Monday 10 November 2014

The Manifesto on How to be Interesting by Holly Bourne




"Apparently I'm boring. A nobody. But that's all about to change. Because I am starting a project. Here. Now. For myself. And if you want to come along for the ride then you're very welcome.

Bree is a loser, a wannabe author who hides behind words. Most of the time she hates her life, her school, her never-there parents. So she writes.

But when she’s told she needs to start living a life worth writing about, The Manifesto on How to Be Interesting is born. Six steps on how to be interesting. Six steps that will see her infiltrate the popular set, fall in love with someone forbidden and make the biggest mistake of her life.

From the bestselling author of Soulmates comes a fearlessly frank take on school, cliques and crushes."


Yet again Holly Bourne has produced a book which has exceeded all of my expectations and blew me away! I cannot wait for new releases from this author in the future. I love this book! It was so much more than the usual coming of age story; it is incredibly moving and so relevant to issues prevalent in today's society.

Bree has the courage to do what so many others are too scared to do- she changes. She changes her looks, personality and even her friends all in a quest to become a more interesting person. Bree is such a relatable character and whilst reading you feel like she is speaking directly to you about your school and your friends.

I was lucky enough to read and review Holly Bourne's first book "Soulmates" and although this book was very different they are equally as enjoyable and well written.

I cannot say anything more than READ THIS BOOK!!! I give it an easy 5 out of 5 and believe me when I say I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

Saturday 18 October 2014

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick


"Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?"



I was lucky enough to be sent an advanced copy of this book by Lovereading.co.uk and I am so glad because this is the sort of book I wouldn't necessarily pick up on my own. I am not a thriller sort of girl- I mean I get scared watching Hocus Pocus- but this was absolutely amazing and I am so glad I read it because it was such an incredible read! Also the fact that it was a book by Becca Fitzpatrick also pushed me to read it because I love the Hush, Hush series.

Twist after twist after twist. This book was so suspenseful and completely unpredictable. I loved the complexity of the story line and how you could trust no one. I don't want to say too much in case I give any of the plot line away. But I will say it is a must read! My favourite character was Britt because she was so strong she even surprised herself. And Mason is by far the most cryptic well put together character I have read in a long time. 

Yet again another amazing book from Becca Fitzpatrick, author of the best selling Hush, Hush series. Easily 5/5 stars! I hope there are many more books like this to come from her in the future. 

For my review on this book and many others visit www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/


Sunday 28 September 2014

Endgame by James Frey



"Twelve thousand years ago, they came. They descended from the sky amid smoke and fire, and created humanity and gave us rules to live by. They needed gold and they built our earliest civilizations to mine it for them. When they had what they needed, they left. But before they left, they told us someday they would come back, and when they did, a game would be played. A game that would determine our future.

This is Endgame.

For ten thousand years the lines have existed in secret. The 12 original lines of humanity. Each had to have a Player prepared at all times. They have trained generation after generation after generation. In weapons, languages, history, tactics, disguise assassination. Together the players are everything: strong, kind, ruthless, loyal, smart, stupid, ugly, lustful, mean, fickle, beautiful, calculating, lazy, exuberant, weak. They are good and evil. Like you. Like all.

This is Endgame.

When the game starts, the players will have to find three keys. The keys are somewhere on earth. The only rule of their Endgame is that there are no rules. Whoever finds the keys first wins the game. Endgame: The Calling is about the hunt for the first key. And just as it tells the story of the hunt for a hidden key, written into the book is a puzzle. It invites readers to play their own Endgame and to try to solve the puzzle. Whoever does will open a case filled with gold. Alongside the puzzle will be a revolutionary mobile game built by Google’s Niantic Labs that will allow you to play a real-world version of Endgame where you can join one of the lines and do battle with people around you.
Will exuberance beat strength? Stupidity top kindness? Laziness thwart beauty? Will the winner be good or evil? There is only one way to find out.

