Saturday 31 October 2015
November TBR
I am finally back. Sorry I have been gone so long but I started a new job and just have not had the time to keep up with stuff but I do want to start making this blog a priority once again. So with that being said here is my November TBR:
Sunday 6 September 2015
This Weeks Wrap Up
Books I have finished
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18166936-the-strange-and-beautiful-sorrows-of-ava-lavender
I really enjoyed this book. Gave this book 4 stars. This story is more character driven rather then plot driven and it is based on Ava Lavender recalling the life of her grandmother, then mother and then her life up until now. This book was beautifully written and I would have given it a 5 stars if it wasn't for the first chapter. I just did not enjoy the first chapter at all and was thinking about putting down the book but after the second chapter I was hooked. Loved this story.
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17824638-keeping-her
This is a novella written after Losing It by Cora Carmack. I absolutely loved the love story in Losing it so when I found out there was a novella I just had to read it. This follows the two main characters as they go to London to visit Garricks Parents. I ended up giving this book a 3 stars. On goodreads it says the book is 175 pages but it is really just over 100 pages from memory I think 120 (sorry this was a library copy so I cant check it). The rest of the book was just chapters from other books in the series. Even though I did enjoy this novella I really did not think it was necessary. Nothing really happened in this story and if I had known this ahead of time I don't think I would have picked this book up.
I really enjoyed this book. Gave this book 4 stars. This story is more character driven rather then plot driven and it is based on Ava Lavender recalling the life of her grandmother, then mother and then her life up until now. This book was beautifully written and I would have given it a 5 stars if it wasn't for the first chapter. I just did not enjoy the first chapter at all and was thinking about putting down the book but after the second chapter I was hooked. Loved this story.
This is a novella written after Losing It by Cora Carmack. I absolutely loved the love story in Losing it so when I found out there was a novella I just had to read it. This follows the two main characters as they go to London to visit Garricks Parents. I ended up giving this book a 3 stars. On goodreads it says the book is 175 pages but it is really just over 100 pages from memory I think 120 (sorry this was a library copy so I cant check it). The rest of the book was just chapters from other books in the series. Even though I did enjoy this novella I really did not think it was necessary. Nothing really happened in this story and if I had known this ahead of time I don't think I would have picked this book up.
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15505346-on-the-island
This story follows TJ (student) and Anna (tutor) when their plane crashes and they get stuck on an island. I had heard on booktube that the two characters end up falling for each other and because of this I was not sure I wanted to read this book. I was however surprised that I really enjoyed this book and ended up giving it 4 stars. From the beginning I was totally engrossed in this book and could not put it down and ended up reading it in 2 sittings. It would have been one but I was just so tired that I could not continue. The love story was done in a realistic and believable way and because of the way it was done it did not irk me as it would have if it was an instalove scenario. I definitely recommend this book.
Books I put down for now
I just could not get into the writing style of this book and was just not in the mood for the story so I put this book down to read something that is going to engross me. I may pick this up again in the future as I didn't hate it I was just not in the mood for it.
Currently reading
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17455815-stone-cold-touch
Tuesday 1 September 2015
Review - Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J Maas
Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: Already released
Goodreads Summary:
Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever.
Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.
The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Crown of Midnight.
My Review:
I know I'm in the minority here but this was my least favorite book in the series. I gave the Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight both 5 stars and I really wanted to enjoy this book. I however was not a fan of the multiple perspectives especially Manon's which I just skimmed through because I was not invested in Manon's story at all. I however did enjoy the other two perspectives probably because I knew these characters from the previous two books and was invested in them.
Part one of the book really fell flat for me. I had to really push myself to get through it. I was so invested in these characters that I did not just want to give up on the story even though I considered DNFing several times. I do however understand why the first part had to be as we needed to learn about the new world that Celaena was now in. I would give this part of the book 2 stars.
Part 2 however did pick up and I did really enjoy the second half of the book especially the last 100 or so pages. I wish the whole book was like this. Part two I would give a 4 -4.5 Star rating as I still didn't enjoy Manon's point of view but loved the rest of the story. The ending hooked me enough for me to want to continue with the rest of the series. So I will definitely be picking up Queen of Shadows when it comes out in September.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: Already released
Goodreads Summary:
Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever.
Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.
The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Crown of Midnight.
My Review:
I know I'm in the minority here but this was my least favorite book in the series. I gave the Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight both 5 stars and I really wanted to enjoy this book. I however was not a fan of the multiple perspectives especially Manon's which I just skimmed through because I was not invested in Manon's story at all. I however did enjoy the other two perspectives probably because I knew these characters from the previous two books and was invested in them.
Part one of the book really fell flat for me. I had to really push myself to get through it. I was so invested in these characters that I did not just want to give up on the story even though I considered DNFing several times. I do however understand why the first part had to be as we needed to learn about the new world that Celaena was now in. I would give this part of the book 2 stars.
Part 2 however did pick up and I did really enjoy the second half of the book especially the last 100 or so pages. I wish the whole book was like this. Part two I would give a 4 -4.5 Star rating as I still didn't enjoy Manon's point of view but loved the rest of the story. The ending hooked me enough for me to want to continue with the rest of the series. So I will definitely be picking up Queen of Shadows when it comes out in September.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Monday 31 August 2015
This weeks TBR
I have decided to do a weekly TBR post. These are therefore the books I am hoping to read this week.
Books I am currently reading and hoping to finish:
- The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton (I am currently on page 189)
- Keeping Her by Cora Carmack (I am currently on page 60)
Books I am wanting to start and hopefully finish this week:
- On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
- Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor
Sunday 30 August 2015
Weekly Wrap Up
I have decided to do a weekly wrap of all the books I have read this week, which books I am currently reading and which books I have put down.
Books I have read this week:
Full Review: http://ausbooklover.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/book-review-confessions-of-once.html
Goodreads Summary:
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
Rating: 4 stars Review to come
Books I am currently reading: (I will do reviews once I have finished them)
Goodreads Summary:
Garrick Taylor and Bliss Edwards managed to find their happily-ever-after despite a rather . . . ahem . . . complicated start. By comparison, meeting the parents should be an absolute breeze, right?
But from the moment the pair lands in London, new snags just keep cropping up: a disapproving mother-in-law-to-be, more than one (mostly) minor mishap, and the realization that perhaps they aren't quite as ready for their future as they thought.
As it turns out, the only thing harder than finding love is keeping it.
Goodreads Summary:
Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.
Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.
In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.
That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.
First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.
Books I am Putting Down for now:
I am putting these books down because they are not bad books but I am just not in the mood to read them at the moment so I should be picking these books up again in the future.
Books I have read this week:
A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.
Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
Rating: 4 stars Review to come
Books I am currently reading: (I will do reviews once I have finished them)
Garrick Taylor and Bliss Edwards managed to find their happily-ever-after despite a rather . . . ahem . . . complicated start. By comparison, meeting the parents should be an absolute breeze, right?
But from the moment the pair lands in London, new snags just keep cropping up: a disapproving mother-in-law-to-be, more than one (mostly) minor mishap, and the realization that perhaps they aren't quite as ready for their future as they thought.
As it turns out, the only thing harder than finding love is keeping it.
Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.
Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.
In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.
That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.
First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.
Books I am Putting Down for now:
I am putting these books down because they are not bad books but I am just not in the mood to read them at the moment so I should be picking these books up again in the future.
Saturday 29 August 2015
Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Title: Amy and Rogers Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
How I acquired a copy: Purchased it
Release Date: Already released
Goodreads summary:
Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.
Review:
I enjoyed this story I really did but there were parts that in my opinion could have been done better. I enjoyed the whole road trip aspect to the book and liked seeing the receipts, playlists Etc. I thought that was a cute touch and added to the story.
However there were parts that I had issues with. Everything during the trip seemed to work out perfectly for them and I just wish we saw more struggles. Most people when they are low on money don't get free accommodation and a free meal so I thought this part was a little unrealistic that everything always worked out for them.
I also would have liked to see the relationship with her mum explored more. We got to see what happened with her dad and got to see a resolution with her brother but I thought the relationship with her mum was not explored enough.
Overall though I did enjoy this book and thought it was a cute contemporary read.
