All Of This Is True by Lygia Day Peñaflor Review

3*/5*

I received this book in my Book Box Club subscription box. It was my first box to come from this company and, although I was impressed with the other goodies that came in the box, I was not really a fan of All Of This Is True. The theme for this box was ‘Bad Girls’ which intrigued me, and as the box was half price I thought I would give it a go.

All Of This Is True is a novel centered around 3 best friends, a mysterious boy, and an up and coming writer. The 3 friends are obsessed with a book by Fatima Ro and become good friends with her after attending a book signing near their town. It becomes clear very early on that Fatima has published a second book, based on secrets the girls and the mysterious boy, Jonah, had told her.

The book is interestingly laid out, with some chapters written as dialogue from an interview, some as emails published in a newspaper and the rest are excerpts from the novel Fatima published about the group. I was unsure of how well the story would flow with the change in writing every few pages however I found that the story flowed very nicely and was actually a very easy read.

My main issue was I didn’t like ANY of the characters. Marni came across as delusional, Penny a coward, Soleil naive, and Fatima a narcissist. They were all quite bland and one dimensional which left it really difficult to empathise with any of them.

The so-called ‘plot-twists’ you could see coming from within the first 50 pages, which was frustrating. Yet despite the amateurish writing style, terrible character development and so on, I couldn’t put the book down – and I have no idea why.

Overall, I was disappointed as part of me was expecting something more intense and instead, everything just felt mediocre.

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman Spoiler Free Review

5*/5*

Neal Shusterman has only gone and done it again! I was really worried that this series could succumb to the curse of the sequel but I was so wrong.

Thunderhead is the second book in the Arc of the Scythe series and the follow up to one of my favourite reads of the year, Scythe. The first in the series followed the apprenticeships of Citra and Rowan, in Thunderhead we see the characters one year on from the Scythe finale.

In the previous book we had excerpts from different Scythe journals but in this one, we get small glimpses into the thoughts of the Thunderhead. I didn’t think I would enjoy this change but I absolutely loved seeing the Thunderhead’s development and it’s perspective on humanity.

Citra’s development has been steady but Rowan steals my heart on every page, how much more can the poor guy take. Xenocrates is till the pain in the ass he was in the first book but I didn’t exactly expect him to change.

The first 50% of the book I would probably give a 4/5 but that second half, oh my goodness those last few chapters…it’s taken me a few days to process so I could write this. If you have not read this series then I strongly recommend you do, even if it is for the sociological implications of living in a near-perfect world.

Don’t wake me up until the next book comes out in 2019!

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard Spolier-free Review

3*/5*

13 days. It took me 13 days to finish this book. Forget the battles in the book, it was a battle to finish it.

War Storm is the 4th and final book in the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. The first book was an incredible read but with each book it felt like the story went downhill. War Storm kicks off with the Mare, Cal and the others dealing with Cal’s betrayal in King’s Cage, echoing the previous book’s motto; Trust no-one. Even after this betrayal, Mare and the Scarlet Guard still have to fight alongside Cal and his silver supporters, setting their own feelings aside with the hope of defeating Maven and his Lakelander alliance.

I found Mare marginally less annoying in War Storm as she finally became a leader and stopped thinking about herself for a change but Evangeline was the stand out character for me. Her character progression was by far my favourite in this series. However, I felt disappointed with how things played out for the other characters. Cameron was left on the sidelines, Gisa could have done so much more, Farley became a bit one dimensional, Cal somehow went from a warrior to a toddler and Maven deserved a bang rather than a fizzle.

For me, this book did not do the series justice. I wanted and expected more than what I got, especially in the epilogue. I don’t want this to turn into a rant about all the things I didn’t like because some parts were actually quite good. Mare overcoming her fears to meet with Maven and Iris was a highlight for me and Iris was a good addition to the storyline and really came into her own.

I think one of the reasons it took me so long to read was that the chapters were incredibly long. There was no “I’ll just read one more chapter before I go to sleep” when a chapter is going to take you 45 minutes to read. I also found many parts of War Storm repetitive. I understand you need a little recap at the beginning of the book to remind readers what happened previously but that shouldn’t take up 50% of the book.

I’m glad this is the last in the series, I don’t think I would want to read another but I am happy I made it until the end.

Me in Book Characters Tag!

I was tagged by Sara @ The Bibliophagist to do the Me in Book Characters tag so big thank you to Sara 😀 This was not an easy tag to do but I gave it my best shot.

