Wednesday, 25 May 2016

WWW Wednesday (25th May)



 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?



I am currently reading...

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Four months have passed since the shadow stone fell into Kell’s possession. Four months since his path crossed with Delilah Bard. Four months since Rhy was wounded and the Dane twins fell, and the stone was cast with Holland’s dying body through the rift, and into Black London.

In many ways, things have almost returned to normal, though Rhy is more sober, and Kell is now plagued by his guilt. Restless, and having given up smuggling, Kell is visited by dreams of ominous magical events, waking only to think of Lila, who disappeared from the docks like she always meant to do. As Red London finalizes preparations for the Element Games—an extravagant international competition of magic, meant to entertain and keep healthy the ties between neighboring countries—a certain pirate ship draws closer, carrying old friends back into port.

But while Red London is caught up in the pageantry and thrills of the Games, another London is coming back to life, and those who were thought to be forever gone have returned. After all, a shadow that was gone in the night reappears in the morning, and so it seems Black London has risen again—meaning that another London must fall.



I have recently finished...

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Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.


I plan on reading next...

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Nanette O'Hare is an unassuming teen who has played the role of dutiful daughter, hard-working student, and star athlete for as long as she can remember. But when a beloved teacher gives her his worn copy of The Bubblegum Reaper - the mysterious, out-of-print cult-classic - the rebel within Nanette awakens.

As she befriends the reclusive author, falls in love with a young but troubled poet, and attempts to insert her true self into the world with wild abandon, Nanette learns the hard way that sometimes rebellion comes at a high price.

A celebration of the self and the formidable power of story, Every Exquisite Thing is Matthew Quick at his finest.

Monday, 23 May 2016

Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

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Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .


When I first started reading this book I just wasn't convinced. What a strange mixture it was, a girl that's being experimented with, that can change her appearance and look like anyone she wants, all while Hitler is still in Power and to add to this a motorcycle race around the world. I could not wrap my head around it. But after a few chapters I really got into the story and I really started to enjoy it.

We are mainly in the year 1956, Hitler more powerful then ever, Yael a young girl with wolf tattoos, is on a mission to kill Hitler. However he is very much impossible to get close to. Since Yael can shift into anyone she wants, she is about to take the identity of Adele Wolfe, the first female who has won the Axis Tour. Being the winner the previous year, Adele got to dance with Hitler as the result. Yael now has to win the race, dance with Hitler, kill him and start the rebellion. Much easier said then done. The race is long, hard and brutal, also surprisingly emotional. And while Yael thought she learned everything about Adele to pretend to be her, she will soon find out there is still a lot she doesn't know.

In between we get to see why Yael got her wolf tattoos, every story is explaining more of her journey to where she is now and the people her wolfs represent.

This has been incredibly exciting all the way through. Once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. Its a fast paced adventure. Graudin has build a world like no other and told a very unique story. It takes the whole idea of: what if the Nazis won the war, to a new level, with a very new twist. While its very powerful, it still has a lot of heart.

Most of all, I did NOT see the end coming at all. It was a huge surprise and let me tell you it promises an amazing second book.

Unique, unforgettable and utterly unpredictable. Just how I like it.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for my honest review.


Sunday, 22 May 2016

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking the Shelves #21

Weekly Wrap Up...

This week I have only finished one book. But that's ok because I am currently reading A Court of Mist and Fury and that is just huuuuge. I am hoping to finish that tomorrow. The book I have finished this week is Wolf by Wolf and while I had some reservations about that one at first I ended up loving it. My review will follow tomorrow, hopefully, if I can tear myself away from A Court of Mist and Fury that is.

25907472

Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .




Stacking the Shelves...







This week I have added 3 books to m y shelves and let me tell you they all have been bumped up my TBR because I am very excited about every single one of them. I feel so so honoured to have received early copies of these beauties.

Thank you to Bookbridger, Headline and Francess Gough for Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Harriet Venn for the stunning And I Darken by Kiersten White. How amazing is this cover??

And also thank you to Harper Voyage and Emma Coode for probably my favourite cover in a long time, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff. High expectations for that one and so excited.






Thursday, 19 May 2016

Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

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When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.


Now let me begin by telling you I didn't like The Heir, which is the book before this one and the first one about Eadlyn. That was mainly because I didn't like Eadlyn, I found her very spoiled and annoying. So I haven't bought the next book by myself, however I won a review copy with Maximumpopbooks so I gave it a go. Fully expecting to still dislike Eadlyn, only to be proven wrong.

Eadlyn is still in the middle of her selection, after her mother suffers a heart attack however she reduces the number down to just the Elite. While her mother is recovering, her father is by her bedside at all times. Which means Eadlyn has to take on more responsibilities. With little time for the boys left in the selection the choice isn't easy. And it seems like she is running out of time. She will have to make a choice very soon. But how will she choose? And will she make the right choice? Can Eadlyn handle the responsibilities and the selection?

This book has really saved the series for me. While I enjoyed the first 3 books I wasn't a fan of The Heir. I honestly thought I would never finish it and I was happy with that. But now I am glad that I did. In this book Eadlyn just blossoms and completely changes. From the spoiled little brat to the strong amazing and beautiful princess. I have gone from disliking her to really loving her character. While I think the selection and the romance have taken a step back in this one, I don't mind at all.

There was only ever two boys, in my opinion, who stood a chance to win the selection. While it was obvious to me who its going to be I do like the little twist and I love how she has dealt with it all.

