tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39011987717205340162024-02-20T06:50:08.046+00:00Thoughts of a LibrarianLydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-56264851707501727942017-09-22T17:00:00.000+01:002020-02-14T14:29:43.086+00:00My re-reading challenge! I made the decision that although I was going to continue to do my annual read of Harry Potter I was going to try shake this up a bit by reading other books in between. This was in part because I evidently can not go a year without reading HP but I also didn't want to miss out on other books I could be reading. <br />
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It did meant I was slower reading them then I have ever been. I usually finish them within August but I didn't finish the final Harry Potter until 14th September. However, I am so thrilled that I have read them this way. Not only have a easily caught up with my Goodreads aim I have also found I have savoured the Harry Potter books more as I wasn't immediately going from book to book. <br />
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I managed to read the following books starting on the 31st July (Happy Birthday HP)<br />
<ol>
<li>HP1</li>
<li>Moorise by Sarah Crossan (ARC edition)</li>
<li>HP2</li>
<li>Roar by Cora Carmack</li>
<li>HP3</li>
<li>Crash and Burn Lisa Gardner</li>
<li>HP4</li>
<li>The Year I Met You by Cecelia Ahern</li>
<li>HP5</li>
<li>Frostblood by Elly Blake</li>
<li>HP6</li>
<li>Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foddy</li>
<li>HP7</li>
<li>Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas<br /></li>
</ol>
I had a moment of serious indecision at the end of Half Blood Prince as the day I finished it Tower of Dawn arrived but I felt reading a 600 page book in between two equally as long books was a tall order. Especially as I wanted to get into The Deathly Hallows. I decided I had to read at least 7 books if I was going to re-read the series yet again and I successfully read 14 books in less then two months which considering I had been seriously lagging with my reading was just the reading burst I needed. <br />
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I am thinking of doing this whenever I want to re-read a series. It forced me to choose books rapidly as I didn't want to faff about deciding on a book and delay the Harry Potter story even longer. I am already looking forward to re-reading them in the same fashion next year, especially as hopefully I will have got my hands on the illustrated edition of Prisoner of Azkaban that is out imminently! <br />
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-65504890046613862742017-08-11T17:00:00.000+01:002017-08-11T17:00:17.474+01:00Moonrise by Sarah Crossan<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><img alt="33837404" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497459428l/33837404.jpg" width="208" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wanted to read Moonrise after reading the blurb and being captivated. I love how Sarah Crossan writes such a diverse range of stories and this one sounded intriguing. I
liked the idea of someone coping with the multitude of emotions that would
swirl in your head if someone you loved was accused of a crime and then dealing with
the intensity of knowing that meant their life was forfeit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ed is on death row. He is charged with murdering a police office, worse the crime occurred in a state that supports the death penalty. Jo, his younger brother has been dealing with the fall out of this for 10 years. Now they’ve finally got the call that gives the official date that Ed will die. Jo decides he needs to go, needs to see Ed to talk, to make the most of time that is steadily ticking away. The emotionally charged journey this takes Jo on is raw and full of pain. It wrecked me and I read the book in one quick sitting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The style of Sarah's writing in terms of limited amount of words
reminded me of her book The Weight of Water, although without the poetic
lilt. I was enthralled by the story and found myself holding back
tears for most of it. It was exceptionally well written. The fact Sarah
can weave such a powerful and deep book in so few words is a mark of what a sensationally gifted
writer she is. The characters are well rounded and the story moves at a great
pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If like me you really like closure the book might frustrate
you as I found I could not decide if Ed was innocent or guilty .You
get Ed’s story and you have to decide if you trust Ed. For me the story was a harrowing tale fraught with emotion and it stayed with me long after I finished. </span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">*I recieved this book from a Netgalley request for my honest opinion. The book is out on 7th September and is well worth a read! </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">A truly thought-provoking story</span></i></div>
</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-26145426303481744782017-08-09T17:00:00.000+01:002017-08-09T17:00:44.501+01:00To re-read or not re-read! <h4>
Oh 31st July! </h4>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">When
this date rolls around in the calendar, my Potter alarm goes off and for the
last 16 years, I have re-read Harry Potter. Whatever books were out at the time
I would read. In the years where the books were being released it did sometimes
mean I read them twice in a year but eventually when they were finally all out
I got down to reading them once a year. </span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Last year I boldly announced to my husband it was time to
stop. As much as I really do love the series I needed a break I said, needed a
chance to read more books. So when the 31<sup>st</sup> July rolled around this
year what did I do...</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Well I started re-reading Harry Potter of course! I
actually think I am classically conditioned to do it now. The day appears and
my brain switches to HP mode. I justified that it had to be done as I have the
two stunning new illustrated editions and it would be wrong to not to read them
– I don’t want the books to feel neglected and unused. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">In truth, though I just love the series. It has long be a
firm favourite and each time I read it is like putting on your favourite cosy
jumper. Each time I am reminded of the different times in my life I have re-read
the series. The newly wed reading, the holidays I read them on, the late night
baby feeds, the new house reading. I am just so familiar with them that it
really is my normal. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This year though I have decided to change the routine of
the re-read. I know the series so well that I really do not need to rush
through them. Therefore, after I finish each instalment of HP I will be reading
another book from my TBR. That way I am not hindering myself with re-reads and
plus it motivates me to read another book as then I will be allowed to step
back into the next Harry Potter. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">So following up from Philosopher’s Stone I read
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan which I was over the moon (no pun intended) to get an
ARC copy off and now I have finished Chamber of Secrets I am reading Roar by Cora Carmack which I got in my June fairyloot box and it looks like a riveting read. I was in such a reading slump so this has helped me so much! </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-3519780688958722222017-08-02T16:30:00.001+01:002023-07-19T15:54:03.018+01:00A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas<img alt="23766634" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485528243l/23766634.jpg" width="208" /><br />
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<h4>
<span id="freeTextContainer11989285854840301137" style="color: #674ea7;">A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
This review is going to hurt but like anything metaphorically painful I need to rip off the plaster and get on with it. A Court of Wings and Ruin was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. A book I not only pre-ordered but warned Kev it was coming out so that he could expect me to be missing from life for a while. If A Court of Mist and Fury was anything to go by I knew that I would disappear totally consumed and enthralled...and yet that was not the case. I honestly really enjoyed the first two books and despite some teething issues with the writing I loved the characters and the different courts. <br />
<br />
The book starts where book two left off with Feyre in the court of her ex-lover Tamlin playing the ever convincing victim but secret enemy. It should have been tense, it should have been gripping but it was not. I did not connect as I had previously to Feyre. I struggled to feel on her side with the way she was enacting her vengeance. Instead of powerful it came across petty. Instead of justified She was cruel to those who had not hurt her. Instead of well thought out it was young and naive and as the book goes on actually causes quite a lot of issues. <br />
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Considering the sheer size of this book Feyre in Tamlin's court is over before you are even a quarter of the way through and the tension just doesn't mount . Now although I don't mind first person narrative I think it was the issue in this story. There were too many places we needed to be hearing about. Seeing only from Feyre's point of view meant we missed loads of potentially amazing story lines. Without going into too much detail Lucien was wasted because of her narrative. We see him only for the first half or so and then he doesn't get to tell his story and that was just a bit of a let down for me as I really like his character. I get the impression from chats about the story that a novella focusing on Lucien is anticipated. Nessa was another character who we just didn't get to know enough because we were always in her sisters head. I did like the use of Nessa and her dynamic with Cassian added the spark to the book that ACOMAF got from Feyre and Rhysand's relationship.<br />
