Recent book haul

Whilst I was home over half term I spent a couple of hours scouring local charity shops to find cheap books. I ended up spending £10 and bought the books below:

That's £2 a book! And they were all pretty good quality

'Bess of Hardwick was one of the most remarkable women of the Tudor era. Gently-born in reduced circumstances, she was married at 15, wedded at 16 and still a virgin. At 19 she married a man more than twice her age, Sir William Cavendish, a senior auditor in King Henry VIII's Court of Augmentations. Responsible for seizing church properties for the crown during the Dissolution, Cavendish enriched himself in the process. During the reign of King Edward VI, Cavendish was the Treasurer to the boy king and sisters and he and Bess moved in the highest levels of society. They had a London home and built Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. After Cavendish's death her third husband was poisoned by his brother. Bess' 4th marriage to the patrician George, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl Marshall of England, made Bess one of the most important women at court. Her shrewd business acumen was a byword and she was said to have 'a masculine understanding', in that age when women had little education and few legal rights. The Earl's death made her arguably the wealthiest and therefore - next to the Queen - the most powerful woman in the country.' - Amazon.

'Souls cross ages like clouds cross skies . . .

Six interlocking lives - one amazing adventure. In a narrative that circles the globe and reaches from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future, Cloud Atlas erases the boundaries of time, genre and language to offer an enthralling vision of humanity's will to power, and where it will lead us.' - Amazon

This is the cover of the book I found, and no I do not like it. I want one of the prettier covers! But this one was £2 so I'm not complaining too much.

'THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING OUTLANDER SERIES - soon to be a major new TV series.

For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to the majesty of Scotland's mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones, about a love that transcends the boundaries of time, and about James Fraser, a warrior whose gallantry once drew the young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his.

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful daughter as Claire's spellbinding journey continues in the intrigue-ridden court of Charles Edward Stuart, in a race to thwart a doomed uprising, and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves.' - Amazon

I like this cover, but I used to have the prettier original cover. Then my sister lost it. She still owes me the book, but I bought this anyway.

'HERE IS A SMALL FACT - YOU ARE GOING TO DIE

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION - THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH

It's a small story, about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of thievery.

ANOTHER THING YOU SHOULD KNOW - DEATH WILL VISIT THE BOOK THIEF THREE TIMES' - Amazon

'The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.' - Amazon.

I've read two of these already (once before I even bought the book, and the other the day I bought them). 

Have you read any of these? Thoughts?

What have I read during February (and since I last posted here)

I have read a lot more than I expected to during February, but I was so tired during half term that I completely forgot to post!

The last book I wrote about here was....trying to read The End of Mr Y (and I failed).

Since then I have read:

Crown of  Midnight by Sarah J Maas
Burned by Karen Marie Moning (on my kindle)
Firelight, Moonglow and Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan (on my kindle)
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
Delilah by Eleanor Jong
The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

I finally got round to starting this series at the end of last year, and this month I read the second book in the series. I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of character development, and some huge plot twists. I love high fantasy, and this series so far seems really accessible. The characters are funny and great to read about. The third book was ordered straight away.

Burned by Karen Marie Moning

I had heard mixed reviews on the book before this in the series (Iced) but I read that in January and enjoyed it. This book returned to Mac's storyline, and I loved it. For those of you who don't know about these books; this is book number 7 in the Fever series. This series is urban fantasy set in Dublin, with a lot of adult content. I wish the next book was already here!

Firelight, Moonglow and Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan

 I read these books on my kindle very quickly. They are a steampunk urban fantasy series set in Victorian London, and are the first three books in The Darkest London series. I had had Firelight on my To Be Read list on Amazon for a while. They are quite light-hearted and serious at the same time. They are a fun, quick read. These first three books are told from the point of view of three sisters (one sister per book) who encounter supernatural events in London. There are at least two more books, told from points of view of characters who are NOT in the family, but are introduced by Winterblaze. 

