my unholy march tbr pile

So as you can imagine... I am severely far behind on my Goodreads challenge; so my plan is to read a lot of shorter books next month to pull back my number to at least 15 books so far this year!
 

https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/3082-2015-reading-challenge

 

I plan on doing this by completing the following books/ series:

 

The lunar chronicles by Merissa Meyer

These fairy tale retellings are based in the future and start by introducing Cinder... the cyborg version of Cinderella... if that doesn't get you excited for a series I don't know what will!

I plan on completing the first three books of the series (and the prequel 'Winter' if I can get it in time), Cinder, Scarlet and Cress; these are the retellings of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel but with a Sci-fi twist. These have been on my shelf for way too long and I have heard nothing by utterly amazing things about them... and they only get better!
 

The star-crossed trilogy by Josophine Angelini


I must admit that this trilogy was a complete impulse buy, when I was younger I read a lot about different goddess' and mythology and this reminded me of a story *that I have been searching for since I misplaced my copy- but cant remember the name*. So I bought the entire series and then looked at a few review... my god have I stumbled onto an utterly loved series and its about time I get caught up with my TBR and get it read!

 

The hunger games trilogy by Susan Collins

Now I have attempted to read this series before and struggled with the way it was written, but I am determined to complete this series before the final instalment of Mockingjay is released in November... I also want to do a book to movie review of all the movies as I read/ watch them!


House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kritisin Cast

Now half of this series is a complete reread because I read the first 6 books 5 years ago at school! This is a series based on a finishing school for vampires where shizzaz happens and pure awesomeness ensues. This is definitely a series for older teenagers (16+ because there is some minor adult scenes). I have completed 'Marked' (Book #1) and I plan on completing the next two/ three books in March!

 

 

 

Heart of Steel by Elizabeth Einspanier
 
I have been requested to review this novel and just by looking at the synopsis I already know it right down my alley... the best way I can describe this sci-fi romance is a futuristic beauty and the beast. I cannot wait to delve into the book!


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REVIEW: The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic #1)
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Page Count: 320
Star rating: 5 Stars

Right, so meet Becky Bloomwood. She’s a financial journalist who’s addicted to shopping. No, seriously. She just cannot stop herself. Spending her working hours advising others on how to manage her money, Becky spends the rest of her time shopping and adding to the mountain of debts she has accrued (and avoiding her bank manager at all costs!). Who can’t relate? I certainly can!

A light-hearted, witty book, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic is a must-read. Full of humour, friendship, and downright panic, Sophie creates a world that many of us can relate to these days. Becky’s life appears to be spiralling out of control. Sophie draws us in, making us feel that Becky is our best friend. We feel part of her family (with kooky parents!), and it’s as if Martin and Janice Webster have always been a part of our lives.

Lending twenty quid off a millionaire entrepreneur, Luke Brandon, Becky gets that coveted scarf from D&G…for her Aunt Erm…intrude. Of course, Luke sees her wearing it, and she has to think on her feet. Poor Aunt Erm…intrude has died! Picking luggage out with Luke, it seems that romance is on the cards…but of course, he has a girlfriend. :-(

Avoiding Derek Smeath, her bank manager, appears utterly impossible. She bumps into him and his assistant, Erica…Parsnip…no, Erica Parnell, in the course of her work, when she is finally pinned down to a meeting to discuss her ever-increasing overdraft.

Utterly depressed and running out of little white lies to tell, Becky escapes to her parents, where she tells them that a crazy man, Derek Smeath, is stalking her! She then discovers that, following some financial advice she gave to them, Martin and Janice have been cheated out of a £20k windfall! Ever the journie, Becky uncovers the scandal, ending up going head-to-head with none other than Luke on national TV!

Naturally, this course of events eventually does lead to romance, but not until Becky has been in some more hilarious situations. This book in its entirety is a fantastic page-turner! Fast-paced, full of belly laughs, and with a hint of romance on the horizon, Sophie has given us a book that is, simply, an easy-to-read delight.

