The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

An enjoyable fantasy read; I read it so that I could compare to the film and I find that if the film was true to the book it would have been loads better. The book is a short snapshot really into the world that J R R Tolkien explores further in his trilogy of books. It's nice to have more dwarf characters since there aren't very many in the trilogy and I always thought they deserved more explanation.

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1) by Gail Carriger

Ok this book was really different to what I was expecting, what I was expecting was a slightly supernatural spy book. However what I got was a very supernatural and a bit robot book that involved sneaking around and getting to the bottom of a mystery. It was a good book but I really didn’t understand why the robots were in the story or what they added to it especially since it was supposed to be slightly historical.

The main character is Sophronia a troublesome girl who is struggling to fit in with society as well as her family’s expectations. So she is sent to a finishing school where her mother hopes will set her in order however the finishing school just happens to train them in espionage. While at the finishing school she makes friends as well as enemies and tries to get to the problem that is facing the school. She is a fairly good main character except for her relying on a lot of other people which made her seem a little bit dependants instead of independent.

The secondary character I found most noteworthy was Dimmity, she is a girl who Sophronia meets on the way to the finishing school, she struggles most with the new school and suffers from frequent fainting at the sight of blood and a whole host of other things. She stills helps in any way she can to get to the bottom of what is happening at the school.

The storyline is really original and good fun and pacing is good and doesn’t leave everything until the last minute. I will be sticking with the series however may take some time between books because they are slightly juvenile for me.

3.5 stars

The Naturals (The Naturals, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This is a really easy to read and gripping book that had a twist even I didn’t expect although this was my second reading of the book so this time round I was able to see the hints dropped earlier than the first time I read it. The characters add a lot to this book but I can’t say it didn’t go along the lines of other YA books which in my opinion made it a bit cheesy or clichéd. 

The main character is Cassie Hobbes; a teenage girl who after the death of her mother is sent to live with her father’s side of the family in Colorado. That is where she remains until she is targeted by a branch of the FBI which is specifically aimed at teenagers with special abilities to help in series killer cases. Cassie is targeted because of her ability to profile people without even thinking about it she is what they call a ‘natural’. With a string of murders which Cassie and her team are investigating dragging up memories of her mother’s death it seems impossible for them to be linked but they are in a way I didn’t see coming. Cassie is an interesting character with a good backstory that drags readers further into the story.

Secondary characters I found most noteworthy were Cassie’s co-workers in the ‘Naturals’ department; Dean, Michael, Lia and Sloane. Dean is the quiet and broody bad boy; the child of a serial killer who is now putting his personal connection to good use, being a profiler. Michael is the boy who drags Cassie into the division; he has learned how to be a profiler in the hopes of helping the FBI. Lia is a natural herself but not at profiling, she can spot lies as they are told, and although has difficulty getting along with the other house mates comes through in the end. And Sloane, the geeky and technologically brilliant character; with a few issues in social interactions, she often refers to statistics.

The storyline is something similar to that of the adult crime genre but this is something that doesn’t happen very much in the YA genre so I found it very refreshing. The pacing was great; creating tension and adding in the POV of the killer and creeping me out massively but then ending with a stunning revelation and continuing to keep us hooked and wanting to continue with the series.

4.5 stars; if it wasn’t for the YA clichés in this book it would have been 5

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) Blake, Kendare

I needed to reread this one because it had been too long that I can’t continue with the rest of the series and to remind myself why it was a favourite. And remind myself I did; this book is so uniquely terrifying and romantic that I found myself speechless yet again. If only there were more books like this!

The main character is Cas Lowood, his full name is actually Theseus Cassio so we’ll forgive him for shortening it to something easier. He’s a teenage boy who kills (dispatches) already dead ghosts who are making themselves a nuisance by killing the living. The characters actions at the very start of the book give us an idea of just how gruesome and gory this book is going to be so I advise that if you struggle to read past chapter 3 do not continue. Cas moves to a new town with the sole intention of killing Anna a ghost who has terrorized those who enter her house killing twenty ish people already. But as the situation unfolds Cas begins to sympathise and even share feelings with the ghost in question. Cas goes through a huge amount of growth even in the first book with him going from being a solo fighter to having friends ready next to him to fight and then learning about his father’s death and Anna. This character shows great promise and I am looking forward to reading the other book in this series to see how the character develops even further.

The secondary characters I found most noteworthy include; Anna, Thomas and Carmel. Anna is a tortured soul after having been killed gruesomely she haunts the house she lived in while alive killing those who trespass until Cas enters; Anna’s true story is one of horrific detail and sends a chill through your spine. Thomas is a bit of an outsider until Cas arrives being able to read people’s minds and having a grandfather who is a user of voodoo magic (the good kind) Thomas joins Cas in his quest of saving Anna. Carmel is the normal girl from Cas and Thomas’s school who joins the group rather accidentally but who supports the cause whole heartedly.

