January Wrap Up (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it is the last day of January! And so, with the end of January, comes the January Wrap Up! And so, let's get started!

January Wrap Up
Ok, so these are the books that I read in the month of January:
1. Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses #1), by Malorie Blackman
2. Knife-edge (Noughts & Crosses #2), by Malorie Blackman
3. Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses #3), by Malorie Blackman
4. Double Cross (Noughts & Crosses), by Malorie Blackman
5. Torn, by Cat Clarke
6. Bomb, by Sarah Mussi
7. Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone
8. Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1), by Sara Raasch
And all of these do have a review for them, so you can find those on my page (somewhere).

TBR Jar Challenges
1.Read a graphic novel
2. Read a book published in 2016

Read a graphic novel: Well, out of the two, I thought that it would be this one that I didn't end up doing, but NO! Because the book that I wanted to read for the other category (Passenger, by Alexandra Bracken) is NOT AVAILABLE IN THE UK, which I am really annoyed about. But I did read Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone.

Read a book published in 2016: Well, since Passenger is not available in the UK (OMG), I'm just going to wait for "On the Other Side", by Carrie Hope Fletcher, which is a book that I am really anticipating (even though I don't think that I put it on my most anticipated books of 2016 list), but yeah.

So, that is all I have for you guys today, I hope you liked this post, I will see you tomorrow, with my February TBR, and bye!

-Abi xxxxx

The Importance of... Libraries!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I got this idea from "A Date With A Book"'s post: 25 Book Blog Ideas, and I am just now deciding to talk about something that is dear to my heart *tear*, and that is libraries!
So, let's get on to the post!

The Importance of Libraries
Okay, so before I stopped spending money on notebooks and food (Abi, you still do that), I used to spend soooo much time in the library just taking books out, reading them and... bringing them back. (Duh, Abi, that's what you do at libraries!)
But it was in libraries that I found my love of books, and just the atmosphere of the whole place.
Also, when I walked into a library, I sort of imagined all the characters watching to see which book I would be reading next, and kind of fighting, like invisible hands trying to sell their book to me, which I loved.
...And then they redecorated, and it lost the feeling *sigh*.
But now there's a cafe underneath it, and it's so much better!

So, that is all I have for you today, and I will be seeing you on Sunday, and I will be doing my January Wrap Up! See you soon!

-Abi xxxxx

Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1), by Sara Raasch

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am doing a book review! (About time, the viewer thinks), and as you can see from the title that book is Snow Like Ashes, by Sara Raasch (at this point I am so glad that I have a blog and not a YouTube channel, so I don't have to attempt to pronounce that surname). So let's get on with the review!

Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1), by Sara Raasch 

Title: Snow Like Ashes 

Author: Sara Raasch

Genre: YA (Young Adult), Fantasy, Romance

Release date: 14th October, 2014

Pages: 416

Blurb: "A LIGHTNING FAST TALE OF LOYALTY, LOVE AND FINDING ONE'S DESTINY. 

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now the Winterians' only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been searching for the chance to steal back Winter's magic and rebuild the Kingdom ever since. 

Orphaned as an infant during Winter's defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior-and desperately in love with her her best friend and future king, Mather-she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore their magic, Meira decides to go after it, only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics-and to realise that her destiny is not, never has been, her own." 

My Thoughts

Okay, I did really enjoy this, particularly sections where we find out information that changes the path of Meira (the protagonist), and we got to see what kind of affect it had on her and the plot. But it never completely grabbed me, to be honest, and looking back, that's probably why it took me 9-10 days to finish this book. 

That being said, there were a fair amount of aspects that I really enjoyed about it. 

One of those things was that you can really see like what's what with Meira, you can see how much she wants her kingdom back, and as things happen, that does not change, no matter what happens, and that's what I really like about Meira's character. Also she is feisty and strong, yet caring and she isn't just a one sided character, which I absolutely love. 

The plot wasn't uninteresting, it just didn't grab me as much as I wanted it to, to be honest, and I was just a tiny bit disappointed in it. Like there were parts that interested me, but I feel like if the writing was a tiny bit better, it might have interested me a bit more. 

The writing was fairly good, but I feel like it could have been better. 

So those are my thoughts on Snow Like Ashes, by Sara Raasch, and I am sorry about what I said, but those are my thoughts. 

So, I will see you guys on Friday, I hope you liked my thoughts, bye!

-Abi xxxxx

My Favourite Book To Movie Adaptations

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to go another step further from my most anticipated book to movie adaptations, and go back to my own favourite book to movie adaptations.
Just to let you guys know, I will be including both book to movie adaptations that I have seen and read, and maybe a couple where I have only seen the films.
So, let's get to it!