Star rating: 3.5 Stars
Friday 28 August 2015
Book Review: Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum by Georgia Madden
Title: Confessions of a Once Fashionable Mum
Author: Georgia Madden
Publisher: Nero
How I acquired book: I purchased it
Release date: Already released
Goodreads summary:
Successful hubbie? Tick. Facebook-worthy baby? Tick. Bikini-body six weeks after giving birth? Um … not so much.
Fashion PR exec Ally Bloom got her happy ending. Okay, her marriage might be showing the odd crack, her battleaxe mother-in-law might have come to stay, and she might not be the yummy mummy she'd imagined, but it's nothing a decent night's sleep and a firm commitment to a no-carb diet won't fix.
But when Ally returns to work and finds she'll be reporting to a 22-year-old airhead, she decides to turn her back on life as a professional fashionista and embrace her inner earth mama instead.
So it's out with the Louboutins and champagne and in with the sensible flats and coffee mornings with the Mummy Mafia. From attending her first grown-up dinner party only to discover that placenta is top of the menu to controlling her monster crush on local playgroup hottie Cameron, Ally must find her feet in the brave new world of the stay-at-home mum.
Review:
This book is a light fun read all about marriage, the challenges of motherhood and forming friendships.
Ally gets replaced at her job by a 22 year old airhead and decides to join a playgroup and become an earth mum instead. Through this we get to see her relationships grow with these mothers and get to see a sneak peak into their lives as well.
I was surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book had been sitting on my TBR shelf for months and I was honestly thinking about donating it as I didn't have any inclination to read it. When I got into my reading slump I decided to try something different and picked up this book.
From the 1st page I was hooked and could not put this book down. Being an Australian mum myself and attending playgroups when my daughter was younger I could totally relate to that aspect of the book and how you just want to feel accepted by these people but you are feeling judged at the same time. I could also relate (and im sure most mums can) to the struggle of deciding what to do whether to return to work or stay home and all the guilt that comes with each decision. Which made me really relate to this character.
Though this book was a little over the top I felt this was its intention and is what made it such a fun and enjoyable read. I loved Ally Blooms sarcasm and witty comebacks and just overall her as a character. I also loved seeing the relationship between her and her mother in law and how it grew throughout the book.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone looking a fun, enjoyable read that's not looking for anything to serious. Mums would be able to relate to relate to this book but I am sure other women will also enjoy it.
Rating: 5 stars
Author: Georgia Madden
Publisher: Nero
How I acquired book: I purchased it
Release date: Already released
Goodreads summary:
Successful hubbie? Tick. Facebook-worthy baby? Tick. Bikini-body six weeks after giving birth? Um … not so much.
Fashion PR exec Ally Bloom got her happy ending. Okay, her marriage might be showing the odd crack, her battleaxe mother-in-law might have come to stay, and she might not be the yummy mummy she'd imagined, but it's nothing a decent night's sleep and a firm commitment to a no-carb diet won't fix.
But when Ally returns to work and finds she'll be reporting to a 22-year-old airhead, she decides to turn her back on life as a professional fashionista and embrace her inner earth mama instead.
So it's out with the Louboutins and champagne and in with the sensible flats and coffee mornings with the Mummy Mafia. From attending her first grown-up dinner party only to discover that placenta is top of the menu to controlling her monster crush on local playgroup hottie Cameron, Ally must find her feet in the brave new world of the stay-at-home mum.
Review:
This book is a light fun read all about marriage, the challenges of motherhood and forming friendships.
Ally gets replaced at her job by a 22 year old airhead and decides to join a playgroup and become an earth mum instead. Through this we get to see her relationships grow with these mothers and get to see a sneak peak into their lives as well.
I was surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book had been sitting on my TBR shelf for months and I was honestly thinking about donating it as I didn't have any inclination to read it. When I got into my reading slump I decided to try something different and picked up this book.
From the 1st page I was hooked and could not put this book down. Being an Australian mum myself and attending playgroups when my daughter was younger I could totally relate to that aspect of the book and how you just want to feel accepted by these people but you are feeling judged at the same time. I could also relate (and im sure most mums can) to the struggle of deciding what to do whether to return to work or stay home and all the guilt that comes with each decision. Which made me really relate to this character.