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This leads me on to my other bone of contention. I find Maas uses a disproportionate amount of sexual content and it always feel a bit unnecessary and this book had it again in droves. There was far to much completely out of context mating (I mean immediately after a battle come on guys) in addition the incessant referring to Rhysand as 'my mate' drove me a tad insane. We get it Feyre, Rhysand is your mate. It is just a completely ludicrous way to talk and I imagine the word count for mate was in the thousands. Maybe it was because the build up to their relationship in ACOMAF was so fiery but the same dynamic was flat in this book. Rhysand in-particularly seemed to have lost the bite he had in the previous book and as a result Feyre runs a little bit amok putting herself in dangerous situations and jeopardising other people in the process.<br />
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The end was expected for me and not too much of a surprise really so it all felt a little anti-climatic and I just felt we had we lost alot of the story in 'mates' maybe it would have packed a greater punch. Nessa and Elain were awesome at the end though and that saved it a little for me.<br />
Finally I just didn't feel like I was reading a finale. So many lose ends the book is fraying. Everything from Lucien to Elain, Mor and Azraiel, Mor and her father, Mor and Eris, ok so Mor in her entirety. Eris and his bargain, Feyre and her bargain, Tamlin etc. I know Maas had said she's going to write more from the Courts and I do hope she uses some of these characters to conclude their stories.<br />
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Now I didn't read this book anywhere near as quickly as I read the previous one. I still liked being back in the different Courts and Maas wrote some cracking scenes with some lesser known characters. Her scenary description was breath-taking and I love the world she has created. I just feel that had the story had a different narrative I might have felt more connected. I still have to give it 3 stars as I do love the characters I just felt the writing was needed some more refining a few less repetitive words and scenes and a little more action.<br /></span>
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Just didn't feel like the other books. </span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-11694931304149471942017-07-26T17:00:00.000+01:002017-07-26T17:00:34.423+01:00Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne <img alt="29346927" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1497301831l/29346927.jpg" width="211" /><br />
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<h4>
To take on an empire you must have nothing to lose. </h4>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Years ago a friend recommended the site NetGalley to
me as a way of receiving ARC copies of books. I have been fortunate since
joining to be approved for some really great titles. I recently requested to
read Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne after seeing other positive reviews and I
was intrigued by the storyline. I was really chuffed when the email came
through saying I had been approved. <br />
<br />
Rosemarked follows the story of Zivah and Dineas. We alternate between their
points of view between each chapter. I used to really struggle with this
constant switch of narrative but I am growing more accustomed to it. In
Rosemarked it definitely helped the pace of the story as initially it started
quite slowly and I think if it has just been one point of view the pace would
not have escalated as well as it did. <br />
<br />
Zivah is a healer cut off from her people and unable to fulfil her
calling. Dineas has recently be freed from his kidnapping by
the Amparan army and is full of a vitriol hatred for his captors
and a burning desire to get revenge. There paths cross unexpectedly and
this chance encounter gives Zivah the chance to escape her quarantine and
Dineas the opportunity to enact vengeance. They choose to unite in their
unlikely roles in order to invade the emperor’s army and take aim at the
establishment from within. <br />
<br />
The motivations of Zivah and Dineas are worlds apart and their characters so
different. I loved the juxtaposing nature of their personalities. I felt they
developed in a unique way, as they both grew accustomed to their situation. I
was worried this was going to be a recipe for an annoying romance but the
relationship created between the two characters is multi-layered and has real
strength. Zivah's personal growth really got to me and many of her scenes left me sobbing, her character was a great aspect of the story. <br />
<br />
I am so pleased this is that start of a series and I imagine book two will
be a real hit. . This brilliant book doesn't hit the shelves until 7th November
but is well worth the wait.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Sensationally written with a story that is clever, dynamic and with heart.</span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-47302992330768922702017-06-21T17:00:00.000+01:002017-06-21T17:00:13.915+01:00Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh<div>
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Choosing what books to buy is never easy when you have a never ending list. This is one of the reasons I love the idea of a book subscription service. Regardless of all the other book paraphernalia I love the idea of a book arriving they I may not previously have had on my radar. Now as with all things reading related book likes and dislikes are so subjective that I am aware I will not always like what other choose.</div>
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I subscribed to Fairyloot back in February before my first single purchases box had even arrived. I have now received four boxes and have read 3 out of 4 of the books sent. For me they have ranged from as low as a 3 star and as high as 5 star reads which I think is a good range. The most recent arrival in May was Flame in the Mist. Due to the constant hints the book would be a retelling of Mulan I guessed what it was before it arrived. I don't mind this as it does help stop me buying a book I think could be in the Fairyloot. </div>
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The book intrigued me but I am not sure I would have brought it had it not appeared in the Fairy Loot having reading nothing else by the author and not seeing it from the blurb as particularly fantasy driven. Well I sure am glad it came in the Fairyloot. I loved it. I think the comparisons to a retelling of Mulan are a bit loose as it has more depth and is less about her wanting to fight and more about her wanting to find herself. I can understand why they have be made. Equally it has elements of fantasy that took me greatly by surprise. </div>
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Mariko is being delivered by her family into the hands of the emperor as a bride for his son. She is fully aware that her alliance means more power for her father. She is a useful possession of his father because she was born a girl. She and her consort are ambushed on their journey to her would be suitor and Mariko the lone survivor decides to infiltrate the clan responsible in order to disestablish them from within and have her revenge. Disguising herself as boy she endears herself to the Black Clan. No one is as they seem in the book and the fantasy elements become stronger as the story continues. </div>
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I loved the effortlessly way in which Ahdieh writes, it flowed off the page and I was completely enamoured. The characters were all well developed and Mariko was a likeable main character and had a sense of self I appreciated. I could not put the book down and I am thrilled that is not a stand alone book.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The story effortless weaves itself off the page. A must read</span></i></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-31427753144858277752017-06-09T12:32:00.001+01:002017-06-09T12:32:40.658+01:00Derailed - Reading Slump<div>
So somehow my reading mojo slipped. I know I am not the only one who gets super into a lot of books and then one book derails the whole process and you find yourself struggling to get back into the habit of daily reading. </div>
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I am never really without a book but I managed to pick the wrong one and I had a huge gap in my reading spree and it has meant that the hideous sentence 3 books behind schedule is appearing on my Goodreads. I am pretty sure I have mentioned before that I sometimes find the Goodreads goal a bit of a daunting one but it only really bothers me when I get behind. </div>
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I had to pick myself up out of the slump and went for my tried and tested method. A good crime story found with a handy Kindle Daily deal. I also picked up I See You another crime story and my go to slump defeating author Diane Chamberlain. I finished the daily deal treat (The Girl Friend) really quickly and it was a good reminder of how much I love reading and the time out in gives me. I hate not reading and I genuinely think it puts me in a bit of a funk when I am not reading. I am now reading I See You and it is really clever and has me hooked which is just what I needed. </div>
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Hopefully after that break I can reenter my bookstagramming and blogging ways as well as defeating that condescending Goodreads reminder! </div>
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<i>What are you ways of getting out of a reading slump?</i></h4>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-17340077305909613842017-04-17T10:00:00.000+01:002017-04-17T10:00:00.146+01:00March Wrap UpAs perusal I was ever so ambitious and as perusal I didn't quite reach the dizzying heights of books read I had aimed to. I managed 6 which I am pretty chuffed with considering I had only read 2 by the 17th March.I stared off strong reading two books in quick succession but a family wedding, an awesome trip to Disneyland Paris and the like slowed me down somewhat.<br />
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Heartless by Marissa Meryer</h4>
I enjoyed it but wanted it to be darker and more sinister then it was. I found it a bit fluffy and lacking in places it could have excelled. However, it was intriguing and I loved getting to be in Wonderland again.<br />
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Caraval by Stephanie Garber</h4>
I was gone. No word of lie I let this book drag me in and I read it in a day. I loved the writing style, the premise and the pace. Wonderfully written with a great storyline. Slight disappointed by the ending but at least I know she's writing a follow up.<br />
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A Gathering of Shadows by V.E.Schwab</h4>