 

 

If you loved this book check out the 'I heart' series by Lindsey Kelk; for more information about this fast-paced, entertaining, sex-in-the-city premise, light read then check out; www.lindseykelk.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: 'warm bodies' held my heart in 'R's' hand...

Warm bodies by Isaac Marion
Page Count: 240 pages
Star Rating: 5 stars
Movie conversion rating: 4 stars

'R' is a zombie. He has no name, no memories and no pulse, but he has dreams. He is a little different from his fellow Dead.

Amongst the ruins of an abandoned city, R meets a girl. Her name is Julie and she is the opposite of everything he knows - warm and bright and very much alive, she is a blast of colour in a dreary grey landscape. For reasons he can't understand, R chooses to save Julie instead of eating her, and a tense yet strangely tender relationship begins.

This has never happened before. It breaks the rules and defies logic, but R is no longer content with life in the grave. He wants to breathe again, he wants to live, and Julie wants to help him. But their grim, rotting world won't be changed without a fight...'

 

'R' is a zombie... but not the face eating fear inducing monsters we are used to... 'R' is changing. 'R' meets Julie... while eating the brains of her boyfriend Perry... but that's a whole different story! He doesn't know how long he's been dead; he just knows that while all the other zombies are slowly rotting and turning into 'bonies' 'R' is coming back to life... thanks to Julie!

Now this story is the classic Romeo and Juliet with some epic twists... instead of two warring families, you have the last of the humans against the Zombies (a pretty epic interpretation in my opinion)... a forbidden love and finally life (obviously opposite to the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet... how can the dead die after all?).

This heartfelt story shows the struggle and importance of communication between partners at any point in the relationship... since 'R' is monosyllable in his language he learns to communicate in different ways... which really pulls on those heartstrings!

When you look at the story properly, its not just the story of 'R' rebuilding his existence but also Perry's story... shown through the digestion of his brain by 'R'... sounds totally gross but you learn so much more about the characters and you see and feel a whole host more emotions and memories... especially when 'R' begins to dream! Oh so good!

I watched the movie adaptation before I even knew it was a book; so when I realised I search amazon for the copy I wanted and then delved into 'R's' world... and my god I couldn't put that book down! I read it in a matter of hours and in my honest opinion I think the movie was actually a good interpretation. The major things they kept *but did move a few minor scenes around- but hey its Hollywood* except one huge plot twist at the end... which I think would have been exceptional in the movie- not going to spoil it though... so go read the book!


Now I think they got the casting half right for the movie... 'R' was cast perfectly; I don't think anyone other than Nicholas Hoult could have played the heartfelt zombie! However I think the casting of Julie was off... Julie was described as having short blonde hair and a bubble of emotional expression when in fact they cast a Kristen Stewart look-a-like who failed to show the expressions the books demonstrated so well. I think they were aiming for a zombie version of Twilight and didn't quite make it... which is sad really because this is nothing like Twilight and I really wished the industry would stop comparing every paranormal romance to Twilight!

I cannot wait for Marion's prequel coming out soon!

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REVIEW: Why the 'Red Queen' had me gripped...

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Page count: 383
Stars... 4 stars!

'This is a world divided by blood- red or silver.

 

Reds a commoners, ruled by a silver elite in possession of God-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen year old Red girl from the poverty stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.'

 

 

Let me introduce you to this awesome, well written and exceptionally alluring world; where your not only divided by the money in your pocket but by the colour of your blood... one colour leads you to richness, safety and a well-rounded good life... the other leads to slavery, sublimation and a painful death... remind anyone of a particularly hideous part of our history? Thought so! I this twist on the idea of slavery, one race dominating another has been told countless times... and I believe will be told for eons to come; because these are the lessons that need to be learnt! Now I could go on for hours talking about the symbolism between the different aspects of the book and slavery but lets face it, not many people will want to read an analytical breakdown (which will almost certainly contain huge-ass spoilers!).

