QUARTELY TBR| Apr-Jun '17

I've decided that Quarterly TBR I would make the list of shame. This list is the list of books that I made the vow to read during the last quarter of the year but never finish or haven't even started.

Books I've started:

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix by J.K.Rowling
• Stardust by Neil Gaiman [Audiobook read by Neil Gaiman]
• Torchwood Tales by Various Authors [Audiobook read by Various Actors]

Books I didn't start:

From left to right:

• The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon
• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
• A Gathering of Shadows by V.E.Schwab
• A Conjuring of Light by V.E.Schwab
• Champion by Marie Lu

Don't worry, I still plan on reading these.

I would also like to say that this month I am meeting Laini Taylor while I visit family in London. I am so grateful that she has been able to set some time away and come and meet some of us lot.

There are quite a lot of books that are left over from my previous TBR, isn't there? However, that doesn't stop me from compiling a list of 9 other books that I wish to get to during April, and to the end of June.

April

• The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury
• Nobody Told Me by Holly McNish
• Red Sister by Mark Lawerence (UK Release: 6th April, 2017)

May

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K.Rowling
• A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (UK Release: 2nd May, 2017)

June

• Twelve Kings by Bradley Beaulieu
• Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (UK Release: 23rd May, 2017)
• Gilded Cage by Vic James

And there we go- another to be read post that's completely questionable in its do-ability. Let's see.

Tell me, what are you planning to read over the coming weeks?

REVIEW| Siege and Storm

Siege and Storm (The Grisha Trilogy #2)
Leigh Bardugo

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis for Shadow and Bone:

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Review:

The Cover:

My only real problem that I have ever had with these books is the change they made, from that glorious matte grey into these,  shiny editions. Meaning that only the second and third book, now, truely matches on my shelf. 

Still beautiful, though. 

I think once you read the book, that's then when the cover will make sense as a journey. The waves directing back to the palace in the background, of this art piece. Yes, art piece. I can't really elaborate more on the cover.

The Content:

I'm out of sorts in writing reviews but, let's start on characters?

Alina goes through an interesting character arc in Siege and Storm. Which is why I probably enjoyed it more than Shadow and Bone. She grows. From the weak character, she was, into someone willing to put herself forward. She grew into the role that needed to be set up for the events in book three. It's rare to find someone who is already willing to put herself on the line,  to not need any growth as a person. Especially in the events of the past book and this one. To not grow would just be a testimony of an author's inability to write. 

Even if, Mal remains a great pain in my reading ass. I understand Mal's purpose in the story, he is what grounds Alina. Which I'm not sure means I can tolerate him or it's making me more annoyed. But, he acts as a boundary, blind sighting her into the wanting of what she has now had to leave in the past. But, also not letting her fall into the world of politics, in making the same mistakes and presumptions as before. The only default I find with this is that sometimes he is a trope. Jealous over a little competition and over protective, when clearly Alina can protect herself.  Male beating his chest.

The most common opinion I can find is that the Darkling is a love among readers. Even after the revelations in Shadow and Bone, I can see why so many people continue to swoon at his feet. When he shows presence in a scene I can feel his charm, he is alluring in some respect. Yes, I, too, have fallen at his Darkling feet. 

In my mind, the plot for Siege and Storm splits itself into two parts. We have Alina's journey in the first 200 pages and then the second half towards a destination. The first I enjoyed reading more. There was an adventure to be had, moving plot and turns that kept me going. I found myself just pushing for the sake of finishing the last hundred or so pages. I knew what was going to happen, unlike how this books started out with. I think if I the plot had kept pace and not tampered off. This would have been given 4.5/5 stars, perhaps.  

I'd still recommend. Particularly to those who are treading the waters into YA Fantasy. I am still going on to the third and final instalment of the Grisha Trilogy.

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QUARTERLY TBR| Jan- Mar '17

If you couldn't tell, last year I failed miserably at any form of TBR that I made. I know. I know. I suck. So, I thought this year would be different. I know quite a few people have switched to using TBR's based on the season, however, I find that messy when Winter crosses over into the new year. So I'm going to break down the year into each quarter.

I wanted to stick at TBR's because I just find it a nice way to give you an idea of what sort of reading mood I'm in as well as what reviews are to be expected.