My Favourite Book To Movie Adaptations
1. The Harry Potter series, by J K Rowling
Okay, you guys knew that this one was going to be on there, and what's the point in pretending it isn't? We all know the story of the boy who defeated Voldemort, and just the way they build the world of Hogwarts visually is just incredible. This one had to go on the list because both the book series and the films were incredible to the point where just thinking about them makes me want to watch them.

2. Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket
I loved that they made a film out of this book series (though I wish there were more, as the film only featured 3 of the homes, when there were actually 13 books), but I loved that they made a film out of such a different, mysterious and entertaining book series.
The Series of Unfortunate Events surrounds three children: Violet Baudelaire, a very 14 year old inventor; Klaus, a 12 year old reader; and Sunny, an infant biter. As they are moved from house to house as their parents die in a mysterious fire, the three children try to figure out the mystery that appears before them.

3. My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

OMG, one of my most favourite books and films ever. It stands out against a lot of cancer books and films because it is completely different, and the film is as just as good as the book. 

My Sister's Keeper is about a girl called Anna, and her family, and she is sueing her parents for the rights to her own body, because she has been supplying her sister for the last thirteen years: her sister has acute promyelocytic leukaemia, and she is a perfect genetic match. The film and book starts when Anna gets a lawsuit, and they take place leading up to the end of the court case.

Also, I just want to point out the end of the book: OMG, THAT PLOT TWIST! (Read the book if you want to know more, and believe me, you will be shocked!)

4. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman
Not only does this one have a special meaning to me (I was in a car accident), but this book to movie adaptation is heartwarming and beautiful, yet tragic at the same time. And even though I do slightly favour the book over the film, it doesn't change the fact that I love them both.
If I Stay is about a girl called Mia, who has the chance to go to Juilliard, and has a relationship with Adam, a gorgeous guitar player, until one snowy morning, and her family is in a car crash. She is left with one choice: To go, see her family again, or stay where she has her friends, Adam, and her grandparents. Beautiful book and film, and I am so glad they made a film out of it.

5. The Twilight Saga, by Stephanie Meyer
A fairly obvious one, I think. The one where the human falls in love with the vampire.
What I love about the book and the film is that you get the same kind of feeling from both the book and the film.

7. The Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

There's no way, they couldn't make this trilogy into films. Completely different plot to the rest of the books in the dystopian genre, genius. Just genius. 

The Hunger Games follows Katniss, a girl who is good (so much better than good) with a bow and arrow. She volunteers for the Hunger Games when her sweet as a daisy, sensitive sister Prim gets chosen for the Hunger Games, a fight to the death by 24 12-18 year olds-a man and woman from each 12 districts. 

So that is all I have for you today, guys! I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you all in Wednesday, when (hopefully), I'll have finished Snow Like Ashes, and I will have the review!
Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Most Anticipated Book To Movie Adaptations

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since I did a most anticipated book releases on Friday, I thought I'd double it with my most anticipated book to movie (film) adaptations. And yes, I do know that this is a little late, and I maybe included a couple that have already been released (and by that I mean "The 5th Wave").
So, let's get to it!

Most Anticipated Book To Movie Adaptations
1. The 5th Wave

Yes, I know that this has already been released on the 22nd, and if the book is anything to go by, then this ought to be quite a film. The book is about a girl called Cassie, who's brother got taken by "The Others" (that's what the aliens are in this), because her brother has been taken by them. It is actually a really good book once you get into it. (I say that because it is a bit slow at the start, but once you get into it, it really is good).

2. Through the Looking Glass

Now I saw the trailer for this, and it actually looks really interesting, and I'm really glad that they made a sequel to Alice in Wonderland, to be honest. From what I can tell from the trailer, this one involves time, he is actually a physical character. And Alice comes back to Wonderland to save the Hatter, by striking a deal or something with time. Plus all the same people who played the characters in the last one are back, and it is also produced and directed by Tim Burton, which I am really excited by.
This one is released on the 27th May.

3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Now, odds are, you've heard of this one. Because the whole world is kind of going crazy for it, and I am among them. From what I heard of the book, Just K Rowling made it that Dumbledore was the author of it, and I'm wondering if their going to bring that into it. Apparently it is also going to be a trilogy, which I am very excited about, and Eddie Redmayne is starring in it. It takes the place of Mockingjay, and comes out late November.

4. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

I really need to read this trilogy before the film comes out, because there is some huge hype for this trilogy, and it looks completely different to anything I've read before. This one is also directed by Tim Burton, and a film of this type, there really should be no-one else directing this.
It is released on 4th March, I think.

5. Looking For Alaska

I really hope they do actually go through with making this book a film, because apparently (I heard this from John Green on one of his videos), he gave the rights to a company a while ago and he hasn't heard anything since. So I really hope that they go through with this one because it is such a good book. (Also, I don't think that there is a release date for this one yet).