Though this book was a little over the top I felt this was its intention and is what made it such a fun and enjoyable read. I loved Ally Blooms sarcasm and witty comebacks and just overall her as a character. I also loved seeing the relationship between her and her mother in law and how it grew throughout the book.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone looking a fun, enjoyable read that's not looking for anything to serious. Mums would be able to relate to relate to this book but I am sure other women will also enjoy it.
Rating: 5 stars
Thursday 27 August 2015
Book Mail
Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout arrived in the mail today which is the 2nd book in The Dark Elements series.
I cant wait to continue with this series and find out what happens next. Will do full review once I have read the book.
Goodreads Summary:
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
Goodreads Summary:
Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.
But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…
Wednesday 26 August 2015
Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: I purchased this book
Release date: Has been released - February 25 2014
Goodreads Summary:
One kiss could be the last
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.
Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.
Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.
But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.
Review:
Going into this book I had zero expectations. This book has been on my shelf for the longest time. I did not know what this book was about and I just bought it based on recommendations from booktubers and reviews I had read on goodreads. Plus that cover was not making me want read the book as I thought this book would be cheesy and not something I would enjoy.
This last couple of months I have been trying to read books on my shelf that I have purchased but have not read yet. I was also in a reading slump so wanted to pick up something different. I had not read a demon book previously so I decided to pick this book up.
This story got me out of my reading slump and just had me wanting more. I could not put this book down and just had to find out what was going to happen next.
I enjoyed reading about the world of demons and gargoyles and found it really interesting. In this book gargoyles are wardens which are there to protect the human society from knowing that demons exist and also to get rid of demons.
The main character in this story is half gargoyle half demon but has been bought up living with wardens so she has always been taught to fear demons. That's until she meets a demon that introduces her to her demon side and has her questioning her beliefs and learning new things about herself.
There is also a love triangle in this book. One boy being a demon and the other being a warden that she has grown up with her whole life. Throughout the book I was pretty much one sided to who I wanted her to end up with until the ending where a switch flipped. My goodness that ending.
If you are looking for a paranormal romance that will give you all the feels and captivate you from the beginning then I would definitely recommend this book to you.
Overall rating: 4.75 stars
Tuesday 25 August 2015
Review: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Title: I'll Give You the Sun
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: Already Released
Goodreads Summary:
A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell
Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.
This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.
My Review:
I went into this story not really knowing much about it except that it was a story about two twins that have had a falling out and the story is told from both their perspectives one when they are younger the other when they are older.
This book follows two twins Noah and Jude and their life growing up. The book is told from both their point of views where Noah's point of view is told from when they are 13 years old and Jude's is told when they older at 16 years age and we see how these two stories come together.
I started out this book after the first chapter thinking I was going to DNF the book. The first chapter had all these crazy metaphors and I could not really get into the story. I however decided to continue with it because of all the great reviews I read and I am so glad I did.
By about page 116 I was totally in love with the story and the writing style. I was so invested in the story by this point that I could not put it down and just needed to know what was going to happen next. So if you start out thinking this story is weird and not wanting to continue with it I say at least give it a chance to around here as I thought it really picked up from this point.
I really enjoyed the dynamic and relationship between the two siblings and how their relationship changed throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the coming of age story of these two siblings and the struggles they went through as I think they were handled in a realistic way.
The only thing I did not like is there was instalove situations for both the characters. I don't understand why young adult books do this. The characters see someone for the first time and all of the sudden they are in love with them. That just seems a little unrealistic. I did however enjoy the two relationships in this book.
Summing up I would recommend this book to anyone that's looking for a great coming of age story that will pull at your emotions. A beautifully written story that will leave you wanting more.
Star rating: 4.5 Stars
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: Already Released
Goodreads Summary:
A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell
Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.
This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.
My Review:
I went into this story not really knowing much about it except that it was a story about two twins that have had a falling out and the story is told from both their perspectives one when they are younger the other when they are older.
This book follows two twins Noah and Jude and their life growing up. The book is told from both their point of views where Noah's point of view is told from when they are 13 years old and Jude's is told when they older at 16 years age and we see how these two stories come together.
I started out this book after the first chapter thinking I was going to DNF the book. The first chapter had all these crazy metaphors and I could not really get into the story. I however decided to continue with it because of all the great reviews I read and I am so glad I did.