I stared reading this on the way to Disneyland and finished it on the way back (I did have a reading break whilst there) I loved this second instalment but found it didn't have as strong a story line as the first. I still think Schwab is a ridiculously talented author and she really does weave incredible fantasy.<br />
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A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schawb</h4>
Need to know kind of read. I daren't read anything after book two other than book three in case I missed something. I much preferred this final instalment to book two and although I was disappointed not to learn more about Kell and Lila's origins I liked the direction the story took. It was clever and pacey especially considering the size of the book.<br />
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Looking for Alaska by John Green</h4>
Chucked this in for a bit of change. I have read a few John Greens and have found it is a bit of a marmite genre and author .Unfortunately Looking For Alaska had the same issues as Paper Towns I couldn't stand the female lead and therefore had zero empathy. Furthermore I felt a bit of this story was implausible and made for a bit of trippy read.<br />
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Perfect by Cecilia Ahern</h4>
Wow! I got an ARC of this and was chuffed as I loved the first instalment of the duology. I like the way Ahern seamlessly goes into YA fiction. I wrote a full review of this book earlier this month.<br />
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I was so close to 7 books this month but unfortunately Empress of a Thousand Skies snuck into April's reads. I haven't piled up April's planned reads to see if maybe I read better without the TBR threat!<br />
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-22306148933654493122017-04-15T12:00:00.000+01:002017-06-15T16:23:57.143+01:00Fairy Loot Unboxing - February 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think it is fair to say that
I was so utterly over the moon excited to finally get a fairy loot box in
February that I forgot to do a detailed unboxing of it on the blog and fell
into my old habits of posting continual review posts…old habits die hard on all
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So rather than ignore my first box (considering I already
have my second and towards the end of April my first I am just going to accept
that my posting is out of sink).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I took the plunge and got the box having deeply regretted
not getting the January box (Caraval themed – weeps into book). </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The box arrived in really quick time literally the day after
my shipping notification it materialised. I have said before but I chose
FairyLoot as my book crate for two main reasons. 1) its young adult fantasy
which is right up my street and 2) it shipping is a lovely figure of just over
£3 instead of attempting to ship another from the US for crazy money. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am so glad I took the decision to get it. I have loved
the excitement of wondering what the book might be, getting the bookish items
and taking many nerdy shots of the constant for my Instagram account.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I loved the items that came in the box and now I have <strike>finished </strike>almost finished the library transformation I am loving displaying them. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now I had already seen and binged watch a load of youtube
unboxings so I knew not to look at the back of the artwork card as I really didn’t
want any spoilers. I really love the artwork in each box and will hopefully be
finding a way of displaying these in the new library.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HappyPiranha" target="_blank">Kalusian Sunset Candle by Happy Piranha</a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The first item I pulled out was the deliciously smelling
Kalusian Sunset candle. Now until I read the information I
wasn’t quite sure what book reference this was but of course I now know it is
from Empress of a Thousand Skies. I am a reluctant candle lighter but I am sure
I will cave and light this one soon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BathingBeautiesUK" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Celestial Gun Poweder Bath Bomb by </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Bathing Beauties.</span></a></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This bath bomb smelt practically edible. I am a sucker for any bath bombs so this has already disappeared
and was really lovely. This item was created exclusively for FairyLoot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Baby Groot Funko Pop Keyring</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The following item literally was one of my husband’s
favourites and I had to do my utmost to stop him pinching it. I love this item as I am a big fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy and who doesn’t love baby Groot. This item definitely helped me feel the
cost of the box was really reasonable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aenteereads/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Illumnaie Coaster by Read at Midnigh</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">t </span></a></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve not read Jay Kristoff’s Illumnaie series but this
coaster is beautifully designed and I love the quote. Makes me intrigued to
read this series. T. This
has found a home on our living room sideboard – much needed as I am constantly
leaving my cups of tea scattered over the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TillandDill" target="_blank">Space Girl Book Mark by Till and Dill</a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A really funky space girl bookmark
that was a really beautiful design. I think it is safe to say no bookworm can
have enough bookmarks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://society6.com/taratjah" target="_blank">Throne of Glass Print by Taratjah</a></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was with glee I found the print of Manon and Dorian. I
was thrilled with this item as Manon is one of my favourite characters in the
Throne of Glass series and it was nice to have recognised her straight away. I
did see the Dorian side first and I was not sure who it was until I flipped the
book over. I have framed this in a glass frame so I can keep changing over who
I want to display. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/alissecourter/" target="_blank">Rebel of the Sands Canvas Pouch by Alisse Courter</a></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The next
item was another one of my favourites in the form of this lovely canvas pouch
with a great quote from The Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton. I loved this
book which definitely helps you to love the item. I haven’t quite decided if I
am going to use it or display it on the new library shelves – tough choices!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The book for February I finished at the start of the month.
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza. I had this on my list to read in
March but did not quite finish in time. I really enjoyed trying to read
something that I would never have picked up in the first place. I did find the
story a little disjointed but overall it was a good read. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One thing I can not rave enough about is the way FairyLoot
package their books. I love the bag and it has become a useful little way of
travelling my books to work etc without the risk of them getting damaged. I am
pleased I will rack up a fair few of these with my next few boxes. </span><br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">There were the usual Fairyloot newsletter, the Q+A with the author and the letter and also a sample of a book called </span></span><em><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The One Memory of Flora Banks</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">by Emily Barr</span>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I am yet to use the exclusive discount code for the MyBookmark company but I actually will do as the designs are gorgeous and look amazing.</span><br />
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-73152195432231948392017-04-12T17:00:00.000+01:002017-06-15T16:28:10.978+01:00Library Transformation - 'That’s so much better than I expected!'<div class="MsoNormal">
I have posted a few hints and mentions about my library
transformation. It has taken me fair longer to finish then I care to admit and
I am almost there. One bookcase to go and a bit of extra staging and it should
be complete. I apologise for the lack of photos in the post, I thought about the blog after starting!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now
when we were finally fortunate enough to buy our house the big compromise for
me was that we had a new build. This meant saying goodbye to my Jane Austen influenced
fantasies of bricks and beams and old converted warehouses (much to my husbands
relief). This has meant our house can be summed up in one word… Magnolia. Now
do not get me wrong we are so blessed with this house and in hindsight a new
build has been ideal for our little girl and I am completely in love with my
house but I did want to start adding our personality to it this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I have dabbled in a bit of DIY on occasion with
reasonable results. I went a bit chalk paint mad when we had our little girl
and sourced and painted all the living room furniture within her first few months
(naps were handy). I haven’t managed to get on with actually transforming any
of the rooms and now she is a lot bigger I feel I am running out excuses as to
why. My husband is not keen on change and so I gradually chipped away at this by
suggesting how the library being redecorating and reorganised would benefit him
– namely the ability to display various collections he has. A picture of Lego figures displayed on the walls finally converted him from a no to a yes - thanks Pinterest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3O1ekjEg8oeEk7sVidnUSXrsRZqutte3AVcAIuukWWIcygKBbGywjWscPgfMIhN6M6AGXUNEqFkR3FQ1UfU-faGPJs9qe3pHe0JC6oL82m3CiNf4v62-1J64d8DW15CJ9JxEsVX6WE8q/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3O1ekjEg8oeEk7sVidnUSXrsRZqutte3AVcAIuukWWIcygKBbGywjWscPgfMIhN6M6AGXUNEqFkR3FQ1UfU-faGPJs9qe3pHe0JC6oL82m3CiNf4v62-1J64d8DW15CJ9JxEsVX6WE8q/s200/IMG_0806.JPG" width="122" /></a>The first step was the paint. I tried out a few testers and