6. Panic

I was really excited when I heard that this book was being made into a film, because it is the perfect book for it. It has a small amount of romance, but mainly it is an action/ mysterious book. It has been a couple of years since I read this, but from what I can remember is, Panic is a game placed by "seniors" (it's set in America), so Year 13, and they want to get out of the town that they live in. But they need to win Panic, which is a series of very dangerous, (most of it illegal) challenges, and if you win Panic, you get a ton of money, so you can leave. It really is a fantastic book, and I am so happy they are making a film out of this. (Also don't think this one has a release date).

7. Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Ok, I REALLY need to read this trilogy ASAP, and especially before the film is released (N/A), because it is a fantasy/thriller/adventure, and that sounds incredible!

So, that is all I have for you today, guys! I hope you liked the post, and I will see you tomorrow! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2016

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I cannot believe I haven't done this post yet!
Now some of these books have already been released, due to the fact that I completely forgot about this post. But, better late then never, and so I give you: My Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2016!

Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2016
1. Truthwitch (The Wildlands #1), by Susan Dennard



Okay, yes, I know this is already out, it came out on January 5th. But this book just looks soooo interesting. It's about a girl called Safi who is a witch, and can tell the difference between if someone is telling her the truth, or lying to her. 

The hype for this book is so incredibly big, and I really hope I can read it soon. 

2. Glass Sword (Red Queen #2), by Victoria Aveyard 

Release date: 9th February 

I really can't wait to see how Mare deals with what happened at the end of Red Queen, and how it affects the plot of the second book in this (trilogy/series????). And from what I can see of the synopsis, this one makes it all that little bit darker, and I am excited to see how it all goes.

3. Shadow Queen (Ravenspire #1), by C J Redwine 

Release date: 16th February 

God, this one looks dark. Well, the characters, at least. The only nitpick I have is that it seems to just jump right into it, without a proper lead-up to Lorelai being a fugitive and killing the Queen (this is not a spoiler, I got that off the Goodreads page for it). 

Also, apparently it us loosely based off of Snow White, so another reason why I should read it.  

4. Into the Dim (Into the Dim #1), by Janet B Taylor

Release date: 1st March

Now, in only heard about this one recently, and I don't really read much Historical Fiction, but this one seems to be really interesting. But the thing is, it also ties in some Contemporary with it, as it starts with Hope losing her mother in an earthquake, and it goes all Sci-fi, when she finds out that her mother was a time traveller, and then she goes back in time. 

I seriously can't wait to read this one...

5. Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1), by Cassandra Clare

Release date: 8th March

Now, I should probably read The Mortal Instruments before this one, as it takes place five years into the future, but I really am anticipating this one, (mainly because of the hype). 

6. Desolation (Demon Road #2), by Derek Landy

Release date: 31st March 

Okay, I need to read Demon Road before I start this, but I can pretty much guarantee that I am going to be reading this as Derek Landy is one of my favourite authors. (If you have been seeing my posts, then you've probably figured it out, and if you're a new viewer, now you know). 

7. Untitled (Throne of Glass #5), by Sarah J Maas 

Release date: 6th September 

Again, I need to catch up on this series, as I have only read Throne of Glass, but the hype for the series makes me think that I should at least give it an attempt. 

And that is all I have for you guys today! Again, I apologise for waiting so long before posting this, but hopefully I shall be reading these soon! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Things To Blog About When You Have Blog Block

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I really did not have any idea what I wanted to blog about. No outline, no idea, nothing. And so, I'm going to do what any other blogger does when they have brother's block. We blog about what we could do when we have brother's block.
So, let's get to it!

Things To Blog About When You Have Blog Block

1. Tutorials
People love to learn. And aren't we all continuously learning and evolving? So, what better to post a tutorial for something that you know a lot about that someone else might not. Plus, odds are, it might bring some more traffic to your blog, who knows? Some examples are:
-How To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
-How To Choose What Kind Of Book You Want To Read Next
-How To Get Into Reading Different Genres

2. Reviews
Well, duh... Reviews are mainly what people look for in book blogs, and so, it kinda makes sense to give a review or two.
Reviews kind of make up the mind of the reader of whether they should read that book or not, particularly if it is a book that isn't very popular.

3. Introductions
When I am particularly excited about a book that I have recently bought, I like to dedicate a post to that specific book to show advertise it, because the majority of series/trilogies/standalones that I read aren't very well known, and I like to advertise my favourites. Whether it's for a particularly cover, or the plot, it doesn't matter.

