August Wrap Up

I opened my GoodReads account today, preparing myself to feel guilty. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised! This month I've managed to complete seven books, plus there are two books that weren't included on my June/July wrap up, even though I finished them at the end of July.

Sweep in Peace (Book 2 of the Innkeeper Chronicles) by Ilona Andrews

3/5 Stars on GoodReads

Dina DeMille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.

This is a sequel story, and was reasonably good. It didn't blow me away, and in parts just felt like a filler until the next story. However, how these books is written is v cool. Ilona Andrew's releases this series chapter by chapter on their website, so technically, if you kept on top of things, you could read along at the same time. The genre is half fantasy, half sci-fi.

Marked in Flesh (The Others book 4) by Anne Bishop

3/5 Stars on GoodReads

'For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...'

There are many parts of this book series I find it really hard to wrap my head around. The 'Others' characters just seem really simple at times, and the main character can be a bit wishy-washy. I know the point is that the world is  extremely different from our world, but it seemed a bit too much at times. I will keep reading the series, but it's not one of my favourites.

The Guest Cat by Tikashe Hiraide

4/5 Stars on GoodReads

'The Guest Cat, by the acclaimed poet Takashi Hiraide, is a subtly moving and exceptionally beautiful novel about the transient nature of life and idiosyncratic but deeply felt ways of living. A couple in their thirties live in a small rented cottage in a quiet part of Tokyo; they work at home, freelance copy-editing; they no longer have very much to say to one another. But one day a cat invites itself into their small kitchen.'

Such an interesting read! I loved the writing style, and obviously, I'm a big fan of cats!

The Bride (The Boss book 3) by Abigail Barnette

4/5 Stars on GoodReads

The Stranger (The Boss book 0.5) by Abigail Barnette

4/5 Stars on GoodReads

And I Darken by Kiersten White

5/5 Stars on GoodReads

What if Vlad the Impaler was a girl?

'No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.'

This book was so interesting to read. A great plot, interesting characters with great development, and a historical basis as well! Loved it.

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harrari

5/5 Stars on GoodReads

'100,000 years ago, at least six human species inhabited the earth. Today there is just one. Us. Homo sapiens. How did our species succeed in the battle for dominance? Why did our foraging ancestors come together to create cities and kingdoms? How did we come to believe in gods, nations and human rights; to trust money, books and laws; and to be enslaved by bureaucracy, timetables and consumerism? And what will our world be like in the millennia to come?'

A very interesting non-fiction book about the evolution and development of the human race.

The Ex (The Boss book 4) by Abigail Barnette

4/5 Stars

The Baby (The Boss book 5) by Abigail Barnette

4/5 Stars on GoodReads

AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

GoodReads Update: 63/100 read

2016 Reading Challenge:

A book and it's prequel - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (January) Assassin's Blade tbr soon!

A Book Written by a Celebrity - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Graphic Novel - River's of London: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch (January)

A Book Set in Europe - My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick (February)

A Book Set in the Summer - Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (February)

A Book Based on a Fairytale - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire (February)
A Political Memoir - I am Malala (I think this counts!) by Malala Yousafzai (March)
A Book With a Blue Cover - Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (March)
A Book Set on an Island - Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning (March)
A Book Published in 2016 - Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (March)
An Autobiography - How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (April)
A Book Under 150 pages - Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell (April)
A Book Finished in the Day - Into the Woods by Kim Harrison (April)
A Book With an Unfamiliar Culture - Ms Marvel by G Willow Wilson (April)
A Book You Haven't Read Since High School - The Crysalids by John Wyndham (April)
A YA Best seller - The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (April)
A Science-Fiction Novel - Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (May)
A Dystopian Novel - The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancy (May)
A Book Written by a Comedian - Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran (June)
A Book of Poetry - The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace (June)
A Book Set in your Home State - A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwabb (June)
A Romance Set in the Future - Saga Volume 1 (June)
A Book that's guaranteed to bring yoy joy - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (July)
A New York Times Best Seller - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (July)
A Murder Mystery - The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones (July)
A Book translated to English - The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide (August)

2015 challenge continuation...