Play.
Survive.
Solve.
People of Earth.
Endgame has begun"


Fast paced, action packed, addictive read! This is mystery, action and part treasure hunt all in one! Also the clues throughout the book make it an interactive experience that is unlike anything else. 

This book was so exciting and the multiple points of view made it even more intense! Also, there was no one character who was my favourite which was interesting as in this sort of "fight to the death" situation you would expect there to be one main character that I would like but there were so many characters I liked.

The clues in the book was such a clever idea as they sent you all over the internet from watching videos to reading articles it was so much fun because you felt like you were a player in the book too!
In sort I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone!



This book was sent to me by lovereading.co.uk there are reviews of this book and many others on lovereading.co.uk

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Top 5 Tuesday #1- New Adult Books/Series


The top five series have been flying around the blogosphere for quite some time now so I decided to hop on the bandwagon and start my own series. This will be pretty self-explanatory every week I will pick a category and tell you my top five in that category.

This week I am going to look at my top five favourite New Adult books and/or series. My only reason for this is because I feel as though New Adult isn't as talked about as it really should be so without further ado lets get started!


1. The Book Boyfriend Series by Erin Noelle


I love this series so so so much I mean lets be real who doesn't have a book boyfriend (if not multiple boyfriends I will happily admit I am a total book boy slut I will steal them and keep them all if I could). This is a fantastic story of how two book nerd best friends venture out into college and decide to set a challenge to meet and/or date all the different kinds of book boyfriends eg. rockstar, surfer and of course the all-American, boy next door etc. This book is funny, sexy and fun! I highly recommend this series for someone who doesn't mind a few lot of sex scenes.
Book 1: Metamorphosis



2. The Wanted series by Kelly Elliot


If you have followed my blog for a while, it will be no shock to see this series included as I have raved about it a lot! I did a whole post on the series a few months back which you can see here. If you like any country romance book you will love this series! In fact, I can no longer read any other country/ranch based romance cause it will always come second to these books. I talked about book boyfriends above and I can promise you there are some cracker book boyfriends in here! Basically, it is a series that follows a girl called Ellie and all of her friends and her brother. It's sexy, funny and also a tad sad in a non-depressing way. It is a brilliant book but be prepared for some sex scenes

Book 1: Wanted


3. The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley

IGNORE THE TITLE! I know it sounds stalker-ish and kind of creepy, but honestly this is the sweetest book ever! If you were giving an award for best boyfriend in literature Liam would get it. Although 95% of this book is pure adorableness be aware that this does cover abuse/ rape but it is not graphic at all!!!!That is all you really need to know this is a beautiful book that is fan-flipping-tastic!!!

The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window



4. Friend-Zoned by Belle Aurora


My best friend actually got me hooked on this book and I am so glad she did! This book is so incredibly funny and very sexy. The main guy in this book is so so hot and the girl is by far the funniest sweetest girl in any book I have ever read I swear I want her as my best friend. This is a really good book with a couple of brilliant twists throughout and I cannot recommend it enough!






5. Foolish Games series by Leah Spiegel


A girl follows a band on tour instead of getting a job whilst her friend blogs about said band and the girl meets and starts to date the lead singer of the band. Sound realistic? Of course not but that is half the fun of this book! It is ridiculous and funny and just such an easy read that I love so much! I highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun light read.








I hope you enjoyed this little post I have plenty more recommendations in this genre so if you would like a part 2 let me know.

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld


"Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings… 


Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most."


The only thing better than one great book is one great book inside a fantastic book!!!This was so original and exciting. The book never really slowed down as when Darcy's story line was not very exciting Lizzie's story was enticing and vice-versa.
   I thought Darcy was such a refreshing protagonist I loved how she noticeably matured throughout the book however I still think she has more growing up to do-Seriously Darcy, be more careful with money! 
   It is incredibly difficult for me to pick a favourite story line within the book but if I absolutely had to choose it would be Darcy's as it was her point of view that help me become invested in Lizzie's story. Also as someone who wants to get into the publishing world I found Darcy's story so interesting if not a little frightening

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!!