the minute my husband chose the grey he liked the most (they all look the
same was said a few times) I went for it and began to paint. I will admit my
approach to decorating is not the tidiest and apart from moving the books out
of the room I left the furniture in place and worked around it all. I still
have a few areas to touch up but on the whole the grey was a drastic improvement
on the magnolia and a bonus was that my husband became a bit more trusting that
I could achieve the project I had outlined. My mum and brother were less
trusting and were constantly suggesting I wait for them to begin stage two –
the wallpapering. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They almost convinced
me but with the threat of having to wait even longer to finish the room –stuff was
literally everywhere upstairs. I put caution to the wind and brought the
wallpaper and with no plum line, no experience and no idea I wallpapered a
feature wall in Brick effect paper (B&Q bargain). To my families great surprise as well as my own I did not wallpaper myself or my hair into the wall and to my
own joy it was straight. There were a few fiddly bits but I managed to
wallpaper the majority of the wall during my daughter's nap time (told you they were
handy) and I am super grateful to youtubers out there who have made videos for
people just like me to follow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wouldn’t let Kev see it until it was completed but his
exact words were,‘that’s so much better than I expected’ <o:p></o:p></div>
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The next stage was to transform the bookcases, a story of chalk
paint, wax, splinters and a few trips on ebay...<o:p></o:p></div>
LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-19418327061317509752017-03-24T17:00:00.000+00:002017-03-24T17:00:15.264+00:00Perfect by Cecelia Ahern <img alt="32804295" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477732483l/32804295.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<h4>
Life is not meant to be flawless</h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I really enjoyed Flawed by Cecelia Ahern I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to read the sequel before its publication. I tried my luck requesting it on NetGalley and was thrilled when they said yes. For those of you who aren’t aware Cecelia Ahern has decided to venture out of her adult fiction world and try her writing skills at Young Adult dystopian. The first in this attempt was Flawed which was a fast paced and enjoyable read and I was hoping that Perfect would live up to my expectations.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">As I enjoy Ahern’s writing style and I knew I would enjoy Perfect. It has the same pacey style to the writing that makes this a one sitting kind of read. Celestine North has been branded flawed, not only this but she has received the most brands in all history. All she did was use her compassion and logic to help an old Flawed man on a bus. Yet in Celestine’s corrupted society, this is illegal and this one act has transformed her life. Now on the run from the revenge possessed, Judge Creven Celestine must figure out who she is and what defines her, the brands or her choices. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really like Celestine, in the first book her logical way of looking at things was surprisingly helpful. She was as I put in my first review always slightly too trusting and I was pleased she seemed to be working on this in this concluding book. Due to the first person narrative, it moved along at a fast reading pace and you do just want to keep turning the pages. Unfortunately using the first person narrative when your heroine is on the run makes some of the other characters lose their identify, I would have loved a bit more character development especially on Celestine’s family and Carrick with his. The other downside of the first person narrative is that it feels like Celestine has all the light bulb moments. Yes, we know she is logical but sometimes it borders on psychic with the way she figures things out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Despite these issues, I was hooked. I love the way Ahern writes and she has managed to move seamlessly into a young adult style of writing. Many scenes are just as brutal as the first book. Reliving the branding scene from Flawed was just as difficult and rage inducing to go through again. Like before I stayed up way to late and I devoured the book desperately; the tension although sometimes a bit stuttering stayed high enough that I needed to know where she was taking the story. Ahern had me second-guessing myself most of the first half and my heart was in my mouth on several occasions. Naturally a strong moral runs through the story about loving people despite their flaws, learning from your mistakes and importantly loving yourself regardless of how the world defines you. Ahern really knows how to make me sob with shock and sadness as of yet I haven’t made it through one of her books without crying. </span></span><br />
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For those who love The Declaration and Matched. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Released on 7th April 2017! </h4>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-7175252536394893262017-03-03T17:00:00.000+00:002017-03-03T17:00:17.795+00:00February Wrap UpI always seem to set myself quite ambitious TBR lists. I think I generally do this so that I have plenty of options to choose from of what to read. I went for 7 books in February and managed 6 of my aimed for list. I was waylaid at the end by my head not being in the right place to read a Brandon Sanderson epic.<br />
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<h4>
What I read and what I thought:</h4>
<h4>
Replica by Lauren Oliver</h4>
<br />
I wish I could have got on better with the books arrangement. From advice on Instagram I read the two sides in tandem and I am so glad I did as I think I would have struggled to read one after the other as some parts spoil others. Personally start with chapter one of Gemma and then chapter one of Lyra and the story flows better.<br />
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<h4>
As I Descended by Robin Talley</h4>
<br />
Now I'd be telling a massive lie if I said I picked up straight away that this was a retelling of Macbeth. It was not until chatting to my husband about the story once I had finished that I twigged. Truthfully I am not one for ghosts and occult stories so although a thoroughly engaging read it just made me a bit scared! (wuss I know)<br />
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<h4>
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs</h4>
<br />
I put a larger review this one on the blog. I loved the premise behind the story and I really enjoyed it and think I will get a hold of the next two.<br />
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<h4>
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff</h4>
<br />
This got off to such a slow start for me and although Mia was engaging and clever I wanted more about her powers then we got. The first half was a tough read for me and it only really hooked me half way through. I would read the second as Kristoff definitely peaked my interest. The footnotes were a real distraction for me.<br />
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<h4>
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E.Schwab</h4>
<br />
Now if you have read my full review you know I will wax lyrical about this story. Schwab just had me in the palm of her hands. I loved it and have already got the next two on my list to read next.<br />
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<h4>
And I Darken by Kiersten White</h4>
<br />
Hmph. I didn't get it. I am a huge fan of Dracula and the sordid and gruesome character of Vlad the Impaler that inspired his fictional creation. Unfortunately Lada didn't feel the same. I wasn't convinced of her portrayal as Vlad it was not as macabre as I was expecting or as fantastical. I can confidently say I would be unlikely to read the next one as I just don't care for the characters at all.<br />
<br />
I started to read The Way of the Kings for like the a millionth time. I just found that I wasn't in the frame of mind for Sanderson's sudden way of throwing you in at the deep in end with the world he has created. I know I will finish it eventually and no doubt be in awe of the whole world by the end but it did not manage to feature in my finished books of February!<br />
<br />
I've been even more ambitious for March. This might be a tad foolish as we go away to Disneyland so might not have as much time as I expect to read. But all of them look to tantalizing to not feature on the list! If I actually manage to read 8 books in one month I'll be thrilled.<br />
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-78168622768119512012017-03-01T10:05:00.000+00:002017-03-01T10:06:25.757+00:00A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E.Schwab<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hype
is not always a good thing. Sometimes it means you completely build up a book
and it crushes you with not being what you thought it would be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A Darker Shade of Magic was a
book I had heard a great deal about. I have read a few of Victoria Schwab’s
young adult books but was yet to venture into her adult fiction. Having got the
first two in the series for Christmas I was excited and a tad nervous to read them.
I so wanted to love them. I personally would say they could have been marketed
as YA without to much of a problem just based on the first book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having just finished the
first in the series, I can say confidently that I adored the first one. A Darker
Shade of Magic engulfed me and I was completely enraptured. I had to keep
slowing myself down as I did not want the story to end by devouring it one go. I
was not worried about the writing, as both The Archived and This Savage Song
have proved to me that Schwab is an exceptionally talented writer. I was just
nervous that I was not going to get as gripped by this story as I had been led
to believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet Kell and Lila had me
hooked. They had me at the turning of a coat. The story is a wild ride of
adventure, unique magic and four interconnected but distinctly different London’s.