By about page 116 I was totally in love with the story and the writing style. I was so invested in the story by this point that I could not put it down and just needed to know what was going to happen next. So if you start out thinking this story is weird and not wanting to continue with it I say at least give it a chance to around here as I thought it really picked up from this point.
I really enjoyed the dynamic and relationship between the two siblings and how their relationship changed throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the coming of age story of these two siblings and the struggles they went through as I think they were handled in a realistic way.
The only thing I did not like is there was instalove situations for both the characters. I don't understand why young adult books do this. The characters see someone for the first time and all of the sudden they are in love with them. That just seems a little unrealistic. I did however enjoy the two relationships in this book.
Summing up I would recommend this book to anyone that's looking for a great coming of age story that will pull at your emotions. A beautifully written story that will leave you wanting more.
Star rating: 4.5 Stars
Monday 24 August 2015
Bout of Books Wrap Up
Bout of Books is officially finished here in Australia and I just thought I would do a wrap up for the week as well as the seventh day in one blog post.
On Sunday I had a christening to attend to that finished rather late so unfortunately did not get any reading done. I am also in a somewhat reading slump at the moment which doesn't help the situation. I currently have 3 books going and not feeling any of them which is making me not want to read.
Okay now for the weekly wrap up. I ended up finishing two books this week plus getting 169 pages into a third book. The 3 books I read are:
- Ill Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson - review will be up tomorrow
- Fairest by Marissa Meyer - review : http://ausbooklover.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/review-fairest-lunar-chronicles-35-by.html
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (read 169 pages)
Total page count: 818
Overall I am happy with the progress as I went into this readathon in a reading slump and I ended up reading 2 books and starting another that have been on my shelves for a while.
How did you guys do?
On Sunday I had a christening to attend to that finished rather late so unfortunately did not get any reading done. I am also in a somewhat reading slump at the moment which doesn't help the situation. I currently have 3 books going and not feeling any of them which is making me not want to read.
Okay now for the weekly wrap up. I ended up finishing two books this week plus getting 169 pages into a third book. The 3 books I read are:
- Ill Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson - review will be up tomorrow
- Fairest by Marissa Meyer - review : http://ausbooklover.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/review-fairest-lunar-chronicles-35-by.html
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (read 169 pages)
Total page count: 818
Overall I am happy with the progress as I went into this readathon in a reading slump and I ended up reading 2 books and starting another that have been on my shelves for a while.
How did you guys do?
Sunday 23 August 2015
Bout of Books Day 6 Wrap up
Today being Saturday was a really busy day for me especially since I had a dinner party during the night. I normally do most of my reading at night once the children are in bed but the dinner party did not finish till late so I just went to bed once it was all over.
So yesterday I ended up reading a grand total of 28 pages of All the Bright Places. I was hoping to finish this book by the end of the week forgetting I had a christening to attend to tonight so once again not sure how much ill get read today.
Good luck to everyone that is participating in the readathon.
So yesterday I ended up reading a grand total of 28 pages of All the Bright Places. I was hoping to finish this book by the end of the week forgetting I had a christening to attend to tonight so once again not sure how much ill get read today.
Good luck to everyone that is participating in the readathon.
Saturday 22 August 2015
Bout of Books Day 5 Wrap up
Today I just continued reading All the Bright Places. Had a busy day today as I am having a dinner party tomorrow and needed to go buy everything I needed and get everything ready which took up a lot of my day.
I ended up reading 40 pages of it today and not sure how much more I will be able to read tomorrow but I am hoping to finish it by the end of the readathon and I will therefore have finished all the books in my tbr.
Don't know how I feel about this book so far. I am liking the story and enjoying it but I feel that I am not really connecting to the characters. This book is about suicide and because of that I thought it would be pulling at me a lot more but I am not really feeling anything.
Ill see how the rest of the book goes and do a full review once I am finished.
On that note I have a few reviews scheduled for this channel next week so keep an eye out for those.
I ended up reading 40 pages of it today and not sure how much more I will be able to read tomorrow but I am hoping to finish it by the end of the readathon and I will therefore have finished all the books in my tbr.
Don't know how I feel about this book so far. I am liking the story and enjoying it but I feel that I am not really connecting to the characters. This book is about suicide and because of that I thought it would be pulling at me a lot more but I am not really feeling anything.
