Review: Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton

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31574408Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton
Genre: Arabian Fantasy
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Pages: 512
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★
Series: Rebel of the Sands

I was unbelievably excited to have my wish granted on Netgalley for Traitor to the Throne because Rebel of the Sands was such an exciting debut, and even though I only gave it 3 stars, I was really pumped for the sequel. Sometimes fantasy series just take a while to get on their feet! I really really enjoyed this book. I feel like I got to know the characters more and learned more about the magic behind the world and the Djinni.

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Review: Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley

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30525432Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley
Genre: Contemporary, LGBT
Publisher: HQ
Pages: 384
Format: ARC e-book
Rating: ★★

I don’t even know how to put into words how disappointed I am with this one. It just…fell flat. The setting did nothing to enhance the story (and was void of any kind of adult supervision, which was unrealistic for the type of trip they’re on), the social activist thread came way too late in the story for me to be convinced it was Aki’s passion, her hidden backstory with the music school was over emphasised and came to nothing, there was so much unnecessary drama based on lying about stupid things.

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Review: Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten

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Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★

So, I was sold on Beware That Girl as soon as I saw it being compared to ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and ‘Gone Girl.’ Hot Key also said that Elle Fanning was rumoured to be in the movie, and if that isn’t enough of a reason to want to read this book, then I don’t know what is! This book was unexpectedly good! It was somehow in my comfort zone but also not, simultaneously! However, I would ignore the ‘it’s this mashed up with this’ because Beware That Girl is its own separate thing that deserves to stand on its own.

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Review: Close Your Eyes by Nicci Cloke

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33765805Close Your Eyes by Nicci Cloke
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Pages: 304
Format: ARC e-book
Rating: ★★★.5
Note: We received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

We were initially drawn to Close Your Eyes because Bee was desperate to read a YA about a school shooting after missing the opportunity to get This Is Where It Ends for 99p, and the fact that this is UKYA made it all the more enticing. We’ve all heard about shootings in America, that are more likely because of the gun laws, but in the UK, they’re as unlikely as a dragon crashing into the science block. Close Your Eyes did not disappoint in its capability to build suspense and intrigue and freaking out everyone who reads it!
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Review: Following Ophelia by Sophia Bennett

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33256865Following Ophelia by Sophia Bennett
Genre: Historical, Romance
Publisher: Stripes Books
Pages: 403
Format: ARC e-book
Rating: ★★★★

I was really drawn to this book because Bee and  I just did a module on Victorian literature, and the week on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was my absolute favourite. We learnt all about the poets, the artists, and the muses, most importantly, Lizzie Siddal, who was the model for Millais’ Ophelia.

So, I saw this book and knew instantly that I had to read it and I was so glad I did. It surprised me, it delighted and I was completely absorbed by the 19th century London setting. If you need more reason to pick this up, beyond the cover, let me list some for you! Continue reading “Review: Following Ophelia by Sophia Bennett” →

Review: Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder

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uk-dawn-study-coverDawn Study by Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Harlequin/ MIRA Ink
Pages: ?
Format: ARC e-book
Rating: ★★★
Series: Shadow Study (#1) | Night Study (#2)

This is the end of a series that’s very dear to my heart, so before I share my thoughts on Dawn Study, I though I’d give a brief history of my time with the Chronicles of Ixia. So, I first picked up Poison Study for £2 from a bargain bookstore in 2012, and they had all three books in the first trilogy but I decided to only pick up one because I’ve bought a full series and been disappointed before. I took the book on holiday and read it over a few days and I was dying for the sequel. As soon as I was back in England I bought the other books!

Then a year or so later I found the Glass series which is the sequel trilogy in the same world but featuring a minor character from Fire Study and I had those on my shelf for ages before I finally picked them up because Shadow Study was coming out and I didn’t want to be spoiled on anything just incase. So, I whipped through those three books and it felt like coming home. I adore the writing style and the world is so rich, every book is entertaining.

I requested Shadow Study on Netgalley, but didn’t get approved, and then a while after got an email from the lovely Cara at Harlequin inviting us down to their offices for a blogger party where we’d get the chance to actually meet Maria! I can still remember how excited I was getting this email and I can go straight back to the moment I saw it online (I was supposed to be doing History coursework, and whacked the guy sat next to me in my flailing excitement!) I still think that night was one of the best EVER. It was great to meet so many bloggers and Maria herself! I didn’t bring all my books to sign because I thought that would be way to many, but I wish I had now! And I’ve been following the Soulfinders series ever since! It’s definitely been hard waiting a year for each book, when previously I’ve been able to binge, but the wait was definitely worth it!

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Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

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30964236Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Genre: Fantasy
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton
Pages: 416
Format: ARC e-book
Rating: ★★★★.5
Note: We received this book from he publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

So today I have the pleasure of reviewing one of my most anticipated releases of the year: CARAVAL!  I knew this was going to excellent as it was being advertised as The Night Circus meets Laini Taylor…I mean? YES PLEASE! Caraval is a truly magical story full of twists and turns that will make you question whether it is all a game or if hearts and lives are really at stake. And the best bit is (drum roll please) at the centre of the story is THE LOVE OF SISTERS. That’s right, I’m going to go ahead and add Frozen to the pitch too. This is the story of one sister doing absolutely all she can to save her sister from herself.

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Review: Silver Stars by Michael Grant

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32182891Silver Stars by Michael Grant
Genre: Alternate History, Action
Published by: Electric Monkey
Pages: 496
Format: ARC e-book
Series: Front Lines
Rating: ★★★★

Okay, so, for this review we’re going to do things a little differently. I’ve already gushed about how much I adored Front Lines, the first in this kick-ass alternate history about what would’ve happened if women were allowed to fight in WWII, and now it’s time to gush about Silver Stars in a handy dandy list of reasons why it’s so good, and you will love it too!

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Our First Book Unhaul!

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As the new year has rolled around, and we got plenty of new books for Christmas, it was about time to re-evaluate some of the books on our shelves, and which ones were itching to find new homes via our local charity shop. We wanted to go through some of the reasons we decided to get rid of these books, and questions we’ll now ask ourselves when considering whether a book is worth keeping or not! Continue reading “Our First Book Unhaul!” →