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

I love a good Philippa Gregory book. The Other Boleyn Girl (about Mary Boleyn ) is one of my favourite books ever, and I have read all of her Tudor Court books (my second favourite is The Constant Princess, about Katherine of Aragon). The Red Queen is the second book in The Cousins War series, and is the third one in the series that I have read. Perhaps it is more accurate to call them a 'collection' because these books don't really have to be read in chronological order. My favourite in this series so far (there are at least 2 I haven't read, although I have at least read the first three in collection) was The Lady of the Rivers - not least because I found out my family tree can be traced back to her! Anyway, I enjoyed this book because it added to the immersion in the rest of the series, taking into account the point of view of a character mentioned in The White Queen. Perhaps it might be useful to break down who each book centres on?

The Cousins War

• The Lady of the Rivers -  Jacquetta Woodville mother of Elizabeth Woodville (Lancaster House, then York House)
• The Red Queen - Margaret Beaufort mother of Henry Tudor (Lancaster House)
• The White Queen - Elizabeth Woodville mother of Elizabeth of York (York House)
• The Kingmakers Daughter - Isabelle and Anne Neville (I have not read this yet)
• The White Princess - Elizabeth of York wife of Henry Tudor and daughter of Elizabeth Woodville (I have not read this yet)
• The Kings Curse - Margaret Pole. (I have not read this yet, but it overlaps, timeline wise, with the Tudor Court series,

The Tudor Court

• The Constant Princess - a young Katherine of Aragon
• The Other Boleyn Girl - Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn
• The Boleyn Inheritance - Jane Boleyn, sister in law to Anne and Mary, set during Jane Seymour/ Anne of Cleves/ Katherine Howard time period. Katherine Howard is also a pov character, if I remember correctly. She links to the Boleyns because the Boleyn family is a branch of the Howard family.]
• The Queens Fool - a jewish girl living in court as a Royal fool, during Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I reigns.
• The Virgins Lover - Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and Amy Dudley.
• The Other Queen - Mary Queen of Scots (I don't think I've read this)

Delilah by Eleanor Jong

This book is about Delilah, of Samson and Delilah fame. It centres on her character and imagines Delilahs reasons for the betrayal of Samson. I liked this book, but it is not one I would reread.

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

This is the sequel to The Bone Season, a urban sci-fi/ fantasy book set in futuristic London, if London had taken a very different path at the end of the 19th century. I really enjoyed the first book, and this did not disappoint, ending on a massive cliffhanger. I feel like these books are a good step between YA fantasy, and adult (I hate calling things adult as there is really no such thing) fantasy. The characters were interesting, the plot really exciting, and I love all books centred on London!

I also reread Fire by Kristen Cashore this month. I love that book, and all the characters, so much. If you have not read the Graceling series, do so now.

Clair's 2015 Reading Challenge:

• A book you read in a day - Dreamfever/ Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (3rd January 2015)
• A book with magic in it - The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan (9th January 2015)
• A book written by someone under 30 - The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon (21st February 2015)
• A book with a colour in the title - The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory (18th February 2015)
• A book that takes place in your hometown - The Darkest London series by Kristen Callihan (February 2015)
• A book set in a different country - Delilah by Eleanor Jong (15th February 2015)
• A book with nonhuman characters - Burned by Karen Marie Moning (February 2015)
• A book with a female author - A Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

~to be added to as time passes~

Apologies for a lack of posts recently; I've been having a hard time at work and then to top it all off, I was ill. Thanks children.

I'll be posting properly soon, but to keep this blog updated I HAVE been reading loads. I'm currently really enjoying Jennifer Armentrouts piss take rereads of the fifty shades books.

Two things to very briefly mention in this post...