Anyway, enough beating around the bush, let's talk books.

January:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4)
J.K. Rowling

Find on Goodreads

I don't know what it is that made me do it but, New Years Day I got the audiobook up on Audible and started to reread. I began rereading these last year and only got up to Chamber of Secrets.

I wanted the minimal contact we get with Bill Weasley. And I got that. And then went on a Domhnall Gleeson {plays Bill Weasley in Deathly Hallows) rampage and rewatched all my favourite Gleeson films. Help me. Merlin's Beard!

And yes, by the time this post goes up I would have already finished this one.

Pantomime (Micah Grey #1)

Laura Lam

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I got sent this for review from UKTor. That was in November. If you couldn't tell there will be a theme of books that I've let myself get behind on because, I have decided to focus on a degree and binging tv shows.

This book has been compared to The Night Circus but, with what I understand as LGBTQ+ representation. I am intrigued and cannot wait to review this one for you.

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1)

V.E. Schwab

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You know that book you've had on your shelf for ages and have every intention of reading but, you just won't. Not because you aren't excited for it but because you know just how much you will love it.

Every book I have read by V in the past I have loved. I love the themes she explores, the characters she writes and I also am a bit in love with her. (Her tweets are the most relatable 140 characters ever!!) 

All I know is:  Kell is a traveller. One of the last who can jump through parallel Londons. Red, White and Grey. Black London is non-existent?  

That is all I need to know and all I want to know. This is the month I take the plunge back into another of V's worlds. It's been too long.

February:

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2)

V,E, Schwab

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Yup, may as well binge the entire series. This is the continuation to book one. And with the final book in the series coming out towards the end of the month I may as well not stop there. 

I don't know anything about this one due to trying to keep spoilers down to a minimum.

I will be trying to write a non-spoiler review either way.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)

J.K. Rowling

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Seeing as it is the 10th Anniversary of the publiction of Deathly Hallows I am going to try and read a book a month. I will probably stop here and read HBP and DH in June and July unless I get that weird desperate desire like I did at the start of the year.

If I remember correctly this was my third favourite book and movie, so it would just be interesting to see how it compares as my views have changed since I last reread this.

Champion (Legend #3)

Marie Lu

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I have been saying on this blog I have wanted to finish this trilogy for the longest of times. Since last summer?

I'm not at the point where if I don't read this soon I may need to reread the first two book in order to understand the plot of this one. I'm not at the point, yet.

I won't rehash what this trilogy is about. It's an older series that surfaced back in 2012 and the great renaissance of dystopian YA.

I AM GOING TO FINISH THIS SERIES. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!

March:

A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3)

V.E. Schwab

Find on Goodreads

Alas, here we have it. The final book in the Shades of Magic trilogy. 

This ones doesn't come out until the end of Feb so, it won't get read until the start of March I don't think. 

Again, don't want to know anything on what happens because spoilers for the other books. Just know how excited I am and how my heart is going to break. It always shatters after I finish a book by V.

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1)

Laini Taylor

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As you will see March will be the month where I am scrambling to squeeze in all the exciting new releases that I we have coming out.

Strange the Dreamer is one of my most anticipated books that is being released in this first half of the year. Honestly, Laini Taylor is one of my favourite writers for beautiful prose.

I still have no idea what this book is about but, I don't care. I am being sold just by the fact the Laini's name is printed on the cover. I am terrible.

The Song Rising (The Bone Season #3)

Samantha Shannon

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It's been two years since I finished reading  The Bone Season and it's sequel. So good that I binged them over the space of a week. And, yes, I regret every moment.

Why?

Because, I've been cruelly clinging onto the ending of book two ever since. The fact that I remember the ending so vibrantly this far along and a hundred books read in between really says a lot. 

I just hope I'm not left disappointed. Really. That would be soul crushing.

And there you will have it. My TBR for the next three months. Kept to a reasonable amount and not too overly ambitious. However, I am hoping to try squeeze in some more reading, as I am really trying this year to stop relying on TV and movies. Just need to keep pushing to get those few extra pages read.

TBR| Tome Topple 2.0

If you missed the it Sam, over at ThoughtsonTomes, made the announcement that TomeTopple will be coming back for a 2.0. 

YES! 