Ill see how the rest of the book goes and do a full review once I am finished.
On that note I have a few reviews scheduled for this channel next week so keep an eye out for those.
Friday 21 August 2015
#boutofbooks Day 4 Wrap up
Day 4 is finished and I finished up reading 220 pages.
I read the last 115 pages of Fairest by Marissa Meyer. Ended up giving this 4 stars. Full review can be found here: http://ausbooklover.blogspot.com/2015/08/review-fairest-lunar-chronicles-35-by.html
The next book I started is All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. I read 105 pages of this book and am liking it so far.
Goodreads summary:
The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.
This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.
I read the last 115 pages of Fairest by Marissa Meyer. Ended up giving this 4 stars. Full review can be found here: http://ausbooklover.blogspot.com/2015/08/review-fairest-lunar-chronicles-35-by.html
The next book I started is All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. I read 105 pages of this book and am liking it so far.
Goodreads summary:
The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.
This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.
Thursday 20 August 2015
Review - Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5) by Marissa Meyer
Title: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release date: Already released
Goodreads Summary:
Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story—a story that has never been told … until now.
Review:
This is a prequel to The Lunar Chronicles series told by Queen Levana's point of view. It follows her story from when she was younger to now and shows us the life events that lead her to be the way she is now.
The story also gives us details about Cinder and Winter and how they came to be in Queen Levana's care. This part of the story I really enjoyed as I loved seeing Cinder and Winter as younger children and the relationship between them.
Going into this story I thought that I would end up feeling sorry for Queen Levana but this book definitely did not make this feel this way. Yes bad things happened her but she also used and manipulated people to get what she wanted. She had opportunities to be a different person but she always made the choice that benefited her the most and didn't take other people into consideration.
This book was a light and enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it to people who are fans of the series. While this book is not essential to the story it was an entertaining read.
Rating: 4 stars
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release date: Already released
Goodreads Summary:
Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story—a story that has never been told … until now.
Review:
This is a prequel to The Lunar Chronicles series told by Queen Levana's point of view. It follows her story from when she was younger to now and shows us the life events that lead her to be the way she is now.
The story also gives us details about Cinder and Winter and how they came to be in Queen Levana's care. This part of the story I really enjoyed as I loved seeing Cinder and Winter as younger children and the relationship between them.
Going into this story I thought that I would end up feeling sorry for Queen Levana but this book definitely did not make this feel this way. Yes bad things happened her but she also used and manipulated people to get what she wanted. She had opportunities to be a different person but she always made the choice that benefited her the most and didn't take other people into consideration.
This book was a light and enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it to people who are fans of the series. While this book is not essential to the story it was an entertaining read.
Rating: 4 stars
Bout of Books Day 3 Wrap 3
Day 3 of Bout of Books is over for me and I started reading Fairest by Marissa Meyer. I read up to page 105 yesterday and hoping to finish it today. I normally don't like prequels but so far really enjoying this book so far.
If you are also participating in Bout of Books ill be interested to see your wrap ups so link your channels/blogs in the comments and ill check them out.
If you are also participating in Bout of Books ill be interested to see your wrap ups so link your channels/blogs in the comments and ill check them out.
Wednesday 19 August 2015
Bout of Books Day 2 Wrap Up
Another day of Bout of Books is over for me and I ended up finishing I'll Give the Sun. My page total for the day being 187 pages read.
I ended up loving this book and wanted to give it a 5 star rating because the last 2 thirds of the book were amazing but ended up giving it a 4 star rating (full review to come) because of the issues I had with the first 100 pages or so.
Next book up for the readathon:
I ended up loving this book and wanted to give it a 5 star rating because the last 2 thirds of the book were amazing but ended up giving it a 4 star rating (full review to come) because of the issues I had with the first 100 pages or so.
Next book up for the readathon:
Tuesday 18 August 2015
#Boutofbooks Day 1 Wrap Up
Bout of Books day one is over here in Australia. I started Bout of Books reading I'll Give You The Sun and continued reading it today. Today I read 118 pages of it. Now up to page 234.
Beginning to really enjoy this book now. This book has been quite a roller coaster. I read the first chapter thinking I was going to DNF the book but continued with it because everyone I know loves this book. Then as I read each chapter I started to get more and more invested in the story to where I am now that I really am enjoying the book and the multiple point of views.
In other news today I also went to a local book store and picked up the physical copy of Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead.
I have had this book on my kindle for the longest time and had read up to chapter 14. However I wanted to get the physical copy so I can get this book finished. I find when I am reading I tend to reach for physical books over my kindle books unless I am out and about which is when I read my kindle. Therefore I decided to buy this in physical form so I can read this at home and finally get this book finished.
Beginning to really enjoy this book now. This book has been quite a roller coaster. I read the first chapter thinking I was going to DNF the book but continued with it because everyone I know loves this book. Then as I read each chapter I started to get more and more invested in the story to where I am now that I really am enjoying the book and the multiple point of views.
In other news today I also went to a local book store and picked up the physical copy of Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead.
I have had this book on my kindle for the longest time and had read up to chapter 14. However I wanted to get the physical copy so I can get this book finished. I find when I am reading I tend to reach for physical books over my kindle books unless I am out and about which is when I read my kindle. Therefore I decided to buy this in physical form so I can read this at home and finally get this book finished.
Monday 17 August 2015
Bout of Books Readathon Has Began
Hi guys. Bout of books has now officially started. The first book I am starting with is Ill Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. I am starting Bout of Books readathon 116 pages into it and hoping to finish this book within the next couple of days. So far I am not really sure about this book. The first two chapters I really did not enjoy the writing style and was thinking about DNFing this book but now I am into the third chapter and starting to get into it so we will see how it goes.
This was just a post to let you guys know what I was starting with and I will post a day one wrap up later on today.
This was just a post to let you guys know what I was starting with and I will post a day one wrap up later on today.
Sunday 16 August 2015
Bout of Books Readathon August 17 till August 23
I will be participating in the Bout Of Books readathon starting on Monday August 17. Each day I will be posting an update to this blog with how much I have read that day as well as any challenges I am participating in. If you are wanting further information on this readathon see following page: http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com.au/
My tbr for this readathon is:
My tbr for this readathon is:
Currently Reading
I have been known to read multiple books at once. I normally read a physical book, an ebook (for when I am out and about) and sometimes listen to an audiobook. The last couple of weeks I have been in a reading slump which has left me not really enjoying what I am reading. This has caused me to have 3 books on my currently reading shelf as I keep picking one up not really enjoying it and then picking up another one.
So at the moment Im currently reading:
Shadow Kiss is the third book in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. I have this on my kindle so mostly read this when I am out and about and wanting something to read. At the moment I am 43% done with this book and overall enjoying it so far.
The next book on my list is The Assassins Blade by Sarah J Maas. This is a prequel to the Throne of Glass Series with 5 novellas bound up in one book. The novellas are based on Celeana's experiences/life before Throne on Glass and how she came to be the assassin that she is. I have been taking this book slowly and just reading a novella whenever I feel like it. So far I have read 3 out of the 5 novellas and given each of them 3 stars.
Finally I picked up I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson today after finishing White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L Armentrout last night (full review to come). This will now be my main read. I am so far 37 pages and have finished the first chapter which is from Noah's perspective when they were 13 years old. Not sure about this book at the moment as I am not really enjoying the writing style but I am going to continue with it and see if I change I mind as everyone I know really loves this book so I want to give it a chance.
This concludes my first blog post thanks for reading and hope you enjoy my blog. More blogs to come in the future.
So at the moment Im currently reading:
The next book on my list is The Assassins Blade by Sarah J Maas. This is a prequel to the Throne of Glass Series with 5 novellas bound up in one book. The novellas are based on Celeana's experiences/life before Throne on Glass and how she came to be the assassin that she is. I have been taking this book slowly and just reading a novella whenever I feel like it. So far I have read 3 out of the 5 novellas and given each of them 3 stars.
Finally I picked up I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson today after finishing White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L Armentrout last night (full review to come). This will now be my main read. I am so far 37 pages and have finished the first chapter which is from Noah's perspective when they were 13 years old. Not sure about this book at the moment as I am not really enjoying the writing style but I am going to continue with it and see if I change I mind as everyone I know really loves this book so I want to give it a chance.
This concludes my first blog post thanks for reading and hope you enjoy my blog. More blogs to come in the future.
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