 

Lets talk about this book; I am going to attempt to stay spoiler free because this has not long been released (10th Feb 2015) but let me tell you... if you love kickass female leads... a Royal family with more kinks than a well used suit of armour... amazing super-powers and a story of climbing from the bottom to the top... then run to the shop! Now!

 

So our main character is Mare Molly Barrow; a thief from a run down hopeless Red city... who picks the wrong persons pocket...when she gets taken to the 'arena' to witness the 'Silvers' fight when she discovers her own superhuman ability that; as a red, she shouldn't have! That's when everything gets tipped on its head and she is thrown into a world of rebellion and royalty.

 

Now these themes may sound a little similar to some of you? Red rising come to mind? The legend trilogy? X-men? Oh its clear in this epic first instalment that all of these amazing elements were used for inspiration!

 

Oh the emotions! Now after you've read a few fantasy novels... or even a handful of decent YA... you get to know that the protagonist always gets betrayed! So when your sat wondering who of the amazing other characters will be the one to betray her you know your onto a good book!

 

Although some of the plot twists were pretty predicable... Mare being special... Mare being key a to rebellion... Mare ending up where she does *these spoilers are getting harder and harder to avoid!*. The book was written exceptionally, and I mean that today is my 21st birthday and I spent the day reading this book! (And of course writing this review) It dragged me in after about 50 pages *hence no 5 stars!*... if the book had pulled me in from the get go it would be flat out 5 star but it seemed to drag until she discovered her ability; after that your spiralled through a dangerous and exciting world.

 

There are quotes from every book that sticks with the reader... and this is no different... I think this quote sums up Mare better than any explanation than I can ever possibly give:

 

'His touch feels like betrayal. "Mare, you don't have to keep trying to save me."

"I will as long as you wont."

 

Now if you liked this book... or just the sound of this book then I highly recommend the Legend Trilogy *which I have reviewed- check down the right hand side there* and Red Rising!






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REVIEW: Why 'Sweet Venom' didnt keep its bite...

Book: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Number of pages:
Book status: Not complete!
Star rating: 1 stars

The premise of this book is simple; triples (separated at birth) are the decedents of Medusa, the guardian of the gate between our world and the prison of the evil beings. When Medusa was killed the only people left to guard the gate were her children; however these children are not aware of their abilities until they are faced with hideous monsters. Its only then that they find out they have fangs and death defying abilities! Anyone else see a potential danger in this set up?

So the story follows three decedents, Grace, Gretchen and Greer (see a familiarity of the names?); Gretchen is a long standing monster hunter who has grown up with monsters around her, Grace moves to San Francisco to escape one world only to be hurled into another more dangerous one and Greer is a high class snobby girl that gets side-blowed by the others when they hunt her down. Grace and Gretchen are introduced from the get go, with a very Percy Jackson feel to the writing; however after reading two thirds of the book I had yet to be introduced to Greer... when I reached the first chapter with her in I instantly hated the character; everything about the character screamed close the book... so I did.
 

What made me pick up this book was the magical mythical element, I had just put down the Percy Jackson Series and was seriously craving more ancient mythology; so when I read the back of the book I fell in love. But love soon turned to despise as more and more flaws started appearing; the characters felt flat and the story seemed to drag... there was more pages dedicated to Grace's infatuation with her once mute little brother (that seems to miraculously start talking half way through the book but no-one notices or reacts in any way?!?); in over 200 pages I only read about 4 monster attacks (each attack from two points of view which got really boring really fast).
 