That's right- from the 18th Nov til the 1st Dec get those big books ready because it's time to tackle those monsters!

During the debut round, I was unable to participate due to it being the time of year where ALL my coursework deadlines decide to play ball so, naturally, I had no time to actually read.

This time: I am in Wales "studying", and have more free time then I would like.

Here is my list of possible maybe's that I will be reading from this upcoming Friday. If you see any here that interest you and you want to read too- TRACK ME DOWN OVER ON TWITTER! @ACityofBooks

Anyway, let's begin:

The Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy #1)
James Islington

Find on Goodreads

Page Count: 602

I requested this to review from the publisher and after receiving it all I have done is put it off. ITS HUGE?!

This one is definetly what I am starting this read-a-thon with. I feel guilty for not having read and reviewed it yet. 

It is already out in all good bookshop and online retailers. 





If and when I finish this beast of a book, these are my options to move on to. 

I will say that if anyone wants to buddy read any of these, please let me know and we can set it up. I can read two books at once.

The Red Knight (The Traitor Son Cycle #1)
Miles Cameron

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Page Count: 764

I've noticed that a lot of people are reading books that are around the 500-600 page mark. 

Pfft. When I got over 500 pages, I seem to go to the extreme.

Twelve Kings in Sharakhai (The Song of the Shattered Sands #1)
Bradley Beaulieu

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Page Count: 580

Starting to notice how so many of these books I have accumulated within the past couple of months. 

It's like Sam knew what I've been buying and that I would need help in actually motivating myself to read these giants.

Man. 

Elantris (Elantris #1)
Brandon Sanderson

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Page Count: 608

I'm holding off from finishing the Mistborn Trilogy until I am back in the home comforts of London with my cats.

So this is the next best thing. Was sent this by the publisher in celebration of the recent news about a certain movie deal. 






And that's all my choices. I'm on a mild book buying ban so I wouldn't be able to read any Scott Lynch books because I still don't own any. Or of Brent Weeks' work. First World Problems- I know!

What are all ya'll be reading during the #TomeTopple read-a-thon?

Follow the official Twitter page and join the Goodreads page if you want to get in on this. (HINT: You would want to, trust me,)

BOOK HAUL| Sept-Oct '16

I haven't done a book haul since June?! How? remains the question I pose to myself to answer.

A lot of things have changed.  For example, if you haven't heard I'm 300 miles away from my usually comfy bed, cats and bookshops in order to go and study creative and professional writing in the grandeur that is Bangor.

Since being here I have felt low at times and others extremely happy, books have had a great input in that:

As you can see this is the stack at a current moment of writing this entry is pretty huge!

So I thought I would do a quick little haul from September to mid-October.

EDIT: Since I originally wrote this sentence I have yet received a lot more books. Thanks to my suffering bank account and the generosity of publishers who are willing to send me books and let me review them to you lovely people!

The very first book that came out in September was:

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Sarah J. Maas

Find on Goodreads

At this point, I have finished this book and all I'm going to say is I thought I was going to hate it in its entirety after reading 400 pages and feeling it was predictable. Then those final 150 pages hit me.

I will be writing a review and will be included in my Sept/Oct wrap-up at the end of this month. Stay tuned.

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Cassandra Clare

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I know. I know. I already own way too many copies of CoB, but I found this in a charity shop for 50p. AND it is a first edition. This cover is DISGUSTING and depicts how far these have gone in terms of marketing and publicity at both Walker Books and S&S.

Good job guys.

The Magic Toyshop
Angela Carter

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This is one of my required reading texts for my Studying Literature class, Thankfully I have already done Carter's The Bloody Chamber short story collection for my A-Levels and rather enjoyed Carter's spin of forms of fairy tales.

This is going to be rather interesting.

Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad

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Aaaaaand another one that I had to buy for my one module of Literature on my Creative and Professional Writing. I think I will be doing some sort of Post-colonial criticism of this one.

We'll see how I'll feel about this one.

Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1)
Kendare Blake

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This one is being hyped up quite a bit. It was doing it's rounds within the book community. It sounded so dark and something that I may enjoy, I managed to get a copy for like £4 out of Morrisons (there are other supermarkets out there).

Twelve Kings (The Song of Shattered Sands #1)
Bradley Beaulieu

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I remember seeing this in Waterstones a while back and being so intrigued by the premise of the story. But, alas I was poor and couldn't afford to be buying books in general.