4. Top Tens and Lists
Top tens and Lists are relatively easy when your stuck on what to blog about. It can cover a ton of different basis, and it lets your viewer know what you might think about certain things. You can do a top ten/list about anything:
-Top Protagonists
-Top Characters That Aren't Protagonists
-Why I Like Each Genre
-Top Characters From Each Genres
-Most Interesting and Complex Characters
-Top Ten Books Of Each Genre
-Top Ten Series' and Trilogies
-Top Ten Standalones
-Top Ten Standalones I Can't Believe I Haven't Read Yet
-Top Ten Series/Trilogies I Can't Believe I Haven't Read Yet

5. Tags
Who doesn't love a good tag, huh? They're quick and easy, and they're a hell of a lot of fun, too! Plus readers love to see a new tag, and then everyone starts doing them. If anything, it adds traffic to your blog. Some examples are:
-The Book Life Tag
-The Nintendo Book Tag
-Would You Rather Book Tag
-The Joy Of Christmas Book Tag
-The Christmas Carol Book Tag
-Running Book Tag
-Book Courtship Tag
-Epic Reads Book Tag
...And lots more!

6. Monthly Wrap Ups and TBRs
This option just speaks for itself. Now they can be two different posts, or just the one, and you may only be able to do them at the end of/ start of each month, but they are really easy to do. (And odds are, you've done a review for all the books that you've listed on the Wrap Up, anyway)

7. Book Hauls
Ok, this is another way to get the books that you are interested in noticed-through a book haul. It's gives you a chance to let the public know what your initial thoughts are about each book, along with any research that you may have done before buying the book.

8. Others
Now this is an option, actually a category that you can put any post that isn't in one of the above. For example, books that you think would make great films.

And that is all that I have for you today! Don't forget to tune in on Friday for the next post! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And yesterday, I finished one of my TBR Jar Challenges! (Read an illustrated novel), and so today, I am going to be doing a review of that book! (Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone), and so, let's get on with the review!

Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone

Title: Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone

Author: Really don't know

Genre: Action/Adventure

Release date: N/A

Pages: 96 

Blurb: N/A

My Thoughts

Oh god, I flew through this in one sitting! And that's an achievement as I pretty much only read on the bus. 

Now, this one just went from strength to strength. It has witty dialogue, action around every corner, yet the romance when the situation expected it too. 

Loved this, and I can see why there's a videogame, and some films on it too. 

Lara seemed to be everything really- confident and kick-ass most of the time, but when the romance creeper in, she seemed to become fairly insecure, which is really what you need in this kind of illustrated novel. The other characters were primarily the same, but it was the Tomb Raider who stole the show, in my opinion. 

The plot took me to a place I wasn't expecting it to take me to. I thought that it would focus on just one thing, but it was multiple things that was happening in the novel. Like I said, it was just one thing after another. 

Well, to be honest, there wasn't much else apart from the dialogue, and that's all this illustrated novel needed. 

So, those are my thoughts on Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone! I hoped you liked it! 

If you didn't know, it snowed yesterday, and that influenced me to pick up Snow Like Ashes, and I am now currently reading that! It is a fairly hefty book, so it may take me a while to finish it, but do not fear, I will eventually, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Bomb, by Sarah Mussi

Hey guys, and I have finally finished a book that I hadn't read before in 2016! (And a graphic novel, but I'm not reviewing that until tomorrow).
So, today, as you can probably tell, I am reviewing that book!
So, let's get to it!

Bomb, by Sarah Mussi

Title: Bomb

Author: Sarah Mussi

Genre: Thriller

Release date: 7th May, 2015 (so fairly recent, for once)

Pages: 411

Blurb: "'You have been chosen... Do exactly as we say... You're strapped into a suicide vest... with one mobile call we can blow you sky high.'

When Genesis Wainwright wakes up the morning after a blind date, she has no clue where she is or how she got there. To make things worse, she can hardly move... Before she can figure anything out, an electronic voice hisses an order through an earpiece stuck in her ear.

To her horror, Genesis discovers that she is trapped to a bomb. She has become a walking weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist call.

The countdown to detonation has begun: Genesis must re-examine everything she loves and make terrifying choices... in the face of certain death."

My Thoughts

Wow, this book. Certainly packs a punch. From the first chapter it grabbed you, captured you, and never let you go. So, pretty much what happens in the book. 

Ok, so I picked this up, because it had the "Books with Bite" label on it, and because one of my favourite trology's has that label on it (Slated) I decided to give it a go, and BOY am I glad that I did. 

The characters were really decent, I'm not going to say that they were fantastic because the story was about the plotline the most, but I didn't hate them, in fact I did really like them, particularly Dave and Genesis together, and it was so beautiful, the relationship that they all had with each other, and in this kind of situation, you need relationships that you can rely on, and Sarah did really well with that. 

