes me feel right at home. Don’t listen to all those haters who have something wrong with the book. They’re probably jealous of Clare’s writing style. Haters will be haters, leave them alone in their own worlds and come and read this fantastic, marvellous, awesome, epic novel!!!

4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I am currently reading this and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is high fantasy (how surprising (!)) and has everything that makes you want to snuggle up as you read it by the Christmas lights at night.

5. Ruby Redfort Series by Lauren Child

I know that this is a more ‘junior school’ book but it is honestly amazing. Lauren Child is an amazing author of the books Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola. The Ruby Redfort books are meant to be the ones that Clarice Bean reads and speaks about a lot through those books. After lots of fans (including me) writing in and asking for Ruby Redfort, an announcement was made saying a contract of six books has been signed.

They are really perfect all year round but I thought, why not suggest them now? They made a great light read for those who have little time to read this Christmas!

What’s in My Stocking?

Today I am going to give 5 last minute ideas of awesome presents to give to ‘book loving’ friends this winter.

So lots of people struggle to find good presents, especially when the person you’re buying for is addicted to books and nothing else. You don’t want to do the same as everyone else but you want them to like it. It needs to be original. Well Here’s a list of some ideas.

1.   Instead of buying them a book they’ve been wanting for ages, why not buy them a signed copy?

Signed books are often not much more expensive and they make for a present that will wow them into stupor. Here is a good site for signed books: seven stories

 2.   Small Items like wrist bands, badges, cups, bags, jewellery etc…

Novelty gift ideas are always a fun present to give. They range from the simple bags and wrist bands to books like ‘wreck this journal’ and cups with funny book geek quotes. Another good idea is buying them a framed print with one of their favourite book quotes on. Some good places for these are: Not on the High Street.com and The Literary Gift Company

3.   Reading Accessories

This sounds a little plain but are in fact very useful gifts to give. This van include thing like bookmarks, book stands to hold your book while you’re reading it and book lights so as not to disturb others at night. Good places are simply book stores like waterstones and foyles, also including online stores which will usually have a bigger range.

4.   Personal Library Kit

I recently found these in Waterstones. Knock, knock pads. They are hilarious and stretch further than just bookish items. These are hilarious and surprisingly useful tool for book geeks. Helps you to keep track of books you lend out witch is always useful.

5.   Bookish Quote Posters

 These are an awesome idea because what book lover doesn’t love to constantly quote from their favourite books? You can buy these from most bookshops and online places like amazon and not-on-the-high-street.com.

New This Month – December 2014

Here is a list of new releases coming out this month so that you can plan ahead.

December 2nd

Pretty Little Liars: Vicious by Sara Shepard

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, reporters are lined up outside the historic courthouse, typing furiously at their iPhones with freshly manicured nails. Because the trial of the century is happening right here in Rosewood: the four pretty little liars have been accused of killing Alison DiLaurentis. Only Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily know that they’ve been framed. Ali is still out there, laughing as she watches the girls go down for her murder. But when your nickname includes the word “liar,” no one believes you’re telling the truth. . . .

Aria tries to run away from it all but finds that life on the lam is even harder than life as a liar. Spencer gets in touch with someone who can help her disappear–but when a guy from her past reemerges, Spencer no longer knows what she wants. Hanna decides that she’ll hear wedding bells chime before she serves time. And in the face of prison, Emily does something truly drastic–something that will change her friends’ lives forever.

As the trial goes on and the outcome looks grim, the girls are in their darkest hour yet. But maybe they can finally figure out how to beat Ali at her own game. Because once upon a time, she was just a pretty little liar too.

GOODREADS

Click on The Images to Go to Goodreads for More Information

         

 
Blythewood: Ravencliffe by Carol Goodman

She’s a student at Blythewood Academy, an elite boarding school that trains young women to defend human society from the shadowy forces that live among us.  After the devastating events of her first year at Blythewood, Ava is eager to reunite with her friends—and with Raven, the compelling but elusive winged boy who makes her pulse race. She soon discovers, though, that the sinister Judicus van Drood hasn’t finished wreaking havoc on Blythewood—and wants to use Ava and her classmates to attack a much bigger target.

Ava’s the only one with any hope of stopping van Drood. But to scuttle his plans, she must reveal her deepest secret to everyone at Blythewood. What’s she willing to sacrifice to do what’s right—her school?  Her love?  Or her life?