Thursday 28 August 2014

Underrated Books #1


I have decided to start a new series on this blog in which I highlight books and/or authors that I feel are under appreciated. Also seeing as I am from Ireland I feel like I can showcase some books that are lesser known in other countries.

1. Soulmates by Holly Bourne

I have already reviewed this book and you can read my full review here, however I still feel as though not enough people have read this book. Holly Bourne has an amazing way with words and makes you fall in love with all the characters in the story. This book is a modern tragic love story with all the ups and downs you'd expect. There is also aside story of two researchers/scientists that runs in alternate chapters throughout the book. In the second storyline of the scientists we hear how this relationship will only end up in disaster however, you as a reader still keep hope until the last few pages. This is a fabulous book which I highly recommend!





2. All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Yet again I am aware I have raved about this book several times prior to this but it still doesn't take away from the fact that this is an INSANELY good book! With the amount of dystopian novels appearing at the moment I can see how it may get lost in the crowd but with a plot as original and exciting as this it would be a damned shame if this book didn't get the hype it deserves! This book not only has a rich and exciting plot line but also has the most interesting character development I have ever read! I do have a fuller review of this book which you can see here.





3. Jacqueline Wilson

This woman was my all time favourite author from the age of 6 until I was 13/14 and I love all of her books. I know she is very well known in the UK and Ireland but outside of here she is never talked about and that has to change! She is an amazing writer who is not afraid to deal with hard hitting topics despite her target audience being middle grade and young teens. Through her books I have been reading about abuse, bullying, self image issues, coming out, mental illness and so much more from a fairly young age. Because of this I believe I have turned into a more understanding person and I owe a lot of it to Miss Wilson! If I were to suggest a few books of hers I would suggest: Kiss, My Sister Jodie, the Girls series and Diamond Girls. But really you can't really go wrong with any of this woman's books.


4. The Butterfly series by Denise Deegan

I truly believe this book isn't already hyped up because it was published by an Irish based company therefore it hasn't hit a large enough audience. This is such a surprising series I picked up the first one expecting not to like it that much but ended up loving it and the second book is one of only a handful of books that have literally moved me to tears! The series follows a group of friends who attend a well off school in Dublin, the first book follows Alex who is the daughter of emotionally distant rock star Dad and still struggles with her Mum's death. That's all you need to know it is best to go into all these books with little knowledge of what they are about. Trust me give this book a chance and you will not regret it because it just sucks you in and keeps you entertained from start to finish.


That's it for the first in my "Underrated Books" series let me know what you think of it and please let me know what books you think are completely underrated. Have a nice day and I'll see you again soon.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

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Opening any Stephanie Perkins novel is like opening a ray of sunshine. They are the perfect feel good read and I can't stop smiling the whole time I am reading them.

Isla and the Happily Ever After is the perfect conclusion the Anna and the French Kiss series. If you haven't read the first two books in the series you can still read Isla and the Happily Ever After however it may include some spoilers for the first two books.

This book is very different from the other instalments of the series as the majority of the book is following the actual relationship between Isla and Josh rather than the build towards the relationship; because of this book is so much cuter but also so much more aggravating than the other two instalments. Though the story can be aggravating I love it because it shows the real trials and tests within a relationship.

My favourite thing about this book was it wasn't purely about Isla and Josh's relationship it was about how their relationship helped them grow as people and helped them discover who they really are.
I loved this book as it is yet again another fantastic novel by the queen of contemporary- Miss Stephanie Perkins!

Now it has come to the end of series awards!!!