The overall plot lacked focus *in my humbled opinion*; it went from nothing to everything and then nothing again... for God's sake why spend so much time introducing the schools and other characters if nothing ever happens in the school or with those other characters? The plot jumped from one element to another and never really had any links... but this may be because of the number of viewpoints, working three viewpoints into one 350 page book isn't easy or really recommended because you don't et enough out of each character. I think that if Tera Lynn Childs had focused more on the overarching plot and less on the minor plots that seemed to have little to no relevance to the enhancement of the book I may have been more inclined to finish the book.
 

There were elements of the book that screamed Percy Jackson, the details of the Greek mythology were scarce and according to the book totally wrong anyway... stating that the changes to the current known Greek mythology were due to changes made by the Gods and therefore everything you go into the book knowing is pointless... why break rules that really don't need to be broken?!?
 

Although I rated this book a 1 star; please don't feel inclined not to ever read it, the book has amazing potential but I couldn't force myself to complete it.

However there are other books if you like the Greek Mythology aspect; I highly recommend the Percy Jackson Series; both the Olympian Series and the Heroes of Olympus Series. However Rick Riordan has a third mythological based series; The Kane Chronicles, however this is based on Egyptian Mythology but still highly recommend the read.

how to review like a pro!

Do you want to start a blog?

Maybe you want to get into the publishing business?

Do you want to review books?

 

High quality reviews and blog posts really draw your readers in and gives them what they want- the information! So here I'll go through a few different things you could include in your reviews that will make them stand out and really engage with your reader (or even the author if your able?!?)

 

If you can write roughly 100 words for each of these questions then you are in for an amazing review:

What drew you to the book?

Be honest... if you got the book as a gift and had never saw it before tell your readers that! If your brutally honest and only went for the book because of the cover admit it; give the graphic designers some credit (its not just a writer that makes the book you know!). The more honest your answer the more likely the readers are going to believe you!

Summarise the book:

Now this may be difficult in spoiler free reviews (but still possible; use the blurb for a starting point); but try your best. If you can show your reader that you actually understood what happened in the book then your one step closer to writing an amazing review!

Now if you couldn't understand the main storyline this is a great way to start evaluating the book; what's the point of the book if no-one can understand he main storyline?!?

Favourite character? Why!

I know that when we read these amazing books we adopt our own faces to the characters and create our fantasy boyfriends *totally not ashamed*. But what about them got you that attached? Was it a phrase they used? A part of their personality? What did the author do fantastically to make you really connect to the characters- more importantly what do they do different to other books?

Now if a character didn't change at all throughout a book what's the point?!? So ask yourself what has changed about the character? Don't just stick to 'they got stronger' or 'they started believing in themselves'; because that's what every character does (mostly), what did they learn about themselves (good or bad)? What didn't we see coming?

Now do the same for the character you really didn't like (not always the one you weren't meant to like- that's just a really good antagonist!); what was different between this character and the last? What would have made you like this character more?


Long term effects?

Were you still thinking about the book days... weeks later? Did the book touch on something controversial? Did it change the way you think about this? Was the controversy obvious or was it abstract? Use this controversy to discuss how the book has influenced you... because they always do! Every book you have ever read has changed a minute detail about your thought process *some more than others* but what has this specific book changed... did you find another book did the same thing?

The plot...

The plot is never perfect... we as well read people see patterns in behaviours and can almost predict the entire plot after the first few chapters... but could you talk about a plot twist that you saw coming from a mile away? Can you remember what made you think it was coming?

Now consider the twists that you didn't see coming *think back* were there any hints that were that well intertwined with the story that they were obvious in hindsight but totally invisible when you first read it? Work with it!

To the author...

Now as readers we have no right to tell a writer they should have done this and not this *unless of course you are an editor and then kudos to you*; but you can explain what the author did that was amazing and what wasn't so amazing... please do not insult or slate the author... be polite or people will not come back! By all means be critical but don't go on a rampage about the author; try and aim for the sandwich effect

-Good point

-Bad Point

- Good point



Book comparison:

 

Did the book make you think of another book? Maybe a specific character made you think of another? If so talk about it! have a book suggestion section 'if you liked this book- check out these'; it shows that your not only considering the book that your reading but also the other books you have read.