The plot, OMG that plot. Twists and turns, and betrayals, and OMG (sorry I keep saying OMG, I don't really know what else to say), it's what keeps it going, the plot. 

I feel like the writing could have been a bit more exciting. Like it took me six (almost seven) days to finish this book, and yes, it was 400 pages, but it took me the same time to read Winter, and that was double the pages, so I really think it was the writing that stopped this book from going on my favourites list. 

So, that's all I have for you today! At the moment I am reading Snow Like Ashes, because it is snowing. (I say reading, but I haven't even started it, as I finished Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone like an hour ago, and haven't gotten around to it yet), so I'll see you guys tomorrow, bye!

-Abi xxxxx 

December Book Haul (2)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it seems that it's been a really long time since I've done a book haul (only because of the Blog-a-thon I did over Christmas), so I think that it's time that I do another one! I have bought a total of 6 books since my last book haul post (the 26th of December), and I think that's fairly good, so  let's get to it!

December Book Haul (2) 

These are the books that I have bought recently:
1. Stuff of Nightmares, by Malorie Blackman

I have already done a review for this book, and you can find that I'm my post pandemonium page. This is about a boy called Kyle who jumps into the Nightmares of his friends (and a couple others) to escape death when his train almost tips over on a school trip. 

This book is really incredibly good, and if you think that there is a sliver of a chance that you might like this book, I implore that you try it. 

2. The Penultimate Peril (Series of Unfortunate Events #12), by Lemony Snicket

Well, this is the 12th/13 book in the Series of Unfortunate Events series, and to be honest I can't really remember that much about the series, since it has literally been YEARS since I have read it, but I am really hoping to do that in 2016. The blurb says: " Probably the next-to-last things you would like to read about are a harpoon gun, a rooftop sunbathing salon, two mysterious initials, three unidentified triplets, a notorious villain, and an unsavoury curry." Hmm, seems really interesting. 

3. The End (Series of Unfortunate Events #13), by Lemony Snicket

Now, this book continues from the book above, but from the blurb, it is going to be quite a book. "You are presumably looking at the back of this book, or the end of THE END. The end of THE END is the best place to begin THE END, because if you read THE END from the beginning of the beginning of THE END to the end of the end of THE END, you will arrive at the end of the end of your rope". That is a mouthful if I ever heard one. 

Also, the fact that it is the 13th book in a series says that this is to be quite a concluding book. 

4. Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham

Ok, I love Jenny Downham, so I was always going to buy this book regardless of what it was about. It's about 3 woman with different secrets that all overlap (I'm guessing), also I love the quote on the back: 

"Risk your heart

It makes things happen

You see if I'm right" 

Plus they were selling signed copies. (I got one!!) And to be honest, I am really looking forward to reading this one. 

5. Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult

I haven't really read that many Jodi Picoult books (no idea why, she's an amazing author), but this one just grabbed my attention. For what I know, it's from the point of view of a mother who is a midwife, and she is trying to figure why her son, who (I think), was bullied throughout all of his life, walked into school with guns and shot ten people. 

It just grabbed me straight away when I read the blurb, and I am really looking forward to reading this one. 

6. P. S I Love You, by Cecelia Ahern

I think most people know what this book is about, considering that they did make this into a film, but I'm going to explain it. 

Holly is devastated when her husband Gerry passes away by Cancer, but when she starts getting letters that he wrote her before he died, to get her back on her feet, life seems a bit more bearable. 

Although I don't really read many Adult books, this is one I am willing to make an exception for, plus I think it would be interesting to see what the differences and similarities between the film and the book is. 

So, that is my blog post for today!

Before I forget, I have done a poll on my Google + page. It asks what I should read next. The options are: Demon Road, by Derek Landy; Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham; or Crown of Midnight, by Sarah J Maas (and then carry on that series). The link to my Google + page is on this page. So go and vote! 

So, with that I bid you goodbye!

Bye!

-Abi xxxxx 

"Totally Should Have" Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be doing the "Totally Should Have" Book Tag!
I do not think I have gotten taged for this (I say that I don't think because I got the questions from Katytastic's channel and I haven't watched the whole thing through yet, and she sometimes tags everyone who wants to do it so I really don't know!)
But I'm doing it anyway, because I love doing book tags because they are a bunch of fun!
Also I feel that it's been a while since I've done a book tag, the last time I did one was (after checking) God gracious, 19 days ago! Anyway, a long time ago!
So, let's get to it!


By the way, their is a slight spoiler for Winter (The Lunar Chronicles) in this post, so if you have not read Winter yet, you have been warned!