Favourite Female: Anna
Favourite Male: Josh
Favourite Couple: Anna and St. Clair
Funniest Book: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Cutest Book: Anna and the French Kiss


Let e know what you think and

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Finding a Voice by Kim Hood


"Jo could never have guessed that the friendship she so desperately craves would come in the shape of a severely disabled boy. He can’t even speak. Maybe it is because he can’t speak that she finds herself telling him how difficult it is living with her eccentric, mentally fragile mother.

Behind Chris’ lopsided grin and gigantic blue wheelchair is a real person — with a sense of humour, a tremendous stubborn streak and a secret he has kept from everyone.

For a while it seems life may actually get better. But as Jo finds out just how terrible life is for Chris, and as her own life spirals out of control, she becomes desperate to change things for both of them. In a dramatic turn of events, Jo makes a decision that could end in tragedy.

This is the story of how an unusual friendship unlocks the words that neither knew they had."


This heart warming tale of friendship is a fantastic feel good book.I loved this book and how it played with the so called normal aspects of friendship and turned it on it's head. The author did a fantastic job of making a severely disabled boy relateable to everyone. I must applaud the author for dealing with the two very touchy subjects of disability and mental illness and showing how no matter what people can live full and happy lives as long as they are cared for and listened to.
This was a fantastic novel that highlighted how even when helping others we must take time out to look out for ourselves too. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Sunday 3 August 2014

Watch Out for this book: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

I received this book from lovereading.co.uk ahead of it's release in September 2014


"Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.


This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?"



A must read fantasy adventure of different worlds, witches and war. This addicting first in the Worldwalker trilogy is thrilling and already has me counting down the days until the next installment.
Magic, romance and doppelgangers- what more could you ask for? 


Lily is torn from her own world to a new one where she is no longer a sickly teenager but a powerful rival to the Lady of Salem, Lillian (aka Lily's other self.)

I absolutely adored this book and the world Josephine Angelini has created where magic is abundant. The idea of parallel worlds is not new but this book makes it feel different and exciting. I loved how in the world of New Salem magic is used in replacement of electricity, plastic and science itself- but is that a good thing? Through the use of multiple view points it is very hard to see what is right and what is wrong which makes me even more eager for the next book.

The use of romance in this book was cleverly done in a way that only adds to the main plot line rather than distract. I applaud Josephine for finding the perfect balance of romance in a Y/A fantasy novel as other examples have proved how crucial that is to writing a truly great story.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and I cannot wait until 2015 when Trial of Tears (the next installment) is released.

Sunday 27 July 2014

Reading Wrap Up

Hello long time no see. I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately but I've been crazy busy lately. I have read a lot of books since I last updated you all so I will list them all for you and give you a rating. If you would like a full review of any of the following books just let me know and I will get on that asap! Here's what I've read since I last saw you:

Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater- 4/5
Unenchanted by Chanda Hahn-4/5
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins-5/5
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green-5/5
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare-5/5
Let Love in by Melissa Collins- 3/5
Every Little Piece by Kate Ashton- 3/5
Lost and Found by Nicole Williams- 4/5
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell-5/5
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare-5/5
And For Your Information... by Denis Deegan- 5/5
Beastly by Alex Flinn- 4/5


So that's everything I've read for the past few weeks again if you want more in depth reviews just let me know. Have a nice day :)

Sunday 1 June 2014

Scarlett series by Maureen Johnson









I read both of these books back to back and I will say they were both fabulous! 
Read this series asap!









   This is such a funny, funny series that I love! I love all of the Martin family and I applaud Maureen Johnson for writing two truly fabulous books.
   This was a great easy, fun series to read and I highly recommend it. Maureen Johnson did a wonderful job at developing the characters in a way that made the reader feel like they were friends with them. Honestly, the characters were my favourite part of the whole series; Mrs Amberson is so eccentric and you have to love her and Spencer is hands done my favourite character! But we cannot forget Scarlett who was a brilliant lead as you could see her grow and mature as the book progressed.
   Another thing I love about this book is how it showed how real families act. I, like the Martins, come from a big family and I can say Johnson hit the nail on the head when it came to dealing with the family dynamics. 
   Also, these books are outstandingly funny! I had to set them down a couple times because I could not see the pages as I was crying with laughter.  One thing I was not overly fond of was the romance in either book though I have to say I am team Max all the way!
   This is a great contemporary series that will have you laughing and leave you feeling great! However, I have to warn you that the ending of Scarlett Fever was not satisfying and I am praying that Maureen Johnson will come out with the next book asap because I am not at all ready to leave the Martins just yet!