 

Rating the book:

 

Now some people don't believe a book should be rated; I am one of those that thrive on a rating system! Try and find a system that isn't just 'good book/ bad book'; maybe a scale or percentile system. Just make sure that your readers now which scale your using and what it means *handy-dandy text space down the side of your blog is good for this!*.

 

Overall you need to speak the truth in a book review; don't ever take a payment or bribe for a good review! You have to show integrity and honour in the book reviewing world! However these points aren't just for book reviews; you could adapt the questions for movie or product reviews, so knock yourself out!

Please don't forget to follow, share, +1 this post and leave a comment below; have I missed a tip that you would give people who are reviewing books? Which tip do you think is the best?

Introducing Sophie Kinsella

The first blog series written by Theresa will be based on Sophie Kinsella... okay enough yapping... here's Theresa's first guest blog.


So, I’m gonna start with Sophie Kinsella. Famous for the ‘Shopaholic’ series, she has also written some stand-alone books, as well as writing under a pseudonym - Madeleine Wickham. Of course, most people seem to have read the ‘Shopaholic’ series, so I’m also gonna blog about Sophie’s other books. I’m gonna have to start with the ‘Shopaholic’ ones though (who can resist yet another re-read?!)

Sophie has a funny, light-hearted style, bringing much laughter and love to the people. Her charming yet simple style makes her books a delight to read, without requiring too much brain-power (I’m a student, right? I don’t have much brain-power left after lectures and assignments!).

You can get the official bio (as well as info on all Sophie’s books) at:

http://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk

Stay tuned for my first official review…peace out x

Cryptic musings of a wanna be writer

Holding my breath seemed to sap the life from my muscles, each second getting closer to the burn building in my chest and the sudden gasp that will inevitability follow... but I must hold still... they must think I'm dead... so I hold still; deadly still.

Their smoky essence drifted over me as they searched my body, thinking im a victim of an ever raging war they loot the little money from my pockets and begin to move towards the others; only they weren't holding their breaths anymore.

Their footsteps faded, the muscles in my chest and throat relaxed but the first tears reached my cheek before my lungs were full of air once more. Screams filled my mind but could never reach my lips, they were frozen together knowing they... whatever they are, would hear me... I had to be silent.

My eyes scanned the body-littered alley before my legs would dare to work, memories of my childhood flashing before me as I look into the sparkless eyes of my best friends. My knees cracked as I knelt by Joe's side, his skin was still warm but the blood pooling on his chest was seeping the warmth from him... he was the first person to ever hug me and mean it... first person to love me and mean it... the bottom of my world shattered as the first sobs escaped my lips.

It was hours until they found us...

my 2015 must read series

Hi all,

So I know that the year is alreasy a month over but I have decided on the list of books/ series I want to complete during 2015:


The Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

'For a thousand years the ash fell.

The mists rule the night.

The Lord Ruler owns the World.

Yet somehow hope survives.'

Doesn't this sound absolutely amazing? After reading the current instalments of the 'Throne of Glass' Series by Sarah J Maas, my love for epic high fantasy have multiplied, I want adventure and magic and whole new worlds and this (if the reviews are anything to go by) is up there as one of the best.

Now I plan on reading the first part of the series 'The Final Empire' this month, with 643 pages its not a one night read kinda book and I am planning on completing the second and third book 'The Well of Ascension' and 'The Hero of Ages' in March and April respectively. For those that have already spotted it, yes this is the first three months of the #yearofcosmere read-a-long.

The House of Night series by P.C Cast and Kristen Cast

Now this is an epic series based on a vampire boarding school and the epic adventures the ensue after some tragic activities. I have read the first 6 novels of this series but that was many years ago so I want to start again and complete the series and the novellas. I plan on reading one or two of these books a month as part of my flexible reading aims.

The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan

'Jason has a problem...