Then the first week of Uni happened and I needed a pick me up. So I splurged a bit and now it's sat on myself for all of time.

Falling Kingdom (Falling Kingdom #1)
Morgan Rhodes

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I have heard nothing but great things from this series. Then I buy a copy after a constant stream of recommendations- and now I hear a lot of mixed things.

I still would really like to try and read this series in order to make up my own mind on how I feel, as it gets better as time goes on?

Lirael (Abhorsen #2)

Garth Nix

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My mum bought me a copy of Sabriel for my 18th birthday- and like a good crazed book buying fanatic I am, I bought these in a charity shop.

Stop judging me. I can feel you all judging me.

Abhorsen (Abhorsen #3)

Garth Nix

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Found this one in a similar fashion. Now I can just binge read this trilogy, before I move on to the prequel and sequel?

Of Sands and Malice (The Song of the Shattered Plains 0.5)

Bradley Beaulieu

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I request this one from the publisher as it has been recently been released.

They were kind enough to send me a copy.

I may read this as a prequel to Twelve Kings, just as a nice way into the world building and our main character.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha Trilogy #2)

Leigh Bardugo

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This book series was on my Summer TBR, I would really like to be able to just binge the rest of the series so that I can say I read them and move on to the Six of Crows duology.

Ruin and Rising (The Grisha Trilogy #3)

Leigh Bardugo

Find on Goodreads

Why buy one when you can buy both?

RoseBlood 

A.G. Howard

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I read the first two books of A.G. Howards splintered trilogy and never finished them due to being spoiled for the ending-- just, like the ending of Allegiant. Damn the internet.

Abrams books were very generous and sent me an ARC ahead of the January release of Howard's Phantom of the Opera retelling.

(I totally don't have a signed and dedicated book plate from A.G. Howard to stick in it when I'm back for Christmas.)

EEEEEEEEK?!

Heartless

Marissa Meyer

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Remember I highlighted this a few weeks back on one of my Waiting on Wednesday and said that it wasn't coming out til the beginning of November.

WELL.

The UK have it in even worse because all you British folks may need to wait 'til February if you can't afford the US hardback.

I managed to snag myself a GORGEOUS ARC from Macmillan Children's.
Thank you so much to the team over there!!

The Red Knight (The Traitor Song Cycle #1)

Miles Cameron

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I heard this book has dragons in it and I'm already sold.

The fourth book to this series "A Plague of Swords" has been released this month. And because I asked kindly, Gollancz sent me the first book in the series in exchange for a review.

Bless you.

The Shadow of What was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy #1)

James Islington

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This one has been getting a lot of love as a book that fans of Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan would enjoy.

Orbit books, amazingly, sent me both a review copy and a finished copy to read a review- I want to get to it during the next round of Tome Topple happening next month.

Gemina (The Illuminae Files 0_2)
Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

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October wouldn't be complete if I didn't haul Gemina.

I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to get a copy due to my poor back statements. Turns out I pre-ordered this book months ago. It just took an age to get to me.

I can't get enough.

Is it 2017 yet?

I want book three, now, please?

Waiting the Wednesday| Tales of Shadowhunter Academy

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #1-10)
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman

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Synopsis: 

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. The events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. Whomever this new Simon might be.

But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. At least Simon’s trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.

Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. Written by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, these moving and hilarious short stories are perfect for the fan who just can’t get enough of the Shadowhunters.

Thoughts:

We all know that I am a sucker for anything that has been written and co-written by Cassandra Clare, much to all your dismay. And this is no different. This is a collection based in the aftermath of the events of the final The Mortal Instrument book-- City of Heavenly Fire-- and follows Simon Lewis' essentially becoming a Shadowhunter. 

I know spoiler but I'm sorry, not sorry. It's been almost three years-- and if you've read Lady Midnight than it would matter. 

I will FOREVER be counting down the releases of Cassie's books, they are just as much of my identity as the genetics of my DNA.

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Top 5| Pink Covers

I did this post a while ago on my other blog/website where I chose my "Top 5" book covers that were pink because of it being a national day of something-- this was a year ago! (A lot has changed.)