We journey with Kell as he toes a line between good dutiful prince and traitor
to the throne. Unfortunately, his hobby catches up with him and his smuggling
ways lead to an unravelling of the thin threads that keep these four London’s
at bay. Both Kell and Lila are written in ways that made them fiery and
interesting. They avoided that line where confidence boarders on selfish arrogance
and both came across as decent and good (despite their criminal behaviours) at
their core. For me it quickened the pace
of the story, as I liked both of them and wanted to see their fates. The unique
brand of magic created in this series is evocative. It has a life of its own in
a way that is dark and unnerving and one that I can imagine will be expanded on
in the next instalments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am looking forward to more
development of the other characters as we really only got to know Kell and
Lila. I am desperate to know more of Kell’s mysterious history and see how the
royal family are involved in this. Needless to say I am a fan and would
recommend this to any fantasy enthusiast. A page-turner in the truest sense. My
only criticism is that considering this is a trilogy I was surprised with how
tied up everything seems at the end. I feel like I am being lulled into a false
sense of security and that makes me all the more nervous to see what Schwab
does in the next book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-73039759338168302822017-02-17T17:30:00.000+00:002017-02-17T17:30:01.031+00:00Nevernight by Jay Kristoff<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX36479640" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
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<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><img alt="Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicle, #1)" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467940475l/30969076.jpg" width="207" /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Never Flinch, Never Fear, Never Forget.</span></h4>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Before I</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> left my </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">last</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> job I took some books with me. Now before anyone asks I have every intention of returning them and the reasons I took them are very </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">honor</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">able</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I promise. I had </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">purchased</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> a few different titles for the students before I left. I always aim to read a good selection of any of the books I order</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to check what section of the library they'd go in and to help with </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">recommending</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> them. I set myself a ridiculously ambitious pile to read through and I didn't quite manage to finish them before my last day. However, I did not want them to just go straight on the library shelves without being read especially as they did not hire someone new to replace me. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">One of these such books was </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX36479640" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Nevernight</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> by Jay Kristoff. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Obviously</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">with my love of fantasy I was bound to want to read this one anyway so it was a treat to be able to have the copy. I am so glad I didn't just let this go out on the shelves as personally it is certainly </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">not a young adult read.</span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">With this all said now onto the review. The story is set in </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a place where the sun rarely sets and it is </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX36479640" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">nevernight</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> most of the time. This is where Mia, hellbent on revenge </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError SCX36479640" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ives</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, but unlike most of the citizens she lives in the shadows, </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in fact</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> she is one and the same. She has command over them, can cloak herself in them and is followed where ever she goes by the not-cat </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Mister</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Kindly. Having witnessed her father's death and her mother and brothers </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">incarceration</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Mia is to determined to punish those who took them from her. The only way is to go to the Red Church and learn to be a true killer. </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCX36479640" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00006f3b-c204-4175-a420-868df2ace4c2}{18}" paraid="440039645" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">For me the fact it is rarely night actually plays little role in the story. I was more intrigued by Mia's abilities. Unfortunately I found the first half of the book painstakingly slow. I wanted more from the shadows that surrounded Mia. I got my wish in the second half that is for sure. I felt the pace increased and the book demanded to be read. If the high octane aspects of the second half could have appeared more in the first I don't think I would have been as </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">glacial</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in my reading. Another thing that clearly caused me to slow was the footnotes. Now I must admit I am not one for lengthy lessons </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of worlds, rules and histories in a fantasy story. I like it when the writer can bring you into the world </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">believably</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> without having to give you a history lesson. However for me if you don't think it is relevant enough to put in the actual content then the footnote seems </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">unnecessary</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in a fiction story. Personally even if some of them were funny on the whole I found the a </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">hind</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">rance</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> not a help. </span><span class="EOP SCX36479640" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" paraeid="{03e7f32f-c270-4685-8947-f2e1fdb438f8}{232}" paraid="707684019" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I can see why this story has been so popular. Mia and her quest are </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">engaging and enigmatic and the power she posses is bone-chillingly </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">lethal. Getting to see that power more in the second half is truly nail biting stuff. I didn't feel a great connection to other characters but on many </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">occas</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ions</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I was caught out by completely unexpected twists the story took. I think I am still a bit confused by the final chapter and that has left me wondering what will happen in the next </span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">install</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ments</span><span class="TextRun SCX36479640" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="EOP SCX36479640" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>Weird and wonderful - I imagine fans of Neil Gaiman will love</i></span></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-25023193321124729802017-02-15T12:00:00.000+00:002017-02-17T11:37:31.750+00:00Miss Peregfrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs<img alt="Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, #1)" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472782916l/9460487.jpg" width="203" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">My dad is just as much as an
avid reader as myself, infact I defintely get my reading habits from him. Like me a good fantasy is generally his genre of choice
so when he recommended Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children I knew it
would be one I should read. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The idea that Ransom Riggs used real photographs to fuel his creative writing drive really fascinated</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> me as an aspiring author. I enjoyed seeing the photos dotted throughout the story.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> On the plus being a brilliant Dad who </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">kn</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">ows his
daughters gift loving ways he gave me his copy as well. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">So armed with a copy I added the book to my</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> February TBR. Now I have previously stated that I generally use my mood
to determine if I should read a book well I went for a pretty lazy way to
choose the order I would read them in</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> – I’ve gone by size (My librarian shame is
strong at admitting this).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Miss Peregrine’s was the smaller of some of
the hefty tombs on my TBR (Stormlight Archive for one). So it won the role of