A Book I was Supposed to Read in School (I read all the books I was supposed to when I was a student in school - I've now read this as a teacher) - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Book Based on a True Story - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (March)

A Book that made me cry - The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater (May)

June and July wrap up, August TBR

In June I hoped  to read:

• Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan FAIL
• Ruined by Amy Tintera FAIL
• Flawed by Cecilia Ahern READ - Give me a cheer!
• Everland by Wendy Spinale FAIL
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir FAIL

Oops. Sometimes you can be really ambitious with what you want to read, but in this case I actually read 14 books over the two months, so that wasn't why I couldn't get through the books on my TBR list. I suppose I just wasn't feeling in the mood for them? A lot was going on during these months, and I think I just need more 'oomph' or commitment than I had.

But what did I manage to read? Well...

Flawed by Cecilia Ahern
(4 stars on GoodReads)
"In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where perfection is paramount and flaws lead to punishment. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her everything."
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. I've read some of CA's books before, and whilst they weren't bad, I didn't love them. This book caught me up and left me wanting more.

Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake 1) by Laurell K Hamilton

(4 stars on GoodReads)

"Readers will learn how Anita Blake started raising the dead-and killing the undead."

The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake 2) by Laurell K Hamilton

 (4 stars on GoodReads)

Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake 3) by Laurell K Hamilton

(4 stars on GoodReads)

I enjoyed these three books, but after reading them I decided to stop. I have done some research on this series, and it seems to be the general consensus that they get ridiculous from about this point onwards. As I wasn't feeling hugely addicted, I thought this was a good place to stop.

Reread: Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
(always 5 stars)
"What would happen if Harry Potter grew up and joined the Fuzz" - Diana Gabaldon
I love this series so much! Seriously, read them already!

Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran
(4.5 stars, 5 on GoodReads)
‘I’ve lived through ten iOS upgrades on my Mac – and that’s just something I use to muck about on Twitter. Surely capitalism is due an upgrade or two?’
Oh Caitlin! I loved this book - it made me laugh in some parts, and was very serious in others. Definitely read Moranthology alongside this.

The Last Star by Rick Yancey
 (3.5 stars, 4 stars on GoodReads)
"They’re down here, they’re up there, they’re nowhere. They want the Earth, they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out, they came to save us."
I've got to say, this book was a bit of a let down. It is the final piece of the 5th Wave trilogy - I loved book 1 but 2 and 3 just didn't live up.

The princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace
(5 stars on GoodReads)
"a poetry collection divided into four different parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, & you."
I loved this, and it's a book of poetry. I never read poetry!

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwabb
(4 stars on GoodReads)
"Kell is one of the last Antari: hopping from Grey London — dirty, boring, lacking magic, and ruled by mad King George — to Red London — where life and magic are revered — to White London — ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne — and back, but never Black London, because travelling to Black London is forbidden."
I really enjoyed this first book (in a series or trilogy? I'm not sure yet) - I love books that are set in London, plus those that have supernatural elements, so it was perfect.

Saga Volume 1
(4 stars on GoodReads)
"Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama in this original sci-fi/fantasy epic for mature readers, as new parents Marko and Alana risk everything to raise their child amidst a never-ending galactic war."
I'm not a graphic novel/ comic expert, and have read hardly any, but I really enjoyed this. Can't get my head around some of the lifeforms though!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
(5 stars on GoodReads)
"Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first."
This is a type of 'spin-off' series from Leigh's Grisha Trilogy. I loved the world of the Grisha series, but not the stories or characters themselves. This book was perfect; set in the same universe, but new characters and a new plotline. 

The Boss by Abigail Barnette (AKA Jennifer Armintrout)
 (4 stars on GoodReads)
Jennifer Armintrout's answer to (and attempt to improve) the Fifty Shades of Grey disaster.