The storyline is unique, gripping and terrifying; with details so grotesque that it is most definitely not for the faint hearted. The pacing is brilliant hooking the reader from the very first page till the last and making them desperate for more.

Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1) by Tahereh Mafi

** spoiler alert ** This book started off brilliantly dragging me in from the very first page but then I felt it drop in the middle before it picked it at the end. I would strongly suggest that people stick with this book because it has become a most definite favourite of mine. 

The main character is Juliette, a girl who at the start of the book is imprisoned and has been for quite some time. She cannot remember who she is or where she comes from she only knows her life in the sad little dungeon but when she is joined in her cell by another. She knows she recognises the boy who now shares her cell but she can’t remember where from; and shortly after she is realised and asked to become part of the army of the leaders. An arsenal as they know her gift can kill or seriously damage people at one touch. It is Adam her cell mate who helps her escape and have a life of her own outside of her dungeon.

The most noteworthy secondary character is Adam; he has an immunity to Juliette’s power so can touch her without fear of being hurt. Adam helps Juliette not only escape the people who want to use her gift as a weapon but get to the people who are part of the resistance and can help her.

The storyline is extremely original and great to read. The pacing on the other hand is a bit of a struggle in the middle but with a great start and end; so for me was just good enough.

5 stars a new favourite and a series I want to continue at a later date.

Escaping Love (Koning Clan, #2) by Debra Smith

I’m starting to find that once you’ve read enough of these type of books they’re all the same and although they remain to be quick and easy reads they no longer hold my interest like they used to. This book was no exception to the rule and while it has been a while since I’ve read the first in the series I found myself thinking that any book of the same genre that has stayed in my head could have been the first book in the series. It was a good standalone book and I didn’t think knowing which book came first really mattered as apart from the occasional mention of the two characters from the previous book it could have been completely independent.

The main characters are Alex and Clint; Alex is a girl escaping from the family pressure that has been bestowed on her by her being a rare shifter. She runs into Clint while seeking an audience with another female shifter to try and get out of her predicament. Clint is acting as in charge while the two characters from the previous book are away on their honeymoon so takes the protection of Alex very seriously, inviting her into his house. Since her father sent people after her his home is quickly left and they move to Clint’s family’s home. The two main characters are instantly attracted to each other from when they first meet each other but it takes a while for them to warm to each other. The two main characters are pretty likeable but not unlike other characters in these types of books. 

There are a few secondary characters however if this series is as much like the others I’ve read then they will be further explored in their own book where they find love.

The storyline is similar to other books I’ve read however still enjoyable; these are university romance books are what I turn to when I want an easy and quick read; a pallet cleanser. The pacing was good and I will continue with the series whenever I want something to read that I don’t have to think about.

4 stars an interesting read.

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen, #1) by Rebecca Maizel

This book was a good read however it has left me pretty baffled. I will continue with this series even though at this minute in time I'm not sure who the main character is going to be.

Zoey Rogue (Incubatti, #1) by Lizzy Ford

I love this book, I think I read it too much but it just gets better every time I read it. The characters are what makes this book amazing, it is so easy to fall in love with these characters and the amazing story the author tells. I have to reread this book to remind me how much I love it and the author who became my favourite shortly after I read this book the first time.

The main character is the title character Zoey, Zoey is a strong and opinionated half succubus who spends her time killing half incubuses (Cambodians). Zoey is being manipulated in a game for power she didn’t even realise was happening, and finding her mate seems to throw everything up in the air. I love Zoey she is utterly a joy to read about and I feel I relate to her a lot as she is angry at the world yet trying to remain normal (ish).

The most noteworthy secondary characters I feel are Vicky and Declan. Vicky is the best friend/ tequila and shots friend we all have and who leads us astray, she is also mated to Declan’s brother and kills Cambodian’s with Zoey. Declan is Zoey’s mate and the head enforcer of the Incubus society, he is a real stickler for the rules which is why the pairing with Zoey seems so far-fetched but it also leads to some very swoon worthy moments between them.

The storyline is brilliantly original especially given this was the first books of this kind I read, and the pacing was superb leading onto the second book in the series very nicely.

5 stars still an all time favourite

Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

This book was very different to what I was expecting as well as what I’m used to reading; what I thought would be an easy and non-thought provoking read has left me dumb struck and doubting real life. I am almost at a loss of what to say after being completely and utterly stunned by this enchanting and gripping read.

The main character is Tania a girl living in a mountain village that often suffers from forest fires; which she unfortunately has a fear of. When a famous musical idol of hers moves into a house near her town and she is invited to a welcoming party she is introduced to a life she never knew existed as well as a danger she couldn’t possibly imagine. With some beautiful both boys and girls enticing friends to join the local stars cult she has to fight an impossible force to prevent her soul being ripped from her. Tania was a fairly strong however not entirely convincing leading lady, she constantly doubts her actions as well as what she believes is going on. 