my third read of the month and I will admit I am pleased it did.</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The story is a unique my</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">stery set in two time periods and shrouded in intrigue. A devastating</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> event takes Jacob on a journey to discover more about his beloved but unusual</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> grandfather's life. Journeying to the far reaches of Wales to seek out Miss Peregrine and the home his grandfather escaped</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> to during the second</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> world war. What Jacob finds opens his eyes to the truth in his grandfathers peculiar </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">I loved reading this book, it was written from Jacob's point of view and I found the first person narrative really well paced and I liked Jacob the more for his clever dialogue and musings about situations. I was not surprised this book had appealed to my dad too. The creation of the 'peculiars' was effortless and believable. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">I was thrilled when I found out there were more books in the series, even more so when I discovered my dad owned them - winning!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"><i>A clever plot with lovely imagery</i></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-9432404023230555532017-02-08T11:50:00.000+00:002017-02-17T12:58:31.936+00:00Collector of Books - Fairy Loot<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">I am a serial collector. Not just books, stuff of all kinds. Some would describe it better as hoarding but personally I can see the method to my madness (says the girl with over 100 packs of playing cards). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">I have recently brought a one off Fairy Loot box that should arrive at the end of February. I am ridiculously excited for it. I decided that I would 'treat' myself as the theme sounds amazing and plus it's my birthday in February AND I just got my first proper pay slip from my new job. Needless to say I had to have it. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">The trouble is I can see it already spiralling</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">. Fairy Loot have just announced their March box. If you haven't yet seen you can find the announcement</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.fairyloot.com/blogarchive/march17-theme" style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Myths & Monsters! Literally it sounds perfect for me and plus it becomes available to order right on my birthday (surely that is sign). I have not even received my first box and already I am planning the second! I knew this would appeal to my bookworm/magpie tendencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">I have really wanted to get a book subscription for some time. I have seen amazing unboxings of a variety such as OwlCrate, LitJoyCrate, Once Upon a Book Club etc. Yet the thing that appeals to me most about Fairy Loot is not only is it a YA Fantasy box but it is also based in the UK! As some of you know the shipping to get a book box over from America is literally the same as the cost of the box itself and I can not justify it (no matter how hard I try). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">Thankfully through the wonderful bookstagramming community I have discovered Fairy Loot and am excited to unbox it later in the month when it arrives. I must confess I have signed up to the waiting list to know as soon as the March box becomes available. Personally I think this could be the start of another beautiful collection (I doubt my bank balance or husband will agree but such is the life of a bookworm).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"><i>Have you had a book subscription you loved?</i></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-17908111752437715252017-02-04T10:00:00.000+00:002017-02-17T11:39:05.647+00:00This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab<img alt="Image result for this savage song" height="320" src="https://53dde335a2dce2ca942c-498c68ea2e9d4fdb160dd89f86b552f2.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/v1/large/9781/7856/9781785652745.jpg" width="211" /><br />
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There's no such thing as safe</h4>
Wow!<br />
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It was a while ago that I read this book but even now I still can not believe how good it was. I had been in quite the reading slump of 3 star books and it was getting a tad disheartening reviewing them. It was not that they were bad books they just weren't books for me. I am all for people trying to read books that are out of their comfort zones and I was trying to this a lot more and it was not always paying off.<br />
<br />
This Savage Song could not be more up my street if it was written just for me. Fantasy in all the right places and one of the cleverest premises I have read for while. I loved the characters of Kate and August - not to mention the fact the book successfully avoided the YA craze of insta-love (huge bonus points here).<br />
<br />
In Verity monsters are real. Not only are they real but it is human acts of evil that create them. Three different types of monster exist and it depends where you live to how safe you are and how safe you feel. Kate lives on the side ruled by her father and August on the side governed by his. There worlds collide and they must work through their differences to work together to fix the corruption. <br />
<br />
All the emotions. Honestly I think I could wax lyrical about this book for days - the writing is sensational. I have wanted to read a book by Victoria Schwab for a while and for some reason just had not gotten around to it. Now I feel I will devour everything she has written. Her style of writing for me was effortless. Easy to read and to follow which I think is incredibly important in fantasy fiction. I found both characters really beguiling and although Kate had that annoying feisty devil may care female lead role I found August made up for that in being an interesting male lead. A classic 'just one more chapter' book and a great read for someone who likes a good suspense thriller - cliffhangers all around please!<br />
<br />
I have no idea what to expect from the sequel and I am both nervous and looking forward to it.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Go on just one more chapter</span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-36461429997944933522017-01-27T17:00:00.000+00:002017-01-27T18:37:52.862+00:00Readers Block!<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;">As a bookworm through and through I sometimes find
narrowing down what to read next a mind field of indecision. I am the worst for
choosing a book and then questioning if it was the correct one. Coupled with
this I am notorious for starting a book and changing my mind almost within the
first few pages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I guess I am a mood reader – I have to be in the right
frame of mind for the right story. Trouble is that a books genre can be so
misleading and they do not really indicate what sort of journey the story will
take you on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Another thing I am guilty of is I am also a bit of a competitive
reader – only with myself but still it is a bit ridiculous. Who knows if the
goodreads reading challenge is half my issue? Since having had a baby I have
never managed to reach the dizzying heights of the 75 I read in 2013 and I have
slowly been working my way back up in numbers. This causes me the age-old issue
of stalling. If a book I start is a bit of a struggle, do I give up and get
cracking with the next or power through and accept I will not read as many
books that month. I have gone for 60 as my goal this year an I am on track but I do not want to fall behind and in truth I know I want to beat this target. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">I am in this situation with my current choice – The Archived
by Victoria Schwab. Now do not get me wrong I am intrigued but I am not gripped
and I am not finding myself reading it regularly enough and I have most definitely
stalled. I know I should keep going but I just want that book nerd high of
being totally absorbed by a book that I stay up far too late reading into the
night. One of my reading goals for the year was to not give up so easily so I
will be powering through this time but I do wish choosing a book was much
easier!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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How do you choose what to read next from your TBR list?</h4>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-42620342028546419012017-01-25T10:20:00.000+00:002017-01-25T10:38:23.755+00:00Top Ten Tuesday: Books that should be films<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As with many things in my life I am not always the
most consistent. I am sure I have made hundreds of aims to pay more attention
to this blog. I think in truth over the fast few months if not years is I have
struggled to decide what this blog was going to focus on. It stared as a place
for me to write about my life with a strong slant towards the bookish. However, over the
majority of the last few posts the dominant feature has been book reviews. This
has become surprisingly monotonous for me as well as for any readers - I
imagine. Although I love reading and reviewing I was struggling to post
as it was getting a tad dull for me. Not to mention I've found it particularly
hard when I had not enjoyed one book after another and my posts then
looked like one long commentary on books I do not really rate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So with this in mind I am returning to the fray
with one of my favourite book memes run by<a href="http://www.thebrokeandthrbookish.com/"><span style="color: blue;"> The
Broke and the Bookish</span></a>. I am talking about Top Ten Tuesday (of
course). This weeks theme is a freebie which seems nice and apt. So it is up to
me to come up with a list of a top ten that I want to feature. So with
that in mind moving on to my theme for this week:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Top 10 books I want to be made into films. I know I
know scandalous. Yes a lot of film adaptations of books are just awful (A
series of Unfortunate Events springs to mind as does Eragon). However, I have
read some truly amazing books that I think would look spectacular adapted onto
screen. So without further ado here it is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Top 10
Books I’d Love to See on Screen:</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Daughters of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For those of you who have read this stomping good
fantasy epic you know what I mean to say to see this visually on screen would
be jaw-dropping. Cinematically it would need a whopping budget to really
include the diverse and visual characters in all their glory. I think
that a lead actress would need to be someone a little quirky to play Karou.
According to IMDB the screenrights have been owned by Universal since 2012 so I
wonder if we will see this soon. If you haven't already read this amazing
series - do it now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Mistborn
Saga by Brandon Sanderson</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Again if you have delved into any of the world
created by Sanderson in the Mistborn series yon can understand why this would
look so good on screen. To actually get to see the world of allomancy and
feruchemy being used in the mistborn saga would be phenomenal. The
pushing and pulling not to mention the dramatics of coinshots would be so much fun
to watch. Add in the amazing story that has your heart hammering away it make
some amazing films! As we know from the lovely Brandon Sanderson the rights for
this movie were acquired but they lapsed in 2014 so they are up for grabs (come
on movie developers).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Name of the
Wind by Patrick Rothfuss</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Evidently, this list should have been titled great
fantasy stories I want to see as films. Now I know Patrick Rothfuss has not yet
finished this amazing epic but it would already make a sensational set of
films. There are barely any words to describe how brilliant the two books in
this series (& novella) are. Even if Patrick is taking his time with
the final instalment it is so going to be worth it as he writes show stopping
books. The soundtrack could be awesome for this film and with quick sleight of
hand it would be one you had to follow but it would be visually incredibly. Now
the movies rights have been purchased by Lionsgate along with other rights so
that is exciting. Now just to sit tight for the third book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The House at Riverton by Kate Morton</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In an effort not to be totally biased I am going to
mention a book that is not fantasy. The House at Riverton is just a
wonderful book. It keeps you guessing as with many Kate Morton books. It is
comforting, thought provoking and would make a very Gosford Park feel type of