Piper has a secret...

Leo has a way with tools...'

Yes... this year I plan on tackling the second instalment of the epic Percy Jackson Series from the amazing Rick Riordan; this five book series was only completed at the end of last year and of course I waited patiently for the entire series to be complete so I can marathon them!!!!

So here's the plan... I am hoping to set aside a month to start at the beginning of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series and marathon both series together.



Starcrossed Trilogy by Josephine Angelini

I don't want to know anything about this trilogy before delving into this; I have heard many booktubers say that this is the best way and I believe them.

Fire Series by D'Lacey

This middle grade series is based on the world of dragons. I don't really know more than that...

The Darke Academy Series by Gabriella Poole

This is based on a paranormal school that moves every year, but where ever they move an evil is following putting the school in danger.

classics for the year...

There are three classics I want to read this year; Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.

***All captions taken from the Wordsworth Classics Editions of the books and do not express my personal opinion (until I've read the books)***

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

'Moby Dick is the story of Captain Ahab's quest to avenge the whale that 'reaped' his leg. The quest is an obsession and the novel is a diabolical study of how a man becomes fanatic.

 

But it is also a hymn to democracy. Bent as the crew is on Ahab's appalling crusade, it is equally the image of a co-operative community at work; all hands dependant on all hands, each individual responsible for the security of each.

 

Among the crew is Ishmael, the novel's narrator, ordinary sailor; and extraordinary reader. Digressive, allusive, vulgar, transcendent, the story Ishmael tells is above all an education: in the practice of whaling, in the art of writing. Expanding to equal its 'mighty theme'- not only the whale but all things sublime- Melville breathes in the worlds great literature.

 

Moby Dick is the greatest novel written by an American.'

 

Wordsworth Classic's know how to make a story sound epic; as a vegetarian and a strong believer against such torturous acts (such as whaling), I wanted to read this because it doesn't sound like a book about a whale but something so much more alluring and divulging. I really cannot wait to sink into this great American Classic.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

'Pride and Prejudice, which opens with one of the most famous sentences in English Literature, is an ironic novel of manners. In it the garrulous and empty-headed Mrs Benner has only one aim- that of finding a good match for each of her five daughters. In this she is mocked by her cynical and indolent husband.

 

With its wit, its social precision and, above all, its irresistible heroine, Pride and Prejudice has proved one of the most enduringly popular novels in the English language.'

This is one of those novels you know you should have read in school; to study how to write beautiful and elegantly, but alas I didn't and now I am almost 21 I have decided to get myself in gear and read this exclaimed novel.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

'Jane Eyre ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English Fiction. Although the poor but plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, she possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage.

She is focused to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. All of which circumscribe her life and position when she becomes governess to the daughter of the mysterious, sardonic and attractive Mr Rochester.

However, there is a great kindness and warmth in this epic love story, which is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Yorkshire Moors. Ultimately the grand passion of Jane and Rochester is called upon to survive cruel revelation, loss and reunion, only to be confronted with tragedy.'

Unlike the other classics I plan on reading this year, Jane Eyre I know more about; having watched the movie adaptation of the book. Now I know I'm not a love story kind of girl but this story got me hooked from the moment the movie started and I hope the book does this ten-fold.

Are you planning on reading any classics this year? Got them picked out? I would love to know... leave a comment below.

Happy reading,
Helen x

REVIEW: Why 'Heir of Fire' didnt light the spark *Spoilers*

Be warned my lovelies... this contains spoiler material... so please only continue if you've read the book!

My first thoughts of the book:

I think the way this book is written overall does the series justice; although its not my favourite instalment it is amazing and kept me awake many nights wondering what is going to happen to all the characters I have loved from the beginning and those that have only just been introduced. I cannot wait for the next part! There were overall awesomeness in this novel; but I have some minor issues.