The Girlfriend by Abigail Barnette (AKA Jennifer Armintrout)
(4 Stars on GoodReads)
I really enjoyed these 'new' / 'alternative' versions of Fifty Shades of Grey. From my understanding AB/ JA set out to prove that books along the same lines as FSoG didn't have to be so horrendous, and she succeeded.

Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson 10) by Darynda Jones
(5 Stars on GoodReads)
"As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? "
I love Charley, what more can I say? I love saracastic, hyperactive, funny protags who have hot supernatural boyfriends and dramatic, interesting plot lines.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by JK Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
(5 Stars on GoodReads)

"As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

(please see my dedicated post for my opinion on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)

Here's my haul for both the months...

1 ARC from YALC, 4 books from Subscription boxes, 4 gifts, plus 9 I bought myself

August TBR Pile


To make sure I don't get stuck feeling under pressure to read my TBR books from last month, I've decided I'll take them all off August's TBR. This would be different if I'd been half way through, or on a roll reading them, but as it is, I don't.

My August TBR books are...

• The Court of Mist and Fury (I'm finally feeling inspired to read this!)
• The Jungle Book (we read some of this with our classes at school last term but it was too intense and hard work to finish)
• The Sin Eaters Daughter
• My Lady Jane
• This Savage Song (I now have two copies, both from subscription boxes
• The Magicians (I've started this so need to finish)
• A Gathering of Shadows (started this at YALC, need to finish!)
• Some kindle reads - I'm going away and will definitely be packing my Kindle!

GoodReads Update: 54/100 read

2016 Reading Challenge:

A book and it's prequel - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (January) Assassin's Blade tbr soon!

A Book Written by a Celebrity - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Graphic Novel - River's of London: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch (January)

A Book Set in Europe - My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick (February)

A Book Set in the Summer - Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (February)

A Book Based on a Fairytale - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire (February)
A Political Memoir - I am Malala (I think this counts!) by Malala Yousafzai (March)
A Book With a Blue Cover - Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (March)
A Book Set on an Island - Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning (March)
A Book Published in 2016 - Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (March)
An Autobiography - How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (April)
A Book Under 150 pages - Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell (April)
A Book Finished in the Day - Into the Woods by Kim Harrison (April)
A Book With an Unfamiliar Culture - Ms Marvel by G Willow Wilson (April)
A Book You Haven't Read Since High School - The Crysalids by John Wyndham (April)
A YA Best seller - The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (April)
A Science-Fiction Novel - Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (May)
A Dystopian Novel - The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancy (May)
A Book Written by a Comedian - Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran (June)
A Book of Poetry - The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace (June)
A Book Set in your Home State - A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwabb (June)
A Romance Set in the Future - Saga Volume 1 (June)
A Book that's guaranteed to bring yoy joy - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (July)
A New York Times Best Seller - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (July)
A Murder Mystery - The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones (July)

2015 challenge continuation...

A Book I was Supposed to Read in School (I read all the books I was supposed to when I was a student in school - I've now read this as a teacher) - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Book Based on a True Story - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (March)

A Book that made me cry - The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater (May)

April Wrap Up and May TBR

How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

5/5 Stars
Caitlin Moran always makes me laugh. Her articles and tweets have always made me laugh, and this book did the same whilst also discussing feminism and modern 'womanhood'.

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell 

4/5 Stars

This is actually the first Rainbow Rowell I've read and was really sweet. Loved how it was about Star Wars 7 too!

Into the Woods by Kim Harrison

4/5 Stars

Lots of short stories, mostly from the Hollows universe.

Dollar Signs by Manning Wolfe

3/5 Stars

I was sent this book to review, and you can read this review here on this blog.

Ms Marvel by G Willow Wilson

4/5 Stars

My first proper comic book! I really enjoyed it, I just wish it had been longer. I can't afford to buy such short stories when they're so pricey!