One thing that remains the same is that I still fudging hate the colour pink and what is usually meant when pink gets shoved into a colour scheme. ICK.

Anyway, I've reviewed it a bit and here it is (in no particular order!!):

A Darkness Strange and Lovely (Something Strange & Deadly #2)
Susan Dennard

Find on Goodreads

It's been a while since Susan Dennard has had a mention on this blog.

(Quickly input here but, seriously have you still not read Truthwitch yet. Shame.)

These new covers for her already finished trilogy have been announced ready for print July 2017. And aren't they just gorgeous?

It just fits the beautiful story. Hopefully, ya'll be more inclined to pick up this awesome YA steampunk novel.

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1)

Stephanie Perkins

Find on Goodreads

Haven't read this one because I have to be in a certain mood in order to enjoy YA romances but, this is a pretty cute cover. Better than that trash bag of a cover they were previously using on the original hardbacks-- *shudders*

Maybe I'll give this one a go-- at some point.

Rebel Belle (Rebel Belle #1)
Rachel Hawkins

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This one is purely for the juxtaposition of feminity and masculinity. Basically the comparison of the sword pinning the necklace of pearls.

Awesome!

I will probably never read this series, though. I heard these are pretty basic books. Hmm.. Let me know if I should check them out?

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1)

Marie Rutkoski

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 I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK SO BADLY!? But, I keep buying other bloody books. This Christmas I swear!

I've seen the new covers... Yeah, you can't be serious?!

They are such blatant rip-offs of Maas' Throne of Glass series. Just NO.

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Sarah J. Mass

Find on Goodreads

My review: HERE

How could I not include this beautiful American cover of Queen of Shadows. One day I will own all these in pb form.

I am still in love with this book, although I am currently read Empire of Storms and getting rather pissy at some of the choices. Eh.

TBR| October '16

It is so very rare that I sit down and write a TBR and stick to it. I think getting my letter to Hogwarts would be more likely than to actually sticking to this but, I thought I would let you guys know what books I am interested in finishing this month; perhaps you can help push me to do so and even buddy read (?)

The first book is:

The Bone Clocks

David Mitchell

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On page 492 of 613

Okay, so if you follow me on twitter you will know I have been umming and erring about this trying to finish this book. Look at close I am to finishing it-- let's just try finish it before Oct 10th!

That's my deadline. Not finished? It's DNF.

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Sarah J. Mass

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On page 332 of 689

I started this back when it came out because I was just too excited to let my fangirling heart wait. I then put it down in order to finish some books that needed to happen before I left for University.

As I haven't finished TBC yet, it means I haven't picked this up yet. Soon!

A Darker Shade of Magic (A Darker Shade of Magic #1)
V.E. Schwab

Find on Goodreads

I wanted to read this on the journey up to Wales but plans never seen to work out, do they?

I haven't finished a book in almost four weeks?!

I crave this satisfaction. Also, I met Vee at a book signing and my copy has a great little note to stop me from procrastination.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha Trilogy #2)

Leigh Bardugo

Find on Goodreads

With the release of Crooked Kingdom last month I thought I would try and continue on with the series, even though I have been spoiled for quite a few plot parts. 

Damn social media!

I'm purely doing this because I made it my goal this summer and didn't get round to the whole task.

These are the four books I am trying to set myself to finishing this month, let me know if any of these are your favourites or if you want to perhaps set up a buddy read?

You can find me on Twitter and Instagram. Links are available in the bar to the left.

Waiting on Wednesday| Gemina

Waiting On Wednesday is a book meme set up Breaking the Spine where all those who participate share weekly those book releases we are dying to get our hand on as soon as they are released.

This week's WoW post is:

Gemina (The Illuminae Files 0_2)
Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Find on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hanna Donnelly is the station captain’s pampered daughter and Nik Malikov is the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. Together they struggle with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, blissfully unaware that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall with news of the Kerenza invasion.


My thoughts: 

So... I did request a copy of Gemina from the UK publicists Rock the Boat but, got turned down due to obvious limited supply. 

If did end up receiving a copy I would love to review this for everyone before the 18th Oct, 2016 (**Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge**). Illuminae if you haven't read it (where have you been?) is a YA Sci-fi told with a twist. Expect fast paced action told in the most bizarre way, yet, in the best way possible. 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY:
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