Introducing new characters:

There were several new characters introduced in this instalment of the 'Throne of Glass series'; two of the main new characters were Mamon, the grand-daughter of the witch Queen and Rowan a hot distant relation of Caelena. But I have issues with how these characters were portrayed.

Mamon had a  blunt introduction to the leading force of the witches clans wasn't excellent, it took several pages to realise that this wasn't a character we had encountered before and several of her dedicated chapters to get an actual feel for her. It was almost like we were meant to have met her in the last book but it had been removed?

Rowan; I am in love with the character, I think we could have done with at least a few chapters from Rowans POV, maybe seeing Caelena from the outside and see him from the inside... maybe this would be something Sarah would consider for a novella maybe? Even with this lack of insight this Rowan is my favourite character of this book... he is so loyal and so determined to teach her *even if he enjoys beating the crapola out of her*. He is so sassy, so in your face and god-damn hunky *totally not my fictional boyfriend* and I really need him in later books!

Overall storyline:

I think there were some major developments in this chapter of the series; there was a lot of information thrown at the readers, some were really well worked into the storyline but some felt like information was being included for the sake of being included.

The pace of the overall storyline varied and unlike most fantasy novels it wasn't in the middle but right at the beginning where the pace was at its worse; however this may be because I was in a reading slump because of University work. I found it hardest to get through the first 200 pages but the moment I passed this I couldn't put the book down. I was worried when I started reading about Caelena's training because it was beginning to feel repetitive 'I'm no good', 'I'll never be any good' and the overall feeling of worthlessness was drummed in for so long that I was beginning to feel fed up of her overall attitude... so much self hate. And because of this when the battle scene came you knew there was going to be a moment of realisation and I think that really took away from the overall intensity of the final battle; which was a shame because it was so beautifully written.

The end of the book also left a lot more questions, I know there will be more instalments and of course you need material to continue in those books; but when the books finishes similar to the previous book (with Caelena leaving the characters and travelling to somewhere different with no plan- leaving the people who have grown to love her with no hope of peace or even being able to answer their questions- she just leaves with no emotion) and a lot of the questions that were really building up are left with no answers; for example there was nothing really done about the bodies or the army and three Princes... so many questions and unless we get chapters from Rowan's point of view in the next book answering this question this whole element of the storyline just seems to wash away.

However... 

Even though I feel that I have criticised a lot of elements of 'Heir of Fire' it will be one of the best books I read this year, it changed my views on my own weaknesses and fears and how these might influence those around me. Sarah took us under her wings to guide us through the uncertain times this book had and bought us to another tear jerker ending and a edge of seat wait till the next installment... I am desperate to know what is happening to this world and how they plan on tackling the many sub-storylines.

If you liked this book...

There are two books that I would highly recommend if you are in love with the high fantasy, strong female protagonists and magic!

The Queen of Tearling by Erika Johanson; I have read this and it took a long time *and still does* to be able to define these two separate series. I highly recommend this book! Keep an eye out for the review!

Gracling by Kristin Cashore is another that is highly recommended book which is acclaimed (according to reviews); and this is on my TBR for March!

introducing me

Hi all,

Now I know I have done a similar post to this at the very beginning but times have changed and I am determined to be a better blogger and that involves a little self disclosure.

So here are 10 facts about me:

1. Im a student in a University in England, studying psychology.... no I can't read your mind!
2. Im an avid reader (obviously) but I spend more time reading textbooks and delving into research papers than a good YA these days (but this is slowly changing).
3. I have 13 novels completed on my computer... none of which I would be happy about sending to a publishers... yet!
4. I play for a really bad hockey team.
5. I want to work with child criminals as my dream job.
6. I'm an avid cross stitcher because it calms me down, I've almost completed my largest project yet.

7. I'm a nerd, I watch the entire harry potter, lord of the rings, hobbit and twilight series at least once a week while im working.
8. I can recite the first two chapters of harry potter and the philosopher's stone without the book, and yes its word for word.... I will conquer the entire series eventually!

9. I spend more time in the university library than I do at home... even though it contains only textbooksand no fictional books.
10. I'm addicted to buying books, I go on a book buying ban and end up buying more books than when im not on a book buying ban... also I buy the most books when im stressed.


So there are 10 facts about me that you may not know... looking back at my first few posts I notice a lot has changed about how I do things and I want to keep developing these skills to become a better blogger and give my experiences to others.

But I want to know about you... leave me a comment down below telling me one fact about you... it can be anything. I'd love to get to know my readers.

Loves,
Helen

I need some research help

Hi all,

I know this is nothing really to do with what this blog is about, however as part of my degree I must conduct a research project. My closest friend Theresa Summerfield is also conducting a piecefor which she is struggling to get participants. The project is based on the concept of catfishing, which we all know is getting more and more prevelant on the interent; her questionnaire is based around what makes a person misrepresent themselves in any form online.

So I implore you, if you or anyone you know has misrepresented any part of who you are, whether its using a different picture, manipulating a picture of yourself or changing the information you give about yourself, would you please take the time to fill out this research. Please we are trying to make the internet a safer more friendly environment for everyone.

This is totally anonymous and you can fear no backlash from any of the answers given so please, please, please help.

http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=c39dbd90-2e83-4d30-8193-015f55900959

Many thanks,

Helen x

February TBR

Hello my wonderful readers,

How was your January? I hope it was more productive than my own, with exams, deadlines and illness I havent managed to finish a single book... unless you count textbooks...

Well to summarize I read about 100 pages of Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas and about 30 pages of Sweet venom by Tera Lynn Childs.

However I have bought a proverbial mountain of books so once they have all arrived I will be doing a book haul post but also hopefully a video for my booktube debut... so wish me luck.

I have three set aims and then several 'if I finish those' choices; I think this will be how I set out my TBR posts in the future, as with my schedule and other commitments I cant guarentee my reading will be consistently high. :-(


My first aim for Februaryis to complete Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas, I am in love with this book and its starting to really annoy and pain me that i havent finished this beautiful book yet. Im about half way through and aim to finish this within the first few days of February (by that I mean today).

My second aim is to complete sweet venom by Tera Lynn Childs, this has been my bedside read for over a month and do you think I can make much progress? I plan on moving it out of the slump and into my main reads, its pretty short with only 345 pages but ive only been able to get to page 65, this may be because of all the things happening in January reading before bed went out the window... along with actual sleep.

My final aim is to take part in the first part of the #yearofcosmere by reading the first mistborn novel, 'the final empire' by Brandon Sanderson; since starting the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas by love for all things high fantasy as grown beyond belief, so when I was browsing YouTube and found this year long read-a-long I knew I wanted to join. The mistborn trilogy is part of my huge book haul for January, however plan on picking up more of his books as we get to them; if you want to know more about this read-a-long then please watch:

#YearofCosmere Readalong Announcement!: http://youtu.be/8vb9yEOtSfw

So my more flexible aims for this month; if I complete these books I will be happy, even though they are all technically rereads form. I started this series when I was in school, and although I can remember most of what happened I want to finish this series this year. The final installment was released at the end of last year and it spurred me into making it one of my goals of 2015, The House of Night series is a 12 novel, 4+ novella series making it the longest series I own. I have read the first 6 in the series but like ive mentioned that was a long time ago and a reread is in order.

So my flexi-aims books are 'Marked', 'Betrayed' and 'Chosen' by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast, they are quite short books, averaging at just under 300 pages each so hopefully ill be able to squeeze them in. This series will be my flexi-monthly goals until its complete, if I can get more read than these it will make February a very good reading month.

Finally, to top everything off I would love to here what you think:

- What books are on your TBR pile this month?
- Which of these would you like to see a review on?

Happy reading, and please dont forget to click the like, follow and leave a comment

loves,
Helen x