GOODREADS

Book Haul #1: November 2014

Book Haul #1: November 2015

O.K, I know I haven’t posted in ages but…I was in a reading slump! I know, I know, terrible, but it’s true and I am finally able to come clean. But this month it was my birthday and I got a lot of book tokens so went on a day of shopping, FOR BOOKS!!!

So this is my first ever book haul for November. Enjoy!

So these are the books I bought this month (click on the title of each books for a link to goodreads:

 

 

1. The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson

This book is like a biography of Magnus’ Life up to the end of Heavenly Fire. I have been waiting for this book to come out for ages and have finally gotten it. I know they were released as e-book copies but I am not keen on using e-readers. Plus, I managed to get one of the limited edition Hardback copies with exclusive content of Magnus Bane’s Voice-mail. Writing this, I have already read half the book and look forward to continuing my journey through Magnus’ Life.

2. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

I know this book has been out for a while and has won two Carnegie medals. For some reason I never really looked at it but recently I did and I thought it sounded amazing. I then went on to read the first chapter of it and decided to buy it straight away. It is part of the Chaos Walking series and I look forward to reading it in the Christmas holidays in around 4 weeks time.

3. The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan

Wow. I bought this book on the first of November and finished it on the first of November. It was amazing and I thoroughly recommend reading it. It is so well written and I loved it. But… I don’t think I’ll ever finish the series. I think it would have worked better as a single, stand alone book but I guess that’s just my opinion.

4. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

I read the first book after watching the movie *horrified gasp*. Anyway I loved it and now have the second book to read. Some people have told me that the sequel is -meh- but I might as well try it if I enjoyed the first book so much.

5. The Kill Order by James Dashner

Don’t ask why I have this book and not The Death Cure. In a moment of hurry and panic for the waterstones closing for the day, I rushed in and picked up Scorch Trials and what I thought to be The Death Cure, but as you can see, it wasn’t. Hopefully I will enjoy Scorch Trials so that I read the next book and etc… but who knows? We’ll see…

6. Day 21 by Kass Morgan

I have read the first book and I swear it finished way too soon. They are making a second series of its TV adaptation but I know the TV show is very different and am scared it might give away stuff because I’ve heard it moves much faster. Anyway I enjoyed the 100 and am now going to read the next book some time in the holidays.

7. Of Mice and Men by John Steinback

Honestly, this book was just bought for school for my GCSE English Literature. I will read it before hand as it is quite famous and well spoken of but I’m not sure, it isn’t a genre or time/era I usually read so who knows?

8. The Inspector Calls and Other Plays by JB Priestly

This was also bought for my GCSE English Literature and I am planning to read it before hand but even though I think Of Mice and Men might surprise me, I do not feel the same way for an Inspector Calls.

Top Ten Tuesday – 28.10.14

Top Ten Tuesday

Books and Movies To Read Or Watch To Get In The Halloween Spirit

Feature created by The Broke and the Bookish

1. The first book has to be Shift by Em Bailey. It may not seem very ‘Horror’ like but I assure you it is. Especially if you’re reading this late at night into witching hour…
2. The next is not scary or anything but it is in the fantasy genre and I’ve seen many people dress up as stuff on Halloween and it doesn’t have to be scary. So for number two it’s Half Bad by Sally Green. I bought this book a week after it was published. To be honest I had never heard anything about this book. I was just at the airport and needed a new book to read on a Greek beach.
3. The next is Gone by Michael Grant. I think this gets you in the spirit of bad things happening I guess. I’m not sure. It’s mainly here because I read it all on Halloween before my friends came over.
4. The fourth is the fifth mortal instruments book, purely because it’s got a lot of demonic themes.
5. Fifth is the 100. Futuristic Post Apocalyptic genre could persuade some of you to dress up as robots? No? No takers? Very well.

By now you can probably tell that I haven’t read or watched a lot of horror. Thank the coward inside me for that.

6.  Next is Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Also based on a, sort of, demonic world.

7.  O.K I seem to be running out of ideas… O.K this is not themed on Halloween but it’s a tradition among friends that we watch it every year before going trick or treating. The film is The night before Christmas. I know it is a Christmas movie though it does have a slight Halloween feel to it.

O.K I’m sorry but I am an absolute scaredy cat and now cannot think of anything else to complete my list.

Comment your top ten, click the link in the title to the broke and the bookish or do the poll below and I’ll publish the results on Halloween where I’m going to do a sweetie haul video on YouTube which will also be my first!!!