"Totally Should Have" Book Tag
1. Totally should have had a sequel
For this one I am going to go with Hell's Heroes, by Darren Shan. It is the last book in the Demonata series, but

considering it is the tenth book it ends kind of... meh. And before you jump at me angrily, I do really like this series, but I was expecting the concluding book in a ten book series to blow me away, and it just... didn't. 

2. Totally should have had a spin-off series
Now, I am going to go with the obvious choice for this one (because I really cannot think of anything else), and that is Harry Potter, just because there are SO many ways that you could run a spin-off series with Harry Potter, for example, from his children's point of view, or a different Magic School from somewhere in this world, or even from a Death Eater's point of view, just anything! But then, they are doing a play called "The Cursed Child" that surrounds one of Harry Potter's children in some way, and that is going to be staged later on in the year, so at least we're getting that.

3. An author that totally should write more books 
Do you know what author I think should write some more books? Suzanne Collins, because I haven't seen or heard hide or hair of her since the concluding book of the Hunger Games trilogy, but saying that, I haven't actually being following what she has been up to, so she could have written an entire library since Mockingjay was released (high expectations, I know), so I just need more books by her.

4. A character that totally should have ended up with someone else
I'm changing this question slightly. I'm changing it to "a couple that totally should have got together", and that is Violet Baudelaire and Quigley Quagmire, from the Series of Unfortunate Events series. Just because they seem really compatible, and even though their relationship only briefly got touched up on, it would have been so incredible to see them together.

5. Totally should have ended differently
Someone should have died in Winter, because even though it is a fairytale retelling, someone should die in like every YA series, or trilogy, because they make you connect to a book on an emotional level, and I thought someone should have died.

6. Totally should have had a film franchise 
The Skulduggery Pleasant series, by Derek Landy, becAuse that series is KICK-ASS, and I'd love to play Tanith Low (she has a motorbike, a sword and she can run. On. WALLS. 'Nuff said.

7. Totally should have had a television show

Torn, by Cat Clarke, because I feel like this book has all the factors to make a great tv show. There's murder, jealousy, popularity, and it is very dark. It's not just dark stuff though, there is also romance, so I feel that it would be incredible if it was a television show. 

8. Totally should have just had one viewpoint
For this one, I am choosing Allegiant, because as soon as I started this book, when just saw the different viewpoint of Four, I thought "Tris is going to die", because if you have a different viewpoint in a book after two of just focusing on one character, you know that one of them is going to die. Plus, you really couldn't tell the difference between the two viewpoints.

9. Totally should have a cover change
This one was really hard for me, because I love the cover of the majority of the books that I own, but the design that I own, I wish I had a different version of this one:

Ritual & Legacy, by Alex Duval, because even though I love the stories, I'm not crazy about the cover. 

10. Totally should have kept the original covers 
The Fairytale Retellings, by Jackson Pearce. I do love the new covers, but I feel like the old ones are more relevant to the stories. And I so wish that they hadn't changed them halfway through the series.

11. Totally should have stopped at book 1
See, I like to read whole series, and if I like the first one, I carry on the series, regardless of how I feel about the rest, so I'm going to change this question again to "The series that I am glad that I stopped for after the first one", and that is Fifty Shades of Grey, by E. L James.
And with that I bid you goodbye!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Torn, by Cat Clarke (Re-read)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be reviewing a book I read last year, and that is Torn, by Cat Clarke.
I've got to admit, I didn't think that I'd finish this book as quickly as I did, but that's irrelevant.
So, let's get on with the review!

Torn, by Cat Clarke (Re-read)

Title: Torn

Author: Cat Clarke

Genre: YA (Young Adult), thriller and mystery

Release date: December 22nd, 2011

Pages: 372 

Blurb: "Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.

Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…
Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.
Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever...
A compelling story of guilty secrets, troubled friendship and burgeoning love. 

My Thoughts

I'd seriously forgotten just how good this book was. It's got all the things that you need in a young adult. Relatable characters, a clear plot, and a whole lot that comes with it. 

The story starts when four completely different girls end up sharing a cabin, but a trick goes horribly wrong. 

The plotline was... decent, but it was the characters that really made the story for you. 

The characters are just relatable, and you are able to connect with them so easily.

The writing was fairly simple, and easy to follow, and that is one of the things that I like about the story as a whole. 

So, that was my thoughts (not really a review), on Torn, by Cat Clarke. I am currently reading Bomb, by Sarah Mussi, and I am hoping to finish it by this time next week.

So, that is all I have for you guys, bye!

-Abi xxxxx 

Double Cross (Noughts & Crosses #4), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I finished Double Cross! Said I would...
But that's not the point.
The point is, now I have another review to post, yay!
So, let's not dawdle, let's get to it!

Double Cross (Noughts & Crosses #4), by Malorie 
Blackman (Re-read)

Title: Double Cross

Author: Malorie Blackman (last one no!!!!)