The most noteworthy secondary characters I thought included Daniel, Grace, Orlando and Zoran. Daniel is an enticing member of Zoran’s cult that is used to try to get Talia involved in the goings on, I do feel that he had a great chance of being successful being not easily deterred. Grace is Tania’s best friend who gets dragged into the cult and cuts herself off from friends and family ultimately getting Tania to join to try and force her out. Orlando is Tania’s boyfriend and although they have their issues in the book they also come together in a great way and I feel like it will be a relationship that lasts. And finally Zoran is the amazing musical icon who moves to town who harbours some secrets of his own he uses his friends to get more people to join his cult.

The storyline is really original and almost hauntingly striking as if applied to everyday life and current superstars I feel could be an extremely likely scenario. The pacing I though was brilliant building up an eerie picture and tension before dropping the bombshell.

A great read 4.5 stars only losing out because I didn’t think the main character was entirely believable.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Ok, so I was sceptical about starting this book because to be honest it’s not normally the type of thing I read but this book has become an instant favourite. The story telling by the main character is superb drawing the audience into his life and while we can only read about the things he writes we can get a pretty good picture of what his life might be like. 

The main character is Charlie, a teenage boy who has suffered from depression due to the death of his best friend and his Aunt Helen. The book starts off with him at school struggling to make friends and relying on his family and English teacher. After meeting Patrick and Sam Charlie’s life changes as he becomes a part of their friendship group and starts interacting with more people and becoming a part of social group. He then goes from strength to strength getting a girlfriend and starting to fit in with everyday life; he is still suffering from past traumas from his early life. 

The most noteworthy secondary characters include Patrick and Sam as well as Charlie’s family. Patrick is a gay and outgoing male who takes Charlie in under his wing and introduces him to his social group, he is also struggling with the societal judgement for his being gay. Sam is the step sister of Patrick and an important member of the social group Charlie joins, Charlie also develops a crush on Sam and they share a kiss. Charlie’s family includes Father, mother and sister, while they are all very supportive of Charlie they also struggle with their own issues which they try to hide from Charlie in order to spare him. 

The storyline is fantastically original and is unique in its storytelling technique, it is also heart hitting and a fantastic telling of a common problem people face. The pacing is great and I feel that the storyline adds to this by allowing it to have its own time frame which actually spans over quite a long period of time whereas the book was shorter than I expected. 

5 stars a fantastic read and instant favourite

The Wonder (Queen of hearts #2), Colleen Oakes

I must say first of all that i loved the first in this series so much that it is in my opinion beyond comparison. With that in mind this book was a disappointing follow up; with not a lot really happening. I feel it has fallen prey to a lot of other second in the series books which have the main objective of leading up to the third and setting the stage for a rebellion. I also felt as though the main character Dinah had actually lost some of the qualities which i thought made her great in the first book.

I will continue with this series out of love for the first book but i do feel as though i will later hope that i can miss out reading the second book.

Thoughts on a book Looking for Alaska, John Green.

This is only the second book I have read by this author and I've got to say I'm curious if someone always dies in his books.

I think my new John Green book will have to be paper towns however it won't be for a while since I am currently too upset to read another book where a main character might die.

I did like Looking for Alaska, i thought the friend group was very much like the friend group in the perks of being a wall flower. However I think I'm getting a feeling for John Green's book which i wasn't prepared for in this case sending me into a crying, bleary eyed state until the end of the book; quite embarrassing when my mum is continually asking 'are you ok?'. By the end of the book my main reaction was I hate John Green, why make me love a character then kill them off! Needless to say I am donating it since I am unlikely to want this kind of heartbreak again and if I do I'm sure he has written enough other books.

I must however point out that this book was in my opinion massively better than The Fault In our Stars which is the most widely hyped one.

The name of the wind, Patrick Rothfuss

Ok, for me this was a very long read (on par with a game of thrones) which is why I've taken my time with. This is a book very much centred on one main character who is telling his story to someone who is writing it down and so the author takes us on journeys from his past which are full of action, romance, and an unlimitted amount of sass.

I have very much enjoyed reading this book however i did think it might benefit from being shorter because at times I felt as if I might be losing interest. However the storyline was good enough that I kept on being roped back into this book.

I would like to read book 2 but it won't be for a while since my current to be read shelf is overflowing.

Unspoken Sarah Rees Brennan

A fantastic thrilling book. I love reading books by this author however after reading The Demon Lexicon series have held off picking up this new series, now i'm worried that it's going to be a while before I can read the next in this series.

It was a fun read full of thrills with a fantastic group of characters, as well as an intriguing story line. A great read that will keep you guessing until the very last minute.

5 star rating.

Thoughts on Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy, Robin LaFevers

I've just finished reading this book yesterday and actually found it to be a very enjoyable book full of mystery, twists and turns. The character development in this book was outstanding and I loved the way the main character took her time in finding herself and then coming to terms with the life she had been forced into. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the rest in the series especially as the priestess's real aims unravel as they started to in this book.