1. I was reading The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas, but I have given up. Whilst it was well written, and I've heard the plot is exciting, interesting and bizarre, I just couldn't get in to it. I have so many books on my To Be Read list, that I decided to prioritise those and to go with my gut feeling; this book was just not for me.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this book. There are quite a few places I could donate the book to, such as the tube near where I live that has a book donation shelf. However, if anyone is interested in reading it, and can give me some good reasons as to why I should post it to them, feel free to leave a comment. All I ask is that you read some more of my posts and maybe recommend this blog on some of your social media sites :P Seems a bit self promoting, but I really want to interact with more people on this blog, and the main way to do this is to get more readers! This can only happen if I self promote!

If you're interested in learning more about this book, head over to Glasgow Beauty Blogger (http://www.glasgowbeautyblogger.com/2014/06/what-im-reading-end-of-mr-y.html), who is the person who took the photo of the book above, and is one of the people who read the entire book, so her review is probably more useful than mine :P

2. Not really an announcement, just a ramble. I just had breakfast in a cafe down the road with my housemate, and a man and his daughter sat at the table next to us. She pulled her book out of her bag, and it was City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare. It made me smile. She was explaining to her dad the 'order' of the series, and how The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices are linked. It took a lot of restraint to not involve myself in their conversation; she was only about 13 (younger than I thought would enjoy this book) and I thought she might be freaked out by an adult randomly fangirling over her book.

Has anyone else had to restrain themselves like this before? Have you ever thought someone was a little too young to be reading certain books?

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

For Christmas I bought myself the Bane Chronicles, by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan, as I am a little obsessed with CC's Shadowhunter world stories, and decided I'd been too long without a book. I also love MJ and SRB. I've always loved Magnus Bane; in fact some of my quotes written by Cassandra (when I've met her) have been dedicated to my love of his character. He's such a funny, interesting and deep character with the potential for so many stories, which could be either light-hearted or serious. I loved the character development Alec underwent during the stories, and much of this was due to Magnus. I also loved all mentions, meetings and hints of Magnus in the Infernal Devices series!

I was really impressed by the appearance of the book when it arrived. It's a beautiful hardback, but without a dust jacket, in these lovely swirling colours. I very much associate this style of cover with Cassandra Clare's books now. I also liked the image of Magnus on the cover; it is of the actor who plays him in the film, which I like as I had never actually given Magnus a face...and I didn't think an abs shot would be appropriate (see the other books in The Mortal Instruments series if you don't know what I mean). I'm actually one of those people who finds it hard to give characters I read about exact faces. Yes, I imagine them with all the features the author describes, but then when I'm reading I get more of an impression than an entire person. Then, when I see a real life person who suits their look and personality, they slowly morph themselves into the character I'm reading about. Does that make sense? Probably only if you do the same.

I read the entire book over one evening and day (in fact, that day is today). I've been off work with an awful cold, and this book was perfect to curl up with, sipping tea and wrapped in blankets. Because it is a collection of short stories, I felt like I was more able to relax and do other things between each section (like wash, make more tea and nap) without that constant pressure to carry on to the end of  the book that normally forces me to read at super speed. Each story was really engaging and enjoyable, explaining more about Magnus' past. However, it was the stories that mentioned or referred to characters (or their relatives of those characters) from TID or TMI that kept me really engaged, as it revealed a little more of the roots of the main characters from the series. And then were the chapters that directly included those characters; Tessa, Will, Jem, Alec, Clary. I have to say, these were the stories I enjoyed the most as it was a chance to see an alternative view on events that we already knew about. These stories were the reason it was read in a 24 hour period, rather than over a weekend - I just needed more of my fix! I have to say, I wish there had been more mention of these characters. This book has made me realise I really want to know more about the life of Tessa (and her family) between TID and TMI. I know that there will be many of these characters in The Last Hours series, but the first is not released until 2016/2017, and I want it now!

This book fulfils so many options on this list. I was going to choose the short stories, but I am still (slowly) reading My True Love Gave to Me, so I will not count it as that. Instead, it is going to go under 'a book with magic'.