NB: This book was sent to me by lovereading.co.uk and you can see my and others reviews of this book and more over there.

   

Thursday 15 May 2014

Watch out for this book: Lobsters by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison

This book was sent to me by Lovereading.co.uk pre-release I just had to share this with you. The book is released in June 2014 and I highly suggest you put it on your wishlist.

 
 
"Sam and Hannah only have the holidays to find 'The One'. Their lobster. But instead of being epic, their summer is looking awkward. They must navigate social misunderstandings, the plotting of well-meaning friends, and their own fears of being virgins for ever to find happiness. But fate is at work to bring them together. And in the end, it all boils down to love."
 
 
*Warning: Do not read this book in public as it may result in weird looks from strangers as you will be laughing hysterically*
 
 
This book was so incredibly funny that on multiple occasions I had to put the book down just to laugh.
I loved how this book was filled with modern pop culture references that made it so relatable. The two points of view were brilliant I love Sam and Hannah so much; they are so down to earth and unbelievably funny.
My favourite thing about this book was that it was so relatable. I could see myself and my friends in these situations, I worried about the same things and I loved that. I read this book in one sitting which I very rarely do.
This book is a must read, it stands apart from anything else I've read and is probably the funniest book I've ever read.


I do not own any rights to this book and all opinions are my own

 

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Songs and Books


I don’t know about you but so many times I’ve heard a song that reminds me of a particular book or when I’m reading a book one song keeps playing in my head. I feel that sometimes a song can be so similar or relevant towards a certain book. Here are some songs I’ve come up with that remind of a book. I will link the song in case you haven’t heard it before. Let me know what you think and any other suggestions because this may become a series.

 

  1. Skin Deep by Lauren Jarratt- Flaws by Bastille
  2. Wanted by Kelly Elliot- Wanted by Hunter Hayes
  3. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher- Hurt by Johnny Cash
  4. How to be Popular by Meg Cabot- Popular Song by Mika ft. Ariana Grande
  5. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith- Wild Card by Hunter Hayes
  6. Silence by Natasha Preston- Broken Angel by Boyce Avenue
  7. Never Forget by Emma Hart- Falling In by Lifehouse
  8. Lobsters by Tom Ellen- Here's To Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne
  9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky- Infinite by Arshad
  10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Girl on Fire by Arshad
 
 
 
NB: I do not own any of these videos or songs I just thought it was a bit of fun

Wednesday 30 April 2014

Seven Second Delay by Tom Easton

I was lucky enough to be sent this book ahead of publicatiton by lovereading.co.uk and if you want any furthur reviews check out the website closer to the release date of May 2014.

I loved this book! It was high tech, action packed and everything a dystopian should be!

This book starts of with faced paced action and goes up from there. My favourite part of this book was how believable it was; the technology seemed to be only a few steps ahead of our own and because of that it made it all the more exciting.
   I realy liked how Mila's back story was revealed slowly and added so much to the story. The fast pace of te novel was brilliant and the constant switch of view points helps give a rounded story that keeps the reader guessing.


*may include minor spoliers*
 
 
   Even though I really did love this book there were some minor let downs. I did not like the ending as I think it could have been so much more and I didn't think it was right for such and exciting book to have such a bland ending.
    Also personally I did not like the mild romance that occured it felt a little forced and in my opinion added nothing to the story. But having said that I loved this book so much and I highly recommend it!