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

I enjoyed this first book by Victoria Aveyard - a strong fantasy world with interesting characters.

4/5 Stars

The Crysalids by John Wyndham

A reread, but still 5/5 Stars

This book ALWAYS intrigues me. An interesting look at how our world could end up...

May To Be Read...

I have 5 books planned to read in May:

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey (I might have to reread The Fifth Wave)

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Moranthology by Caitlin Moran

GoodReads Update: 34/100 read

2016 Reading Challenge:

A book and it's prequel - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (January) Assassin's Blade tbr soon!

A Book Written by a Celebrity - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Graphic Novel - River's of London: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch (January)

A Book Set in Europe - My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick (February)

A Book Set in the Summer - Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (February)

A Book Based on a Fairytale - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire (February)
A Political Memoir - I am Malala (I think this counts!) by Malala Yousafzai (March)
A Book With a Blue Cover - Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (March)
A Book Set on an Island - Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning (March)
A Book Published in 2016 - Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (March)
An Autobiography - How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (April)
A Book Under 150 pages - Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell (April)
A Book Finished in the Day - Into the Woods by Kim Harrison (April)
A Book With an Unfamiliar Culture - Ms Marvel by G Willow Wilson (April)
A Book You Haven't Read Since High School - The Crysalids by John Wyndham (April)
A YA Best seller - The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (April)

2015 challenge continuation...

A Book I was Supposed to Read in School (I read all the books I was supposed to when I was a student in school - I've now read this as a teacher) - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Book Based on a True Story - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (March)

Dollar Signs by Manning Wolfe

Thank you to the author for sending me a signed copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Dollar Signs is the first book in a future series about Merit Bridges, an attorney and widowed mother in Austin, Texas. In the story Merit and her legal team take on a corporation with corrupt methods. With their lives threatened, the team race against the clock to win their case. 

My first impression was hugely positive. The book was of good quality and the front cover was intriguing. 

Writing

I knew from the start that I might find it hard to follow the story as it's not the genre I usually read, however I was pleasantly surprised. The author had obviously put a lot of effort into her writing. I think had this book been a little faster paced, I would have been sucked in more, but I certainly wasn't reluctant to carry on reading it.

I found the legal jargon and details a little too much as it made it harder for me, someone who has not trained in the law, to understand. Obviously, for someone who understands the terms and vocabulary, this would not be an issue. Perhaps if I read this genre more I'd have understood more, but I also believe this level of detail was unnecessary for the plot. 

I also found some areas of writing a little choppy - they made sense to read but didn't flow so well. As a primary school teacher who is constantly attempting to help her year fours improve their writing, I am possibly wearing my teachers hat here but I do believe flow is important! 

This definitely wasn't a badly written book. Authors improve with experience, and this is the authors first book, so I can appreciate that her style of writing will evolve.

Characters and story

Whilst Merit was an interesting character (with a back story and future potential) but I have to say I didn't connect with her or the other characters. I just couldn't work out what was 'bad ass' about her team, or why Merit kept saying 'coolio!'. Lots of the characters didn't seem to play a part in the larger plot.

The plot was interesting, although I generally find legal matters hard to follow. A lot of my lack of understanding probabl not only came from the legal genre but from the location - Texas. 

I have never been to the U.S. and Texas probably wouldn't be the first place if head. I'd like to go there, but it's a bit further down the list. Anyway, this is relevant because I feel some plot points, statements and jokes were ones that would only make sense to Americans or perhaps even only Texans. I also felt that at some points the book was getting dangerously close to being a pro- gun advert. I mean, everyone has their own opinions and they are allowed them, but I didn't think it was necessary. 

Overall

Overall I gave this book 3 stars on GoodReads, but it's probably closer to 3.5 stars. Easy to read but could have been more adventurous with the writing. Good plot line but not an addictive read.

March Wrap Up

Here we are, my reads from this March. I'm very impressed with myself, actually, as I read a lot and because 2 of those books have been gathering dust on my To Be Read shelf. The other 4 were all brand new releases, so we definitely got off the press! 

