November Round-Up

I must have jinxed myself last month when I said that I was on a roll and felt confident enough to read 10 books in the space of a month. Because 1 month on I have read the grand total of 2 books. 

Yes. TWO BOOKS. 

I am so disappointed in myself. But, before you go judging my lack of reading prowess this month let me explain. 

I was reading the same book for 17 days. It killed all my reading motivation like crazy! Then once I had actually finished that book I decided to tackle the largest book on my months TBR "Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom" which I am still reading but really enjoying it so I will definitely be including it in my December Round-Up. 

Now for the mini-reviews:

Rachel Caine - Ink & Bone 06/11

Really enjoyable read. Very unique story, brilliant diversity of characters. The author hasn't whitewashed the story (as is often found in YA fantasy) and she delicately explores a range of ethnic backgrounds and sexuality/gender roles. Leaves you guessing at the end of each chapter and is written beautifully. Very much looking forward to continuing this promising series. 

Marie Rutkoski - The Winner's Crime 23/11

A very slow read. I didn't massively enjoy this book which is a shame because, in theory, it ticks all the boxes. I enjoyed the progression of the plot but I am in no rush to pick up the sequel. 

I don't know why I had such a massive issue with this book but it took the best part of the month to finish it and destroyed all my motivation to read. I think one of the problems was probably due to the fact that the author found it slow to write due to pregnancy and motherhood. Which may explain why it felt like such a slow read for me. 

I didn't find that hook at the end of each chapter that propels reading in this book. I could quite happily finish a chapter and then put it down for a few days without wondering what happens next... which happened quite a lot whilst I was reading. 

This isn't a bad book though and I really wouldn't want to put anyone off of the series as I'm sure many people would love this series. But, sadly, as much as I try to get into this trilogy, I just can't muster up enough energy with it to keep me hooked. 

I will eventually read the final in the series but it probably won't be for awhile.

So not a very exciting round-up this month I'm afraid. I'm hoping for a much better month of reading in December although I'm actually planning on re-reading ACOTAR & ACOMAF over Christmas so there will be two reads that aren't reviewed but I will leave links to previous reviews and as always my Goodreads. 

October Reading Round-Up

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

October has been a pretty good month for reading! I'm finally feeling like I'm getting my reading mojo back and I managed to read a not too shabby total of 6* books this month. 

I think what definitely helped was setting myself a goal at the beginning of the month and keeping the books out of my bookcase in a little pile so that I saw them every day and they helped to motivate me to keep on reading. 

Without further ado I will jump straight into my mini reviews:

V.E Schwab - This Savage Song  03/10

A slow starter and took me quite awhile to get into. However, once the action does eventually take place it is awesome! The plot twist at the very end had me reeling and I am looking forward to the sequel despite my previous concerns that this would be the one Schwab novel I didn't enjoy! Also, August is adorable. 

C.M Lucas - Mist & Whispers 10/10

I really didn't enjoy this book. I found the writing dire, the storyline was riddled with plot holes and the dialogue was cringe worthy. I felt like it really needed the touch of a good editor. 

Samantha Shannon - The Bone Season #1 20/10

I adored this book, the story was so unique the plot was expertly constructed and the characters were rich and interesting. Really looking forward to the sequel. 

Jessie Burton - The Miniaturist 27/10 

This was a slow starter and I found parts frustrating at times. However, I cannot fault the writing. Jessie writes beautifully and this whimsical story had stolen my heart by the final few pages. Loved it. It's so well written and Jessie manages to evoke the characteristics of the 1600s whilst still making the book relatable and easy to read for the modern audience. There is actually very little that I can pose issue with, except the point discussed below. *SPOILERS * Whilst I really appreciate the addition of a gay man living in secrecy in the 1600s, I find his actions borderline ridiculous. For instance, why would his affair be happening at his place of work where anyone could walk in (like Nella!) and then again at the side of the warehouse in public!!! It just seems a little too convenient for the plot points and not that organic. Like why would Johannes go back with Jack, when jack has only just killed his beloved dog? It makes Johannes seem weak and infantile which totally contradicts the way his character is presented to us. Other than that, I have no issues with the book. I loved the character of Marin and I feel the way she was portrayed was perfect, it was the epitome of a woman's struggles in the 1600s and the whole plot surrounding her felt organic and well thought out. The magical elements with the Miniaturist raised enough mystery and excitement to keep me wanting to know more about her and I think I'm right in saying that there is a sequel to this novel - which if there is I really hope it delves into that magical element more. I didn't know what to expect from this novel and it kept me guessing throughout. Even though it started off feeling very slow, it has since turned into one of my top books this year

Kiera Cass - The One #3 29/10

A predictable ending to a fairly tropey series. *SPOILERS*, Of course, Mer & Max get married and it all ends happily but I felt the ending was rushed and lacked depth. Not a bad series but not phenomenal. As I'd expected this book neatly rounds itself up with a happily ever after, which was nice. The ending was nice. I wasn't blown away though. All of the action actually happened in the last 50 pages and it felt so so rushed! I was reading it thinking how on earth is this going to conclude in less than 30 pages! The answer was quickly. It all sort of came to an abrupt end and it didn't feel fitting for the characters that died to be brushed over so quickly. 

*So I know I said I had read 6 books but I've only got the reviews for 5. Well, I'm planning on reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley on Halloween - starting on the 30th October (when I'm writing this) and finishing it on Monday evening. If you're interested in my opinion and want to read a review on it, then come follow me over on Goodreads. I update daily and review the majority of the books I read!

What did you read in October? 

September Reading Round-Up

September has come and gone so quickly! I can't quite believe that I'm already sitting here writing my reading round-up! Feels like just yesterday I was writing my TBR! 

If you're unsure as to what was on my TBR list then you can check that out here and come back after you have read it!

Read it? Good, let's continue on!

So as you will know, I was a little bit ambitious. 

I had hoped to finish 5 books in September, but in reality I've only finished 3... well, actually at the time of writing this it's only 2 but I will have finished it by October 1st so I'm going to include it anyway!

My main task for September was to catch up with the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas and OMG did I. 

I read both Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms back to back and ohhhhhh holy moly. I wont post any spoilers here but if you want me to write a review of the series so far then let me know in the comments and I will get that written up! 

So lets get to the mini reviews:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas 

Finished: 19/09

Rating: 5*

Quite a slow read, but the last 200 pages sold it to me. Hopefully EOS will be a quicker pace! 

This was a 3.5 stars for me until the last 150-200 pages. The ending of this book was phenomenal! It answered so many questions and created so many more! I'm really looking forward to getting my teeth into Empire of Storms and seeing where it takes us!

Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas

Finished: 25/09

Rating: 5*

I don't even have the words for this. Just perfect. Lorcan makes my heart hurt and that ending was O.M.G. 09/17 can't come quick enough! 

There aren't enough words to explain all the emotions. That ending... my heart still hurts and I'm in the biggest book coma right now! I can't wait for the next one but equally I'm terrified of the ending!

No mini review for This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab as I've not finished it yet and these snippets of my thoughts come from both my book journal and my Goodreads account - you can find me here.

I will say though, that so far the story is very interesting and the writing is phenomenal, as you would expect from Schwab! I will add a little mini review for it in my October TBR so that it's not completely ignored. 

January Insta Round Up + Top 3 Blogs

Two of my goals for 2016 were to take better photos & to be nicer. I feel like this post captures both of these things, hopefully I will be able to do this every month so I can show of how my photography is improving and share with you the top 3 blogs I've been reading this month.