film (a favourite of mine). I can not find any info to suggest this is in
motion to be made into a film but it would be fabulous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Age of Five by Trudy Canavan</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Clearly I am addicted to fantasy sagas but this
spellbinding series is one not to be missed. The characters
are so cleverly written with amazing scenery that I could make a spectacular
set of films. I have a soft spot for most of the books by Canavan but Auraya is
by far one of the best female leads that Canavan has written and I would love
to watch her character portrayed on screen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Doomspell by Cliff
McNish </span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I could not ignore this childhood memory of a
book. I love this series so much. It is so wonderfully written and I can
happily read it again and again. I have often wondered if this was going to be
created into a good children's movie as it has in my opinion that makings of a
brilliant blockbuster. The sister and brother leads of Rachel and Eric would
steal the show and Dragwena the many jawed witch would be hideous to see. As a
film it would be incredibly colourful and would probably need a far about of
CGI (as with most fantasy films). I can not find any information that suggest
someone has seen the awesome potential of this set of books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain (another non fantasy)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Diane Chamberlain writes some of the most emotionally
wrecking books I have ever read. They gripped you from page one and stay with
you long after you have finished them. The Midwife's Confession was the first
of her brilliant novels I read. The suspense is palatable as you read and get
to to know more of the characters. Noelle is the midwife in question and she
harbours a secret so dark that it will tear her life apart as well as the lives
of those around her. To be quite frank I think every book she’s written would
adapt on screen brilliantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can’t even begin to explain how good this would
be as a movie. It would have to be filmed as eerie and hauntingly as Frances
wrote it but it would be cinematically incredible. The Tree alone would be a
work of art. Now I haven’t yet picked up the Chris Riddell illustrated version
of this and I think if I did I would change my mind. Once I see a story with
Riddell illustrations I can not imagine the characters any other way hence why
non of the Deepwoods appear in this list – I would hate to see Twig look any
other way than Chris drew him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
(for anyone counting that makes 3)</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sephy and
Callum would be fantastic to watch develop on screen. This would be a proper
tear-jerker full of the heart-wrenching moments as well as action backed. This
series is so excellent written (what else would you expect from Malorie). Still
incredibly relevant to day the racial tensions and volatile terrorist situation
would make this a high octane film. Apparently this is going to be a BBC drama
so this should be amazing.J<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">
Cormoran Strike by Robert Galbraith</span></h4>
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Apparently this is another series that is going to be a BBC
Drama. I am beyond excited by this as it would probably make a better TV series
as it would be easier to build up the tension and mood of the story. I have
seen a picture of Tom Burke tipped to star as Cormoran and I think he looks
exceptionally well cast. If you haven't read this series do not be put off by
the fact they are by truthfully by J.K.Rowling. I adore Harry Potter and was
worried these books would be strange to read but had I not know they were by
her I would never have guessed. They are brilliant works of fiction and
demonstrate just how talented Rowling is at weaving a dramatic and thrilling
tale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">*A little note I chose not to include books that
were already films but needed remaking such as Eragon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-24579341697914643112017-01-19T17:00:00.000+00:002017-01-19T17:00:07.596+00:00Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo<div class="MsoNormal">
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<h4>
<br />When you can't beat the odds, change the game</h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">S</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">o I am a tad late to the game reading this Leigh Bardugo
offering. I was unsure whether to read it as I have yet to finish the Grisha trilogy
and thought I might be lost returning to the world again. If anything reading
these two has prompted me to read the rest of the original trilogy, in fact I
will probably start them again. This was definitely a case of better late than
never, I thoroughly enjoyed both installments of this well written, evocative
and moving fantasy saga.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Initially using a free audio books credit I attempted to
listen to Six of Crows. Unfortunately, I disliked the way the story was read,
each chapter was a different narrator and although this is the case in the
written version it meant that for example when Kaz was voiced he sounded
different in each chapter and I was struggling to connect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Then my very wonderful mum purchased both of the series for
me as a celebratory gift for getting my new job. A fitting farewell to the
world of school libraries, not that this will be my last Young Adult read that
would be absurd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Six of Crows is sensationally written, as many of you who
have read my previous reviews will know I struggle with books that flit from perspective
to perspective. I find it frustrating as I often do not feel connected to the
characters as much and find myself desperate for a particular characters arc to
continue. However, Bardugo did a wonderful job of interlinking the chapters to
a point where not only did I feel I was understanding and bonding with the
characters but I was also not just waiting for a certain characters chapter.
Having said that Inej was by far my favourite. Each chapter weaves eloquently
into the other so the story does not lose momentum and although there are numerous twists and turns, like the Ketterdam streets, the way Bardugo writes brings
you along for the ride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">In Six of Crows we meet Kaz Brekker and his unlikely team
of misfits from the Dregs. They are given an impossible job that if they manage
to pull off it will change all their lives. It is a thrilling story that just
so happens to be set in a world of power, magic and Grisha. It has all the
aspects you want from a good fast paced story. I found the story gritty with an
edge to it you do not often find in YA fiction. It was much more adult than what
I remember from the Shadow and Bone series. The characters all seemed a lot older
then they actually were probably because </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">they had been through such hardships whilst
in Ketterdam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The first book had me on the edge of my seat, reading at a feverish
pace. The sequel did little to disappoint. Crooked Kingdom was again written in
a way that had me gripped. Although it flit from character to character in
each chapter they were again well </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">connected. I felt that Bardugo tried to get a
little too much into this book. Some of the rather large plot lines left from
Six of Crows were tied up much faster than I had expected. The story itself
felt like it was made up of a lot of different plots. It had so many facets that
I was struggling to keep up with what was happening next. This was most pronounced in the
second half of the story. However despite this I still found the story thrilling
and un-put-downable. Bardugo wrote some truly moving scenes so coupled with all
that heart-stopping tension I still manage to shed a few tears. </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I would love to know if Bardugo is going to use these
characters again as I’d love to read more of their adventures.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i>Enthralling and thrilling</i></span></div>
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LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-8629486290907370022017-01-06T16:30:00.000+00:002017-02-17T11:41:54.533+00:00The Dreamsnatcher by Abi Elphinstone<img height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51C1FwNx2CL.jpg" width="209" /><br />
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This debut novel was recommended to me by several fellow fantasy readers and I thought it would be right up my street. After reading a few stories outside of the fantasy world I wanted to sink back in to the comfort of fantasy worlds.<br />
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The way I read this book really affected my opinion. I am not normally one to read more than one book at a time. In fact I hate doing this. I find it distracting and I don't get the most from each book. However, I am listening to an audio book in my car and thought that I would manage to do both - I was wrong. I am hooked on the audio book and each time I picked up The Dream Snatcher I found myself not connecting with the story.<br />
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Imagined well and with spunky and witty characters it has all the elements of a great debut. Although I did not read this as fast as I would have expected each time I delved into the world (tearing myself away from sitting in the car listening to one more chapter) I enjoyed what I read and found for a debut novel that it is expertly written.<br />
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Moll is an enigmatic lead female, she's full of wit and great one liners. Moll is thrust into an unexpected fight with the Shadow-masks where she will discover more about her family, her heritage and the recurring nightmare she's been having for years. Along the way she learns to trust people she never thought possible and learns of a quest that only she can complete.<br />
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I think I will attempt to read the sequel so as to give Abi Elphinstone a fair chance. I will wait until I finally finish my audio book though I think! For me this is a younger readers book. Although dark in places the vocabulary and writing style works for a younger audience.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">I want to give it more and it might be one I need to revisit. </span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-49547901937424121012016-11-09T19:00:00.000+00:002017-02-17T11:43:01.491+00:00The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle<br />
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A buried fear. A forbidden love. Every secret is an accident waiting to happen. </h4>
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I cannot pretend this book didn't leave me saying one word I over and over again. Huh!<br />
I really loved the idea of an accident season, the blurb as it should completely enthralled me and I had to read the book.<br />
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Cara and her family experience a bizarre phenomenon that in one season of their lives each year they seem to be subject to a number of accidents from minor injuries to near death experiences. The family lives in fear of this season wrapping themselves practically up in cotton wool just to survive.<br />