What did I think of these? Well...very good things!

Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was eagerly awaiting the release of this book, a continuation of the Fever series, but it actually took me a while to pick it up. I just wasn't in the mood. However, once I did pick it up I pliers through it quickly. If you haven't heard of the series, they are an urban fantasy series set in Dublin. The main character, Mac, is an American in her early twenties who flies to Ireland to try to investigate her elder sister's murder. This book is book 8 (I think) so to reveal the plot would be very spoilery. However, I was delighted by the appearance of a certain character, as I had imagined that happening many times, whilst daydreaming! I am still slightly frustrated by Mac's relationship with another couple of main characters, but I am hopeful these annoyances will either be plot points further along in the series or will get sorted soon! 

Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Mercy Thompson books were the first ever Urban Fantasy I read. Or at least, books that I classified as such. I love Mercy's wit, bravery and attitude towards her life. I can't give much of this plot away, but I can say it's continuing Mercy's story in a world where werewolves and the fae are 'out of the closet'. War is brewing and Mercy is stuck in the middle.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've wanted to read this book for a long time, but I've never really read memoirs before. I knew I'd want to read it without anynother books distracting me, but I'm rarely in a 'read an entire non-fiction book in one go' mood (I tend to dip in and out). So I'm very glad I made time for this! You can tell this is written by a young person, as the writing style is less established and polished. However, that almost makes it even more inspiring as it reminds you of how young Malala is and how English is not her first language. As a teacher, I found all the information about education and learning very interesting as well. Malala is very inspirational, and this book reminded me why learning is so vital.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent 

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on real life events, this book tells the story of a woman in Iceland who is sentenced to be executed for her part in a murder. She is sent to live with a family whilst waiting for the date of her death to be finalised. I was surprised by this book - the emotions and attachment really creep up on the reader AND the characters in the story. It was really interesting to read something based on a true story, because obviously we can never truly know the motives and feelings behind crimes that happened so long ago. I would recommend this to both fiction and history fans!

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can still remember the day that I first picked up City of Bones. It was literally the day it arrived in my local Waterstones - with the original UK covers! I actually ended up giving the book away (after devouring it in one sitting) because I was so horrified with the well known plot twist. Luckily, I still picked up book two when it was released and LOVED it. I resisted picking up this book for as long as I could - I know the pain of waiting for the next book in a Cassandra Clare series and I was trying to reduce that a little bit! It didn't last though :P I read this book either sat in a chair looking out over a beautiful Cornish beach, or on the 5 hour train journey back from Cornwall to London, and the time flew! 

Seven Black Diamonds by Melissa Marr

GoodReads rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's been years now since I first read and fell in love with the Wicked Lovely series, and I've got to say I've yet to find a Melissa Marr series that I obsess over as much. I love those books! I really enjoyed this, but it didn't hit the same spot the WL books did. Perhaps it's because I was 16 when I read WL? I'll have to re read them and see if they have the same effect!

GoodReads Update: 27/100 read

2016 Reading Challenge:

A book and it's prequel - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (January) Assassin's Blade tbr soon!

A Book Written by a Celebrity - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Graphic Novel - River's of London: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch (January)

A Book Set in Europe - My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick (February)

A Book Set in the Summer - Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (February)

A Book Based on a Fairytale - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire (February)
A Political Memoir - I am Malala (I think this counts!) by Malala Yousafzai (March)
A Book With a Blue Cover - Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (March)
A Book Set on an Island - Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning (March)
A Book Published in 2016 - Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (March)

2015 challenge continuation...

A Book I was Supposed to Read in School (I read all the books I was supposed to when I was a student in school - I've now read this as a teacher) - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Book Based on a True Story - Burial Rites by Hannah Kent (March)

Books from 2015 that I didn't read:

• A classic Romance
• A book that became a movie
• A Pullitzer prize winner
• Antonyms
• Published in the year I was born
• A book that made me cry
• Originally in a different language
• A book that was once a play
• A banned book

February Wrap Up!