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Rules:

• Thank the creators of the tag – Ash and Lo @Windowsill Books
• Thank whoever tagged you.
• List 5 book characters who you relate to most and explain why.
• Tag some of your friends!

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My characters:

1. Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones’ Diary

When I read the books and saw the films I couldn’t help but laugh at the similarities. We are both extremely clumsy, both fall for complete arseholes, both have a habit of saying things out loud that we shouldn’t, both keep a diary and both of us wear big knickers!

2. Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series

Hermione was probably the first character I ever related to. I was 6 when I read the first book, 2 years after it had been published. A teacher gave me it to read because I had already surpassed the reading level of all the books in the school library, and read most of them anyway. I was bullied at school, mainly as a result of this, but Hermione seemed so cool and like the kind of person I wanted to have as a friend that it helped me realise that there was nothing wrong with loving books and reading.

3. Xio from Poet X

For a long time, poetry was the only way I could express myself. Saying words to peoples faces was (and still is I guess) scary, but writing them down helped empty my head from everything I kept trapped in there. That is what Xio does in Poet X. Her experiences are different from mine, but the motivation is the same.

4. Anne from Anne of Green Gables

Anne is smart, she is weird, she has this incredibly vivid imagination and somehow every one spells her name wrong. I loved all these parts of her and they helped accept my own weirdness. Unlike me, she oozed confidence, but that just made me love her even more (plus…Gilbert Blythe people <3).

5. Jo from Little Women

Firstly, Jo loves her books and cries when she reads and for that I love her. We both seem to always spill something down our clothes, are quick-tempered and not the most ladylike. She never cared about being girly which I thought was refreshing and as much as she may have argued with her family, at the end of the day she would do anything for them and so would I.

I tag you, the person reading this right now….go on, you know you want to.

6 Books I Own But Haven’t Read Yet

I think I have mentioned recently on this blog that I have, only in the last few months, got back into reading. That doesn’t mean I stopped buying books though! So I thought I would compile a list of books that I have had for over a year (one for 9+ years!), enough so I can add one a month to my TBR. Here we go…

1. My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

I have had this maybe 11 months (not quite a year I know) and I honestly bought this because the cover looked INCREDIBLE and it is described as a hybrid of the movies Beaches and The Exorcist which sounds amazing. I believe it is a YA Horror that was published in 2016.

Goodreads description – A heartwarming story of friendship and demonic possession. The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby. Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries–and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil? Like an unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist, My Best Friend’s Exorcism blends teen angst, adolescent drama, unspeakable horrors, and a mix of ’80s pop songs into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller.

2. I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk

In complete contrast to the book above is this funny romantic debut novel. I read another of Kelk’s books, What A Girl Wants, and I really enjoyed it so I was hoping this would be a similar lighthearted read, but i just never got around to it.

Goodreads description – Get ready to meet Angela Clark as she flees the world’s worst wedding for a new life…
It’s official. Angela Clarke is in love – with the most fabulous city in the world.
Fleeing her cheating boyfriend and clutching little more than a crumpled bridesmaid dress, a pair of Louboutins and her passport, Angela jumps on a plane, destination – NYC.
Holed up in a cute hotel room, Angela gets a New York makeover from her NBF Jenny and a whirlwind tour of the city that never sleeps. Before she knows it, Angela is dating two sexy guys. And, best of all, she gets to write about it in her new blog (Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out). But it’s one thing telling readers about your romantic dilemmas, it’s another figuring them out for yourself …
Angela has fallen head over heels for the big apple, but does she heart New York more than home?

3. Not That Kind Of Girl – Lena Dunham

I used to be obsessed with Dunham’s TV show Girls. I bought this book because I enjoyed her sense of humour on the show and thought I would enjoy reading this. I remember it being controversial when it came out but I want to judge for myself. She is an outspoken feminist which I respect and hope she wrote about in this book.

Goodreads description – “There is nothing gutsier to me than a person announcing that their story is one that deserves to be told,” writes Lena Dunham, and it certainly takes guts to share the stories that make up her first book, Not That Kind of Girl. These are stories about getting your butt touched by your boss, about friendship and dieting (kind of) and having two existential crises before the age of 20. Stories about travel, both successful and less so, and about having the kind of sex where you feel like keeping your sneakers on in case you have to run away during the act. Stories about proving yourself to a room of 50-year-old men in Hollywood and showing up to “an outlandishly high-fashion event with the crustiest red nose you ever saw.” Fearless, smart, and as heartbreakingly honest as ever, Not That Kind of Girl establishes Lena Dunham as more than a hugely talented director, actress and producer-it announces her as a fresh and vibrant new literary voice. 

4. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I was going through all of the books on my kindle and I don’t even remember buying this one! I’ve heard very mixed reviews from people about this series so I am interested to know what you thought if you have read this. I do love getting into a series when there are already a few sequels (i’m very impatient lol) so will give this a go soon.

Goodreads description – Feyre’s survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price …

5. Only Ever Yours – Louise O’Neill

I went into Waterstones 3 years ago to buy a book that I hoped would kick start my love for reading again. I got a chapter into this I think, put it down and just never picked it up again. I absolutely loved the premise so I’m really excited about getting around to reading this…finally.

Goodreads description – In a world in which baby girls are no longer born naturally, women are bred in schools, trained in the arts of pleasing men until they are ready for the outside world. At graduation, the most highly rated girls become “companions”, permitted to live with their husbands and breed sons until they are no longer useful.
For the girls left behind, the future – as a concubine or a teacher – is grim.
Best friends Freida and Isabel are sure they’ll be chosen as companions – they are among the most highly rated girls in their year.
But as the intensity of final year takes hold, Isabel does the unthinkable and starts to put on weight. ..
And then, into this sealed female environment, the boys arrive, eager to choose a bride.
Freida must fight for her future – even if it means betraying the only friend, the only love, she has ever known. . .

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I have loved every television and movie adaptation I have seen of Jane Eyre but I have never read the book, I am a terrible human being I know. I have owned this book for maybe 9 years and not read it!!!! Time to change that.

Goodreads description – Charlotte Brontë tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane’s natural independence and spirit – which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of Byronic, brooding Mr Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall’s terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions – even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman’s search for equality and freedom. 

There we have it 6 books, 6 months left and a lot of reading to do. These 6 will be mixed into my TBR lists from July onward – but which one should I start with first?

Anya x

Caraval by Stephanie Garber Review

4.25*

When I bought this book I had no idea that it was the first in a series and that the sequel came out the same month…but with that little twist in the epilogue, I am glad I can go and buy it straight away!

Scarlett lives with her sister, Tella, and their abusive father on the Isle of Trisda. Since she was very young she has dreamed of going to Caraval, a travelling game of magic and mystery. A week or so before she is due to get married to a stranger she receives a letter from the host of Caraval, Master Legend, inviting her to play in this year’s Caraval. I won’t say any thing more, you’ll just have to read it and experience the treacherous magic yourself.

I loved the crazy imagination behind this book, reminding me of Alice in Wonderland in that respect. The descriptions of emotions as colour was a particular highlight for me. I did struggle with trying to picture some of the authors intent but the majority was a delight to read.

I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Scarlett, as she came across as the typical ‘perfect girl’ YA trope which I find frustrating. Despite this, I loved the dynamic between her and Julian and the relationship between the sisters was particularly believable.

I devoured this book in three days. I struggled through the first 40 pages or so but the rest had me hooked. I would definitely recommend this book and I will be reading the sequel ‘Legendary’ very soon.

May Reading Wrap Up & June TBR

May started off with a lovely day trip to London with my even lovelier friend Bobbi where I spent a ridiculous amount on books (definitely worth it!). The rest of the month I’ve mainly been working, oh and a little thing called Eurovision happened. I still haven’t started my new job yet, not until this coming Monday, then I will officially be a Community Engagement Officer…sounds fancy.

I didn’t manage to read as many books as the 9 I managed last month but I did get through 6 so here they are, ranked in order of my most favourite to least.

1. Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen 5* (MY REVIEW)
2. Scythe by Neal Shusterman 4.75* (MY REVIEW)
3. Glass Sword (MY REVIEW) and King’s Cage (MY REVIEW) by Victoria Aveyard 3.75*
4. Sea Witch by Sarah Henning 3.5*(MY REVIEW)
5. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher 3.25* (MY REVIEW)

Orphan Monster Spy is one hell of a book and definitely deserves to be at the top of the list, plus the author is very friendly on Twitter.

June TBR

1. Caraval by Stephanie Garner
2. War Storm by Victoria Aveyard
3. The Summer of Us by Cecilia Vinesse
4. Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

I’m only going to have the 4 for now as I don’t know how easy it’s going to be fitting reading around my new job, I can always add more later 🙂

What have you read recently that you would recommend?

Anya x

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning Review

I was fortunate enough to receive this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I was quite excited about reading this as it is marketed as sort of an origin story for Ursula from Disney’s Little Mermaid which is one of my favourite movies.

Evie is best friends with Prince Nik, the 2 of them are inseparable despite Evie being just a fisherman’s daughter and an outcast, however there used to be 3 of them. Four years ago Evie and Nik’s other best friend Anna tragically drowned. Then Annemette turns up seemingly from nowhere and she is the spitting image of Anna down to her freckles. But Annemette has secrets and so does Evie, secrets that if they were to get out would destroy everything.

I have given Sea Witch a rating of 3.5*. The idea is there but I just felt like the execution didn’t reach my expectations. I spent most of the book rooting for Evie and her love interest only for that to all change quite suddenly in the last few chapters – it just threw the book of balance.

It was a quick and easy read but the lack of world building and confusing order of flashbacks let it down. Nik and Iker were stand out characters and some of the descriptions of Denmark were beautiful.

I enjoyed it, just not as much as I wanted to. This would make a good holiday read.

The Hardest Game of ‘Would You Rather’ for Book Nerds

I just saw Kristin Kraves Books do this and she got the idea from Thrice Reads and I just had to take on the challenge for myself. They found these questions in a Buzzfeed article  and it looked interesting so I thought I’d give it a go.

1. Would you rather have a friend who loses your books, or one who dog-ears them?

I am one of those terrible people that if I can’t find a bookmark/receipt/bus ticket/sweet wrapper/anything flat then I will dog-ear. Just enough so I don’t lose my place, unlike my step-mother who folds the entire page in half…she is going to hell.

2. Would you rather secretly love a book everyone else hates, or secretly hate a book everyone else loves?

I don’t think I would keep my opinion secret either way but if I had to pick I would probably go for secretly loving a book everyone hates.

3. Would you rather be stuck on a very long plane or train ride without a book?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

A very long plane journey would probably have in-flight entertainment so I’m going to say plane. I love looking out at the clouds as well whereas on some train rides the view is not so great.

4. Would you rather have dinner with your favorite author or your favorite character?

Favourite character…but don’t ask me to pick one!

5. Would you rather date a character you have a crush on or your crush from real life?

I’m sorry Hermione and Gilbert Blythe but I have got to say my real life crush ><

6. Would you rather have your favorite book turned into a movie, or your favorite movie turned into a book?

Both are risky but if I got to consult on the movie it would be favourite book turned into a movie.

7. Would you rather read a book with an annoying cliffhanger, or one where your favorite character is killed off?

Photo by Lukas Hartmann on Pexels.com

Cliffhanger, I will not go through another character death heartbreak again!

8. Would you rather lose the ability to read any new books, or the ability to reread books you’ve already read?

I’d rather lose the ability to reread books, I don’t reread very often so this is an easy one.

9. Would you rather live in a library or a bookstore?

Photo by Janko Ferlic on Pexels.com

 

Living in a library would be a lot cheaper haha

10. Would you rather lose your place or get a paper cut every time you read a book?

I read quite a few books so I choose to lose my place, i’ll find it again 🙂

11. Would you rather have to always read in the dark, or always read books with tiny text?

Read in the dark…i’d just use a few nice scented candle or a back-lit kindle.

12. Would you rather read by a fireplace, or on the beach?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

Fireplace, no contest here! I am a big fan of hygge and curled up with a book in front of a fireplace sounds 100% perfect.

Feel free to have a go at these yourself!

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen Review

5*/5*

Where do I even start with Matt Killeen’s Orphan Monster Spy? This was the first historical book I have read in a while and it did not disappoint! It was an intense,

Orphan Monster Spy is the story of Sarah, a 15-year-old Jewish girl whose mother has just been shot as they try to escape Germany during the Second World War. As Sarah picks herself up and attempts to escape on her own she meets a British spy in trouble and risks her own life to save his, but her life is put in even more danger as a result.

I devoured this book. The tension in this story starts on page one and only increases with each chapter. The relationship between Sarah and the Captain was a risky one to write but Killeen did this elegantly and I look forward to seeing their father-daughter dynamic grow even further in the sequel.

The climax of this book was a work of art, think St Trinians meets James Bond. Although it didn’t end on a cliff-hanger per se, I continued to be shocked all the way to the last page.

Going into this book I did not expect it to be quite as violent or as graphic and disturbing as it was. Yes, the quote on the cover from Elizabeth Wein says disturbing but, I mean, it’s a YA book after all.  Be prepared for graphic details of violence and references to sexual abuse of underage girls. This story was a tough one to read in places so approach with caution, especially if you are a younger reader.

I absolutely have to give this book 5*, I tried but I simply could not find fault in this incredible debut novel.