Genre: YA (Young Adult), and everything else!

Release date: November 2008

Pages: 434 

Blurb: Tobey wants a better life for him and his girlfriend, Calling Rose. He wants nothing to do with the violent gangs that rule his world. 

But when he's offered the chance to make some money, he's tempted. It seems so easy, so innocent. 

How much harm can it do? 

My Thoughts

This book has to rank 3/4 out of all of the books in this series. Behind Checkmate and Noughts & Crosses, but in front of Knife-edge. Knife-edge was still brilliant, but I just like the direction that this one takes more. 

This book seems a bit dispatched to the rest, (which if you had read the introduction at the front, Malorie said that she originally wanted the series to be a trilogy). But to be honest, I am so happy that she decided to add an extra book to make it a series. 

Now this book focuses on just one character, and that is Tobey. (And Callie Rose for the first 150 odd pages, but the reason that we stop seeing Callie Rose's point of view is the whole reason over why we follow Tobey for the rest of the book) and the path that Tobey takes is really interesting, from what he is at the start of the book to what he is at the end (they are worlds apart).

The plot follows Tobey trying to get revenge on McAuley after something happens to Callie Rose. The way the plot goes is unpredictable, gasp worthy and best of all, like nothing anyone has seen before.

The writing, yet again, is absolutely incredible. It just flows. 

And with that I say goodbye to this series! Next, I will be re-reading Torn, by Cat Clarke. 

So, that is my post for today guys! I will be seeing you tomorrow, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Series That I Have Completed

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And unfortunately I did not finish Double Cross, but I will have definitely have it finished by Sunday, or Monday at the latest.
But no matter, today I am going to be listing all the series that I have completed..
I can reveal that I have completed 13 Series!
These series are...
1. Harry Potter and the... series, by J K Rowling
2. Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins
3. Divergent trilogy, by Veronica Roth
4. Noughts & Crosses series, by Malorie Blackman
5. Slated trilogy, by Teri Terry
6. Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket
7. Twilight series, by Stephanie Meyer
8. Demonata series, by Darren Shan
9. Power of Five series, by Anthony Horowitz
10. Skulduggery Pleasant series, by Derek Landy
11. The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer
12. The Medusa Girls, by Tera-Lynn Childs
13. Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan

And those are all of the series that I have read! I will probably think of some more as soon as I post this, but they are the only ones that I can think of at this precise moment.
So, I will definitely finish Double Cross by Sunday, or Monday at the latest, and that is all I have for you guys at the moment, but I will see you soon! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses #3), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I am 3 quarters of the way through the Noughts & Crosses series!
So, again let's not dawdle, let's get on to the review!

Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses #3), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Title: Checkmate 

Author: Malorie Blackman

Genre: YA (Young Adult) and every single other genre. 

Release date: 30th June, 2005

Pages: 511 

Blurb: Callie Rose never met her father. All she knows is that he was a Nought... and her mother a Cross. Growing up in a world where dual heritage means a life of bitter prejudice, Rose often wonders if she resembles him, if they would have been close... if he would have understood. But as she delves deeper, she discovers a tragic history of violence that has been hidden from her- and is drawn into a dangerous game that can only have one winner. 

My Thoughts

Okay, this book is definitely by favourite out of all of them in the series. It just... all the things that you need to make a hit book are in this one. This book has you on the edge of your seat from the start to the finish. And re-reading it changes the experience every single
I don't really want to reveal much as it is the third book in the series, but in this one you get to see Callie Rose grow up and evolve, and also you get to see the relationships that she has with her friends and family.
I also think that the plotline is like a mix of how both Noughts & Crosses, and Knife-edge are written. Like, the plot builds up a lot, like in Knife-edge, but it is just as unpredictable as it was in Noughts & Crosses.
The writing was as good as it's even been. (Outstanding).

So, that is my review for Checkmate, my favourite book in this series! Hope you enjoyed it...
Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Knife-edge (Noughts & Crosses #2), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be reviewing the sequel to Noughts & Crosses, the Book that I reviewed yesterday!
So, let's go!

Knife-edge (Noughts & Crosses #2), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Title: Knife-edge

Author: Malorie Blackman

Genre(s): YA (Young Adult), and again, pretty much every genre is included in this book.

Release date: 5th February, 2004

Pages: 449

Blurb: Sephy is a Cross, one of the privileged in a society where the ruling Crosses treat the pale-skinned noughts as interiors. But her baby daughter has a nought father... Jude is a Nought. Eaten up with bitterness, he blames Sephy for the terrible losses his family has suffered...

Now Jude's life rests on a knife edge. Will Sephy be forced, once again, to take sides?