Yes, it's well in to March at this point, but (as always) better late than never.

Rosemary and Rue (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

3.5/5 Stars (4 stars on GoodReads)

I completely forgot, until I began reading this again, that I had attempted to read this once before. I remember, and agreed, that it was a very slow start. In fact, whilst the book improves once you get past half way, it's also true that the series really only gathers pace a few books in. This wasn't the most exciting first book in an Urban Fantasy series, hence the 3.5 stars, but I'm glad I persevered, as February ended up being a month of Toby Daye...

A Local Habitation (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

4/5 stars

The series was still slow at this point, although the pace and plot were still good. I just couldn't really immerse myself properly; I liked the characters and from other reviews knew that it would get better, so I was happy to give this book a better rating than number 1.

An Artificial Night (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

4.5/5 stars (5 stars on GoodReads)

This is where I felt the series began to properly pick up steam. I felt much more immersed, other characters played a larger part and Toby herself was beginning to feel more familiar,

I do also have to say, now that I'm reminding myself, I really like these covers. They don't have that 'tacky' appearance that some UF books have, with half naked people everywhere. They're interesting to look at whilst leaving everything vague enough, so that your personal image of the character isn't altered (or, if you're like me and never really picture their faces properly, the random blur isn't replaced by a weirdly lifelike book model).

Late Eclipses (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 stars

One Salt Sea (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 stars

Ashes of Honor (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 stars

Chimes at Midnight (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 Stars

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

3.75/5 stars (4 stars on GoodReads)

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COVER. A lovely little book to read. Not 100% obsessed with the plot or the characters, but I enjoyed it. This may have been a book I read once then gave away, but the cover looks too damn good on my bookshelf. That's where the extra 0.25 of a star came from, as well!

An Utterly Impartial History of Britain, or 2000 years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge by John O'Farrell

4/5 Stars

A lot of reading in this book, but most parts are delivered with a sarcastic humour that made me snort a LOT when reading it. Typically, once it got to 'recent' history (and for some reason my brain thinks late 17th century is a part of this) I started to get less interested in carrying on, but worth the read as I learnt a few random facts!

My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick

3.5/5 stars (4 stars on GoodReads)

A book bought for my sister years ago, as she is/was obsessed with Russia, and didn't read enough (in our opinion :P) I don't think she ever picked it up. I enjoyed it! Not a book I'd read again, but a nice twist on Eastern European folklore.

The Winter Long (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 stars

A Red-Rose Chain (An October Daye Novel) by Seanan McGuire

5/5 stars

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green 

(DID NOT FINISH)

I'm a big John Green fan, but that's always been because of vlogbrothers, rather than his books. TFIOS made me sob, and convinced me to try more of his books, but I've never quite got his writing style. It's never managed to keep me engaged. This was the same. Well written, but not the genre I normally read, and not a style that intrigued me. I tried, John, sorry. I still have a couple more of your books to have a look at, but I think you'll always be a Youtuber before an author in my mind.

2016 Reading Challenge:

A YA Bestseller - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (January)

A Book Written by a Celebrity - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

A Graphic Novel - River's of London: Body Work by Ben Aaronovitch (January)
A Book Set in Europe - My Sword Hand is Singing by Marcus Desgwick (February)
A Book Set in the Summer - Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour (February)
A Book Based on a Fairytale - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire (February)

2015 challenge continuation...

A Book I was Supposed to Read in School (I read all the books I was supposed to when I was a student in school - I've now read this as a teacher) - Gangsta Granny by David Walliams (January)

Books from 2015 that I didn't read:

• A classic Romance
• A book that became a movie
• A Pullitzer prize winner
• A book based on a true story
• Antonyms
• Published in the year I was born
• A book that made me cry
• Originally in a different language
• A book that was once a play
• A banned book