The starts as the family are nearing the end of the accident season, they are nervously counting down the days until it is over. Cara's mother is trying her best to remove all the dangers out of the house and keep her daughters and step-son safe.<br />
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This was an unexpected story there is so much more to it then just a weird accident season, it is full of witchcraft, abuse, romance and a variety of different themes. For me this was the issue - just a bit of an overload of identity. I'm not sure what the story was. Fantasy, drama, romance etc. Unfortunately for me I was super confused. Metaphor overload and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Credit where credit is due though I was drawn in by the mystery and eerie nature of the story. Sadly though at least the first half of the story really dragged and it wasn't until the secrets came out I was properly hooked. Part of me thinks I was only so hooked due to the fact I had a very thin grasp on what was actually being revealed and what the secrets actually were.<br />
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A clever twist to the truth about the accident season saved the book for me.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">If you loved We Were Liars this is for you </span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-60424352392541892262016-11-03T18:43:00.000+00:002017-02-17T11:45:47.519+00:00Flawed by Cecilia Ahern<img alt="25859216" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458595902l/25859216.jpg" width="198" /><br />
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One choice could cost her everything</h4>
Having read quite a lot of Cecelia Ahern's older fiction I saw Flawed and was immediately intrigued. From the cover, the blurb and the premise you can see this is quite a change of direction for Ahern not to mention the fact it is also young adult.<br />
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Conveniently my mum brought herself a copy and I <strike>stole </strike>borrowed it as soon as she'd finished it as it has been on my list for such a long time.<br />
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Well the fact I was a little bleary eyed in the morning is testament to the fact I stayed up until crazy o'clock in the morning just to get it finished. I loved it. The story is based in society where one mistake gets you branded as flawed. This brand is put in a specific place to represent how you are flawed and what your failing is. Those branded as flawed are viewed as lesser humans, they have a set of rules to follow restricting everything from their diet to their lifestyle. They are ostracised by society and live as a second class citizen. Celestine North is perfect though. She and her family are not flawed. They see those who are flawed and are repulsed by them. Only Celestine's sister Juniper seems to speak up. But Celestine is logical, her world is black and white and suddenly she sees something illogical in the system and she must act and this changes the course of her life irrecoverably.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed Flawed. I loved the characters and their struggles. Celestine was passionate, sometimes a little hot-headed but her heart is in the right place. All her family irritated me at the start apart from Juniper but then as the story developed you could see their love for their daughter and how scared they were of the Guild who impose the Flawed rulings. I appreciated that it was not a heavy young adult romance, if anything although important Celestine's relationship with Art is very mature in how Ahern writes it. I personally really dislike Art so I hope he will be out of the picture in the second book. Ahern wove an incredibly emotive story, several scenes in the book had me literally sobbing - my heart was in my mouth.<br />
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I can see this being very popular for fans of dystopian fiction. I think it helped that I have had a break from the genre for a bit as it had all got a bit blurred. Fans of the Matched series and The Killables will enjoy.<br />
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Fans of dystopian will love. Superbly written!</div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-73638323857375696482016-10-13T17:00:00.000+01:002017-02-17T11:47:44.170+00:00Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas<img alt="Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5)" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463176678l/29559052.jpg" width="211" /><br />
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<br />A fight for her throne. A war against darkness. </h4>
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The fact I was dying to get my hands on this book is an understatement. I literally adore the Throne of Glass series. I recommend it constantly because I just find it so engaging.<br />
So the fact that installment number 5 was out was fantastic. I loved the Queen of Shadows but when I finished it I was desperate for the story to continue as Maas' writing was riveting.Empire of Storms was not quite what I expected. Returning us to a world with the same brilliant, witty, pithy and sarcastic characters that have a lot of bark and a lot of bite was amazing I relished reading the story trying my best to figure out what the end game was going to be.<br />
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We pick up where Queen of Shadows left of. Aelin is heading to Terrasan with her court of Rowan the Fae Prince, Aedion her cousin and Lysandra the Shifter. Dorian is now King of a crumbling Kingdom and Manon the Blackbeak Heir is still deciding her and the Thirteens place in the coming war. I found many things in this book I had to re-read just to make sure I was absorbing some of the complex twists and turns properly. Some chapters I felt I was missing something but really it was that Aelin herself had not put everything together yet either, in typical Aelin fashion she was savouring the twists to get the best reaction. <br />
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The more this book enfolds the more you realise that there has been a lot happening that we have known little about. I love the character of Elide, there is a scene in the book that literally had tears streaming down my face - I had wanted that scene for a long time and it was sensationally written with just the right amount of depth. Maas had my heart in the palm of my hand.<br />
Sadly I had seen a lot of comments about things in the book that although didn't give spoilers hinted at things that made me quite paranoid throughout the story and had me second guesses a lot of the time which was frustrating.<br />
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The only negative and it is quite a big one for me was it was a bit heavy with the sex scenes. Literally nearly all the characters were having a sexual relationship of some sort at some point and it felt like it was done for the sake of it. They were not all necessary for the development of the story and it became a tad predictable when pairings in the story were going to be together. I wanted more about the actual war, the purpose of the characters and their destinies than whether they suddenly had a desire to have sex. Tagged onto this is the physical appearance of all the characters, there is only so many breathtakingly attractive characters a story needs and I feel this book might have over done it a tad.<br />
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On the whole though Maas has delivered another great installment that although not my favourite story continues the tradition of creating a pacey, intriguing and surprising story. For the first time in ages I did not re-read the series prior to reading this book again - massive thanks to <a href="http://reviewsfromabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/queen-of-shadows-recap.html">Reviews from a Bookworm</a> for her in depth review of Queen of Shadows that got me back up to speed!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">I was so torn with what to rate this! I love the characters and the plot but I felt a lot of the actual story was lost because of the focus on physical relationships. </span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901198771720534016.post-62784058655446580222016-10-12T17:00:00.000+01:002016-10-13T09:02:25.339+01:00The Thousandth Floor by Katherine McGee<br />
<img alt="The Thousandth Floor (The Thousandth Floor #1)" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1469623034l/31244354.jpg" width="208" /><br />
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The Higher you are, the father you fall</h4>
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My Husband lovingly picked up this book for me as I had been quite keen to read it. I was really intrigued by the blurb and the cover was just so sensationally beautiful I had to have it.<br />
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The Thousandth Floor surrounds the mysterious lives of several upper floor and lower floor characters. There lives and wealth are in direct correlation to the floor they live on. Avery Fuller and her brother Atlas live on the 1000th floor. They are the pinnacle of the society with the ability to get their hands on anything and everything they desire. Set 102 years in the future with technology at their finger tips and for those on the higher floors an ability to get anything you want. The story gripped me as it opens with a girl plunging from the top of the Thousandth Floor. I kept reading just to learn the identity of the young woman.<br />
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The trouble with this story for me is I hadn't really absorbed the <span style="background-color: white;">comment on the front being written by the author of G</span>ossip Girl. Now the minute you actually process the Gossip Girl comment everything clicks a bit more as not one of the characters did I like. Credit to McGee as her characters are incredibly diverse. But they were all superficial, selfish and to be quite honest the most narcissistic people I've ever read about. They had no heart, no redeeming features and I just didn't like them. I briefly really liked Watt as him and Nadia are such a clever creation but unfortunately even he was driven by a belief that if you wanted something you could just do what you wanted to get it. I briefly thought that Marion seemed like an interesting character as she challenges the characters as she seemed more true and kind but you barely get to know her. I imagine she is going to appear in the rest of the trilogy quite a lot though.<br />
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From everything that happens the comparison I will make is Pretty Little Liars, it has that feel written all over it. The book clearly demonstrates the overwhelming power of secrets and the way they can be used to protect and to hurt. What I will say is I was really disappointed with who the girl falling from the highest floor was - she was the only character I was slowly but surely starting to find cracks of a normal girl inside!<br />
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Truthfully I wanted more from the futuristic elements of the story, the idea of a world created within a skyscraper with all kinds of technology, medical and scientific advancement was really fascinating and I wish McGee could have written more to do with those ideas. I am not sure if I will read the next instalments as a priority but it is a quick read.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Written well and is exactly what it says on the tin - fans of dramas will love!</span></i></div>
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<br />LydiaMary248http://www.blogger.com/profile/04704398765407989086noreply@blogger.com0