All in all this has been a very sweet and easy little read. With a lovely and satisfying ending.

While its not a mindblowing story it was still very enjoyable, I still love the world building and the idea of the selection. I really enjoyed the characters and all the pretty dresses.

If you have enjoyed any of the books before this one then you should certainly finish this series. The Crown closes the series  beautifully.

Thank you to Maximumpopbooks for my stunning copy.

The Crown is out TODAY in paperback! 


Wednesday, 18 May 2016

WWW Wednesday (18th May)



 WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words. It’s open for anyone to join in and is a great way to share what you’ve been reading! All you have to do is answer three questions and share a link to your blog in the comments section of Sam’s blog.
The three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?


I am currently reading...

25907472

Over ten years since the Nazis won the war, 18 yr old Yael has one mission: to kill Hitler - a captivating second novel from Walled City author, Ryan Graudin.

Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them-made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.Her story begins on a train.

Germania, 1956. Over ten years since the Nazis won the war. 18-year-old Yael is part of the resistance, and she has just one mission: to kill Hitler.

But first she's got to get close enough to him to do it.

Experimented on during her time at Auschwitz, Yael has the unique ability to change her appearance at will. The only part of her which always remains are the five tattooed wolves on her arm; one for each of the people she's lost. Using her abilities, she must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider and winner of the legendary Axis Tour; an epic long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo, where only the strongest (and wiliest) riders survive. If she can win this, she will be able to get close enough to kill the Fuhrer and change history forever.

But with other riders sabotaging her chances at every turn, Yael's mission won't be easy. . .


I have recently finished...


26074181


When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.



I plan on reading next...


17927395

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.











Monday, 16 May 2016

Blog Tour: Unrivalled by Alyson Noel

I am so honoured and excited to be part of the Unrivalled Blog tour. When I have been asked to take part I couldn't resist, as a fan of Alyson Noel it was a MUST. Here is my review as part of the ongoing blog tour. #WelcomeToTheParty



Everyone wants to be someone.

Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.


I was a huge fan of Noel's Evermore series, so you can imagine I have been very happy to hear that there will be a new book. And I needed to get my hands on this. I am not going to lie, the first 20% have been rather slow, but stay with it. This book is a grower. Its as if it gets over the hill and then speeds up faster and faster. Because as you read along it just gets better and better.

The first 20% however only seem slow, because there is so many characters to meet. Ira is rich, famous and intimidating, he owns a chain of nightclubs and designs a competition for promoters. The winner gets not only cash but their dreamjob. The main applicants couldn't be more different and they all have completely different reasons to enter. And not all reasons are straight forward.

Layla wants to be a journalist, she is a blogger already but she wants to go to Journalism School. She enters the competition to find out what happened to Carlos and make this her first story.

Tommy does it to meet and probably impress his father, but also because he is fired from his job and out of money.

Aster enters to escape her very controlling parents, to have the career she wants and not the one that's mapped out for her. She wants to be an actress and make new contacts in the nightclubs.

And then there is Madison Brooks. Hollywoods sweetheart who has more to hide then any of them. She is on top of every vip list and everyone would love to get her into their club to win the competition. But at what price?

They are all competition, all but Madison, and they all want to win. Its all a little bit like the apprentice at times. But like the apprentice with bite and money. With glitz and glamour. I loved it. The competition begins to change people. Who can you trust? Who is your true friend and who is going to surprise you?

This has been getting more and more interesting with every page. The plots started to thicken and the end was just wow. Its the end that truly makes this book fantastic! There is more right? I sure hope so. I think the main characters and even the ones around it have blossomed in the book and I want to read more about them. Not only that but I think they have so much more to give.

Honestly pick this up and stick with it, it will grow on you like it did on me and in the end you will thoroughly enjoy it. Its like the apprentice meets gossip girl!

Glamourous, captivating and thrilling. Most of all completely unpredictable.


Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion and for allowing me to be part of this blog tour.

Unrivalled has been released on May 10th.

And you should certainly follow the rest of the Unrivaled blog tour, here are the dates...



Sunday, 15 May 2016

Weekly Wrap Up and Stacking The Shelves #20

Weekly Wrap Up...

I have finished 2 books this week, yay, after my one book week last week I am rather happy with that. Also considering my husband has been at home all week, which resulted in my routine going out the window, I think 2 books is pretty good. The first book I have finished is A darker Shade of Magic, which has been a fantastic book and I wish I have had read it much sooner. You can read my review of it here. The second book was The Crown, which was the last book in The Selection series. I have been putting off reading it and only finally picked it up because I won a copy on maximumpop. But I am certainly glad that I have finally picked it up.


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Stacking the Shelves...





This week I have added 4 books to my shelves. The first one was Clockwork Prince which arrived a day late for my birthday but it has now made my collection complete and it looks amazing on my shelf. After finishing A darker Shade of Magic this week I have been so chuffed to get V.E. Schwab's upcoming book This Savage Song in the post, which was a big surprise from Titan Books, thank you so much. Chasing the Stars is another one I have won with Maximumpopbooks, I literally love this account on twitter so much. I have had the book on my Wish list for some time and it looks and sounds amazing. The last book to arrive this week is All Things Cease To Appear, which is a thriller I cant wait to sink my teeth into, thank you to Elizabeth at Quercus Books for my copy.