Clair's 2015 Reading Challenge:

• A book you read in a day - Dreamfever/ Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (3rd January 2015)
• A book with magic in it - The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan (9th January 2015)

~to be added to as time passes~

2015 Reading Challenge

Happy New Year!

It's been a while since my last blog post, but that is because I have been away (in Dublin!) for New Years. It was amazing.

I thought today would be a good day to kick off my 2015 Reading Challenge. I reread the majority of a series whilst I was in Dublin; I am going to count the last two as I am fairly certain I had already started the book before them prior to New Years Day.

Here is the 2015 Book Challenge, to remind you (and me!):

The two books (I'm going to count them as one, unless towards the end of the year I need to tick a few extra boxes) were Dreamfever and Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning. 

(I'm sorry they have the 'look inside' labels)

Now, there are so many categories this could fit into; none human characters, female author, foreign country (Ireland), friend recommendations, finished in a day, a book with magic). I thought there would be a reread category, but alas. Because of this, I'm going to put this book series in the 'read in a day' category :)

The categories these books (and the others in the series) can be placed in to gives you  hint as to the plot. This is an urban fantasy series about an American 20 something year old girl called Mac, who heads to Dublin after her older sister (who is also her best friend) is horrifically murdered. Shortly after arriving in Dublin she has her first accidental encounter with one of the Fae, and from this incident her already disrupted life begins to unravel further.

I love this book series. KMM has a fun style of writing that is really easy to read, and characters that are relatable and who develop really well throughout the story. There is a brilliant mix of urban fantasy and action, and a looooot of sex. A lot. If you do not like sex in your books, I would not recommend. If you do not like fantasy, I would not recommend. I would recommend if you were someone who has previously said that faeries (or the fae) are your least favourite 'supernatural' creature as they were wishy washy and boring. You'll finish reading these still disliking the fae, but not because they're boring!

I'm looking forward to the surprise extension of Mac's story; I thought the series was finished but there has recently been a new release. However, first I have to read the book Iced (set in the same world but with a previously encountered character as the POV). I keep finding it hard to get in to Iced, as the main character is harder for me to relate to, but I'm hoping that the recent release of Burned will help me power through.

Clair's 2015 Reading Challenge:

A book you read in a day - Dreamfever/ Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (3rd January 2015)

~to be added to as time passes~

'Tis the Season Book Tag

Another booktuber video book tag that I have stolen for my own personal blogging use!


1. Do you have a favorite winter read?
I don't actually, unless it's a book that I've enjoyed since childhood (we have an awesome book copy of The Night Before Christmas, and Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas). I have a seasonal read under the tree though, so I'm looking forward to reading that.

2. Find a book with blue on the cover!
Ok. so we're lucky I'm home for this...I raided my books and found the bluest.

I swear my copy of Citadel is blue not green or even turquoise.

3. Find a book you’d use as the star on a Christmas tree!

It's just so golden and shiny!

4. Pick one fictional place that would be perfect for a winter vacation!
I've never wanted to go somewhere cold for a holiday? Apart from Russia, I guess, and I wouldn't go there for Christmas. However, I would definitely like to spend Christmas at Hogwarts!

5. Pick one fictional character you’d take with you on your winter vacation! 
I suppose Harry, Hermione and Ron would already be at Hogwarts so I don't need to pick them! It would have to be someone I'd enjoy either snuggling up to in front of a fire, or having a snowball fight with. Maybe Hunter from the Wicca series by Cate Tiernan, or Jem, Jace or Will from The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

Alex P was always Hunter, and then Jace, in my head!

Will

Jem

6. Name one book on your wish list this year!
The Bane Chronicles! And it's under my tree!

7. Favorite holiday drink, treat, & movie?
I love myself some mulled wine or cider. I love my moms Christmas dinner, and also the Heroes chocolate box, and Christmas film wise Love Actually is incredible :)