My Thoughts

What I love about this book is that some of the side characters that you don't really get to see much of in the first book become more relevant to the plot in Knife-edge. I mean, the plot is as good as Noughts & Crosses, with twists and turns, (although they are less out-there, what I mean is they got there more gradually, with more suspense), but it was more about the characters for this one, and their relationships. 

The book jumps to the birth of Callie Rose, and goes through that time of Callie Rose being about a year old, I'd say.

You got to know a fair bit more about Meggie, and Jude, and Sephy, (the story really revolves around them, which I really liked), and you get to see how each person's actions reflects on different characters, in relevance to the plot. (Does that make sense? I really don't think that it does, but that the only way that I can really explain it)

The writing, yet again, was absolutely flawless, really. I feel at this point that Blackman can write anything, and I highly encourage you to pick this one up (after Noughts & Crosses).

So, that was my review in Knife-edge, I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. I am currently 272 pages into the 510 page book of Checkmate (it's a big book, because it goes over the space of 9 years, so there's a lot to get through), but as it is one of my favourites I am hoping to finish it by Wednesday. 

So, I will be seeing you guys then, okay? Okay.

(Its been a while since I've referenced that one)

Okay? Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses #1), by Malorie Blackman (Re-read)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I am going to be reviewing Noughts & Crosses, by Malorie Blackman, which is a re-read, and so I am not going to dilly-dally, I am going to go straight into the review. Let's get to it!

Noughts & Crosses (Noughts & Crosses #1), by Malorie Blackman

Title: Noughts & Crosses

Author: Malorie Blackman (I seem to be reading a lot of Malorie Blackman at the moment)

Genre: YA (Young Adult), and for the rest, a ton of different genres that are too hard to pin down, particularly as it has a bit of everything.

Release date: 2001

Pages: 443

Blurb: Callum is a Nought-an inferior white citizen in a society controlled by the black Crosses. 

Sephy is a Cross-and  the daughter of one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the country. 

In their hostile, violent world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. But when Sephy and Callum's childhood friendship grows into passionate love, they're determined to find a way to be together.

And then the bomb explodes...

My Thoughts

Oh, God. This book. I wish I could read it with fresh eyes, I love it that much. And even though I've read it over and over again, I feel the same emotions over what happens to the characters, and the path that each one takes. This book leaves me a blubbering mess whenever I pick it up. Highly recommended this series.

This book jumps from the perspectives of both Callum and Sephy, and it is so frickin. Wonderful to see the entire story unfold, and see how both characters have different pieces of the puzzle to make a whole. 

All the characters are completely different, but they all compliment each other, so the story altogether just makes it seem that much stronger.

The plot pulls you through an emotional rollercoaster to the point where you want to keep on reading to see what happens to these characters that you have grown to love, but you are scared to move to the next page because something horrible could happen. There are moments that have you crying over what these characters are experiencing; moments that make you grin from ear to ear; and moments where you are reading a page every ten seconds because something BIG just happened. 

This book is one that I think everyone should read because it is that good. It has romance, suspense, things that there is no way you could have seen happening 50 pages back. I highly Highly HIGHLY recommend it. Seriously. 

Rating: 4.75 stars 

So, that was my review for Noughts & Crosses, by Malorie Blackman. And do not worry, I will be reviewing the entire series because 1) It is in my top 3 series, and 2) I only have approximately 80 pages left of Knife-edge, the sequel to Noughts & Crosses. Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

January TBR (2016)

2016 is here!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And 2016 is here! (I know I've already said that, but yeah).
New year, New start and all that...
(That had nothing to do with anything, but I kind of felt the need to say it)
And so, since it is the beginning of the month, I am again going to be my January TBR (2016), along with two of the challenges from the TBR Jar.

TBR Jar: January
The two TBR Jar challenges of the month of January are:
1. Read a graphic novel
2. Read a book published in 2016

TBR Jar Books
Read a graphic novel- I don't really know many graphic
novels, as an account that I actually haven't read any. But I do really like the YouTuber ThatcherJoe, who has just recently had a graphic novel, so I might read that.
That being said, I've heard great things about Saga, so I might try that.

Read a book published in 2016- Now, I have the perfect book for this category, and it is perfect timing, because it is the Booksplotion Book of the month, and that is:
Passenger, by Alexandra Bracken

And can I please take a moment to comment on what a beautiful cover it is, I mean, the shading!

But anyway, I am really looking forward to reading this one, and the release date is the 5th January. 

Other TBR Books

I am going to be re-reading one of my favourite series this month, because before I listed the books that I read last year, I loved to go back to this series, and that series is Noughts and Crosses!

So, that is my January TBR guys! Hope you enjoyed it!

(Let us all say goodbye to the Christmas Blog-a-thon)

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx