April Wrap Up (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since it is the last day of April, I will be doing my April Wrap Up! So, let's not dawdle, let's get on with the post!


April Wrap Up (2016)
I read a total of 7 books in the month of April, which I think is pretty good! I also participated I'm the Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon, and read two books in that 24 hours, which I thought was really good!
So, here are the books that I read in the month of April!

1. Book of Lies, by Teri Terry
2. Hide and Seek (The Lying Game #4), by Sara Shepard
3. Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes
4. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1), by Cassandra Clare
5. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2), by Cassandra Clare

TBR Jar Challenges
1. Read a book published in the last 3 years- This category pretty much means that I could read any book really, and I chose to read The Girl With All The Gifts, by M R Carey. This book went in a different direction then what I was expecting, but I still really enjoyed it. Full review somewhere on my blog.

2. Read a book you own and haven't read yet- Again, I could literally have read any book that I have, but I knew of wasn't going to read this book unless I took some initiative, so I decided to read More Than This, by Patrick Ness! There is also a review for this one as well.

So those are the books that I have read this month! I will be doing my TBR for the month of May on Sunday, so look out for that. So that is all I have for you guys today, bye!

-Abi xxxxx

April Book Haul (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And even though I still have a bunch of reviews to do, I am so excited about the bunch of books that I bought this month, that I just wanted to do a book haul before May rolled around.
Okay? Okay.

April Book Haul (2016)
I actually bought a whole bunch of books this month! And none of them are contemporary!
So, no more dawdling, I'll start listing them!

1. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #1), by Ransom Riggs

This is the first book in the trilogy, and the film is coming out in late September (I think), so it seems like the right time to start the series. (Also the trailer made the film look  awesome). 

2. Sweetly (Fairytale Retelling #2), by Jackson Pearce

I already have Sister's Red and I figured, why not get the second one? Also, I want to carry on the series and I like the cover. Have you noticed the moustache out of the trees? It makes me laugh. 

3. Fathomless (Fairytale Retelling #3), by Jackson Pearce

I wanted to continue the series, and I like the cover, plus it looks really good from what I read in the sample on my kindle. I want to read more series this year and starting with a series that I'm already halfway through of, "seems like a good way to go" (cue Twilight)

4. The Dying of The Light (Skulduggery Pleasant #9), by Derek Landy

Okay, I have already read the entire series for Skulduggery Pleasant, but I only used to have books 2-8, so I decided I should the complete series. Therefore, I now have the ninth book, and I am waiting for the first one to get here. Love the cover. Saying that, the back of the book is even better! Here it is:

5. Tempest (Tempest #1), by Julie Cross

I wasn't quite sure whether I wanted to read this book, but I saw it in Oxfam, plus the cover looks super interesting, and its about time travel. Who doesn't love a bit of time travel? The print is quite big, but it's for charity. 

6. Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1), by Leigh Bardugo

Really can't wait to read this. Angry and exciting characters. What seems like an impossible task, and they all seem to hate each-other. Perfect book. Also, afterwards, there is the Booksplotion Liveshow from last year to look forward to after I finish it. 

7. Flawed (Flawed #1), by Cecelia Ahern

I bought this the day that I went to see Teri Terry, sort of like a souvenir. It's a duology, and the second book comes out in March next year. This is Cecelia Ahern's debut YA book, and I'm interested to how it is. 

So that is my April Book Haul! I really hoped you enjoyed, let me know if you have any thoughts on any of the books, it really makes my day! I'll see you all on Friday, when I will be doing my monthly wrap up! Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since I have read three books since Friday (Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon) be prepared for a lot of reviews in the near future! This is the first one in a series.


Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes

Title: Me Before You

Author: JoJo Moyes 

Genre: Romance and Contemporary

Release date: 5th January, 2012

Pages: 481

Blurb:

"Lou Clark knows lots of things. 

She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick. 

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane. 

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now, and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that. 

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time." 

My Thoughts

I don't really know what I was expecting when I started reading this book. I picked it up on a whim, just an impulse, when I saw it at my college's library and I didn't really think about the fact that everyone seemed to love it. I just started it. 

One word. Wow. Loved this book from the beginning. From the first page, the writing: The dialogue and the description, which took me completely by surprise. 

Also, the characters. I'm going to focus on both of them individually, because there is just so much to say for both of them. 

Lou Clark. It was so easy for me to relate to her. She grew up in a small town, and she hasn't left her home town yet. She is super nice and sweet, yet when she is pushed to the limit she has a temper, which I really like about her character. Also, she is quirky, which is a fresh air, compared to most protagonists in these types of books. 

Will Traynor. God, the journey that this character goes on throughout this book. He starts off being a bit snobby and a lot high-maintenance, but as the book progresses, he turns into this wonderful character that learns to love, and it's so great. 

I don't really want to say much about the plot because knowing me, I'll end up ruining it, and I don't want to do that because I want people to read it and find out for yourself what happens. 

The writing though, omg. It just flows. I didn't feel like there was a boring moment in this book. That's why I gave it five stars. 

So overall, this book was perfect and beautiful and heart wrenching, and I loved every minute of it. Totally recommend this book to anyone who wants a heart wrenching love story that will make you cry (that is guaranteed). 

So, those are my thoughts on Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes! I really hope you enjoyed this post! If you have any thoughts, you can always comment! 

So, that is all I have for you guys today! I'll see you all on Wednesday, when I will be doing my monthly book haul! So, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Read-a-thon Wrap Up

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I finished the read-a-thon! (Literally a half hour ago)
So, today I will be listing all the books that I finished during the 24 hours!
So, let's get on with the post!


Read-a-thon Wrap Up
To be honest, I wasn't really expecting to read much during these 24 hours. I was expecting to read like 100 pages and then get bored and go to play videogames or something. But actually, I completed my entire list and ready an extra 130 pages on my next book. This is the list!

1. City of Bones, (The Mortal Instruments #1), by Cassandra Clare (I was going to include Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes, but I finished that the night before)

It took me like 7/8 hours to finish this, and it was... okay. There wasn't really any spoilers for this book because I saw the film like 3 years ago. 

Saying that I didn't really enjoy this, I was trying to read this book as fast as I could, but I doubt I would have enjoyed this book much more, even if I had taken the time to read it. 

2. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2), by Cassandra Clare

Liked this one a lot more than the first one.  Not sure how long it took me to finish this book, because I started it at like 8 or 9 at night and finished it the next morning, but I think for the speed that I was reading, I think I read it fairly quickly. Instead of just trying to read the book as fast as I could, I tried to enjoy it, and actually follow the story as opposed to just getting through the series. 

3. City of Glass, (The Mortal Instruments #3), by Cassandra Clare

I only read 138 pages of this book before 24 hours rolled around. Really enjoying this book. 

So, those are the books that I read during the read-a-thon! I hope you enjoyed the post, I will be posting reviews for all of these books. (Sorry if you don't like reviews). 

Also, this was my 100th post! I know, it's gone so quickly!

Anyway, that is all I have for you guys today, I will be posting my review for Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes tomorrow, so look out for that! 

Bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Read-a-thon TBR

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And in case you didn't know, tomorrow there is going to be a 24 hour read-a-thon! It starts at different times around the world, so it doesn't matter where you are, you can still join in!
So in the UK, the read-a-thon starts at 13:00pm, and ends 24 hours later, on the Sunday (well duh Abi, they're not stupid)
But today I will be listing the books that I will attempt to read over the 24 hours!

Read-a-thon TBR
Now this is a very overzealous TBR, and I am aware that I most likely will not finish these books, (yes I say books), but I'm trying to stay positive.

1. Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes

I am about 200 pages into this book, and am enjoying it immensely. Definitely will be finishing this. 

2. City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare

I said I would try this series again, and it's been four months already. I need to start this series, and I figured this read-a-thon was the perfect opportunity, especially as Lady Midnight just came out (I know I'm a long way away from Lady Midnight, because I want to read the Infernal Devices trilogy after, but that's what I'm going for). 

2. City of Ashes, also by Cassandra Clare

If one, why not two? If I like it enough that the hype says I should, why not just go straight onto the next one. 

So that is my TBR for the read-a-thon! Again, I doubt I'll finish all three, as much as anything I do want to enjoy them, because there's no point just reading a book so you can say that you did, you have to enjoy it. So, that is my post today guys! I will see you all on Sunday, when I have finished my read-a-thon! So, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

More Than This, by Patrick Ness

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I finished More Than This, by Patrick Ness!
So here's the review!

More Than This, by Patrick Ness

Title: More Than This

Author: Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult

Release date: 5th September 2013

Pages: 480

Blurb: "A boy drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments. He dies. 

Then he wakes, naked, bruised and thirsty, but alive.

How can this be? And what is this strange, deserted place? 

As he struggles to understand what is happening, the boy dares to hope. Might this not be the end? Might there be more to this life, or perhaps this afterlife?" 

My Thoughts

I was kind of apprehensive about reading this, because when I read The Knife of Never Letting Go, I didn't enjoy it all that much. But this one seemed more interesting, plus I read The Knife of Never Letting Go like three years ago, plus everyone seems to be enjoying Patrick Ness books nowadays, so why shouldn't I give it a try? 

Also, I knew I was never going to read this book if I didn't take some initiative and make a conscious effort to read it and since it fit the bill for the "Read a book that has been released in the last three years", I figured I should it and I was so glad that I did. 

I'm gonna be honest. For the first half of the book, I was bored to tears. I was considering putting the book down, and reading something else instead. But I had already given up on Attachments, later on this month and I didn't want to do it again. 

I mean, the first like 100 pages were good, the start of a new book, getting used to the characters, or in this case, character, since he is alone (who knows why), but from the 100 page barrier to about 70 pages later, nothing happened. I was quite bored, actually. Despite the writing, which was beautiful all the way through, nothing really grabbed my attention. 

But then, about 70 pages later, it all changed. Things started happening, almost as if it was a different book. It completely picked up. 

By the way, this is the sort of book that I think you should go into without knowing too much about it. I don't normally say that, because I like to be sure that I'm going to like a book that I'm reading, but for this book you should go straight into it. 

Okay, the plot for this book was amazing (once it got going). Some of the events that happened in the book I was not expecting, (when I reached one of these events I was on the bus, I literally gasped out loud, and I'm pretty sure I got some concerned looks, which was quite funny at the time). 

The characters were so real. Like characters in this type of book are normally just there, and you don't really get to know them, but in this one, you actually do. I'm now going to tell you how, because that is pretty major book spoilers, just go read it. 

The writing was beautiful, all the way through. Super descriptive as well. 

So overall, the first part was quite slow, but it majorly picked up once it got going. If you are considering reading this book, read it. And if you are approximately 150 pages in and considering giving it up, KEEP GOING. It gets better, a lot. Seriously. 

So, those are my thoughts on More Than This, by Patrick Ness! I hope you enjoyed my review, I will see you on Friday, were I will be talking about what I plan to read in the Dewey Read-a-thon on Saturday! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

The Huntsman: Winter's War Film Review

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And yesterday I saw the Huntsman: Winter's War!

The Huntsman: Winter's War Film Review
Okay, I know that it is kind of late to do a review of a film that has literally been out two weeks, but I only saw it yesterday, so here goes!

Oh, before I forget, you probably shouldn't see if this you haven't seen Snow White and the Huntsman. I'm not sure if I am going to spoil SWATH (Snow White and the Huntsman), but just in case, I wouldn't. You've been warned.

This film was pretty good. I'm not going to say it was amazing, because it wasn't. But it was a fairly decent film.
It was actually quite a different film to the original. For a start, it was a prequel/ sequel to SWATH, it starts before, during and after the events of the first film. I'd say that you don't have to watch the first film, but it does help it you know what happened.

The plot was also different from the first film. There wasn't an established goal for the first part of the film, which meant for a couple of scenes that it got a bit boring at time, and the goal of getting the mirror wasn't as outlined.

Saying that, that is the negative thing that I can say about this film really. This film may not have outlined the goal, but it was more about loyalties, and relationships, and before you sigh and go off this post (as I undoubtedly would have done), it isn't pathetic and sweet, but they fall back in love (they fell out under false pretences), and it was between a Huntsman and a warrior, so it was them protecting each-other, and learning to trust each other again.
Also, because of the no clear plotline thing, each event that changed what was happening had me shocked, then crying, and then super excited because a good character had just kicked a bad guy in the face or something. I was right there in the story. And although a couple of things happened that I was expecting, those that I wasn't expecting left me shocked.

In terms of how the whole film looked, like the world, visually it took my breath away. Whoever thought of the setting, and did it all visually is genius. Everything glimmered when it needed to, like when they got the mirror, was incredible, as was the ice palace.

Speaking of the ice palace, the antagonist of the film, Freya the ice queen, was a very complicated character. Played brilliantly by Emily Blunt, this character feels things very deeply, and she can hold a grudge. I can't really say anything, because it will spoil the plot, but it was brilliant.
The rest of the characters were great too. This film was less innocent, because some of the characters had a bit of spunk, which I also loved. All the actors: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron and Jessica Chastain, all played the characters incredibly well.

Speaking of which, the script was so smart and funny. The script was just so well written. The spunky and tough characters had me laughing so much with the one liners. Loved the script so much.

So, those are my thoughts on The Huntsman: Winter's War! Although at the start, it was kind of boring, it totally and completely picked up. If you guys are on the fence as to whether you should go see this film, I totally recommend it!

So, bye!

-Abi xxxxx

My TBR List

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I thought I'd list my TBR list, and explain why each of them is on there. So here goes!

My TBR List
Okay, so I don't have an awful lot on my TBR list. I have a total of four books on my TBR, and yes that is a total pathetic amount compared to what some people have, but on the flip-side is actually pretty good. That follows to the fact that my TBR challenge, isn't so much a chance for me to dwindle my TBR pile down, but for me to get more creative over what I'm going to be reading that month. So, here's the list! (Also, all of these books are going to be on my monthly book haul, because I bought them all this month, but I couldn't think of what else to post about today, and the reason why I didn't do a book haul today, is because I'm waiting for some more books to arrive- I bought a couple more a few days ago)

1. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs

I had been contemplating reading this trilogy for a while, because I didn't particularly like the cover, but when the trailer for the film came out I just had to read it, because the trailer is AMAZING. I will be reading this trilogy in a couple of months (hopefully) because I don't seem to be in the contemporary kick that everyone else seems to be in (sorry). 

2. Fathomless, by Jackson Pearce

This is the third book in the companion series by Jackson Pearce, which revolves around different fairytales. It is so frustrating that they changed the cover designs halfway through the series, but because I love what I've read so far, I bought it. I currently own Sisters Red (first book in the series), I need to own Sweetly, because even though I can get it from the library, they have to order it from somewhere else, and it's just easier to own it. I'm waiting to pull out the TBR challenge: "Read a book based on a fairytale". I really hope to pick that one soon, because I really wanna read this soon. 

3. Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo

The hype for this book is so big, I just had to get in on it. The characters look super interesting, and the mission seems impossible, so I'm in. I really hope to read this before 27th September, because that is when Book 2 comes out (I'm gonna read it when I pick the "Read a new-to-you author", TBR challenge, because I haven't read any Leigh Bardugo yet. 

4. Flawed, by Cecelia Ahern

I've already told you guys about this book, but I don't think that I told you much about the plot, plus it's on my TBR, so I should probably talk about it again. This book is about a girl who, in a society where you have to be perfect, makes a split decision, and from what it looks like, is desperate not to be labelled flawed. It looks really good, and I really want to read it. 

So, that is my current TBR List! No doubt, I'll probably have more books to add to that in a couple of months, but for now, that's all I have. I will see you guys tomorrow, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Hide and Seek (The Lying Game #4), by Sara Shepard

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I seem to be going through times when I struggle with some books, and then I can't stop finishing them! So, if you haven't guessed, I finished Hide and Seek, the fourth book in the Lying Game book series! With further ado, I give you my review!

Hide and Seek (The Lying Game #4), by Sara Shepard

Title: Hide and Seek

Author: Sara Shepard

Genre: Thriller

Release date: 31st July, 2012

Pages: 288

Blurb: "My friends and I used to play lying games. Now my twin sister is living one. 

When I was alive my adopted parents adored me. My little sister, Laurel, copied my every move. But now that I am dead and my long-lost twin, Emma, has taken my place, we're both learning just how flawed my family really is. 

Now Laurel is sneaking off with my ex-boyfriend and it turns out my parents are keeping a huge secret, about me. I don't know how far they'll go to keep it hidden. 

No one can harm me now but Emma is still fair game. She is desperate to solve the mystery of my murder but if she's not careful, she'll end up buried too.

Play the game, if you dare..."

My Thoughts

My emotions aren't all over the place, but they're getting there. If the ending book is as good as this, I'm gonna be an emotional mess. 

I learnt so much about the characters, and the characters (that she suspected) seemed so much more menacing. 

Also, when I look back at how much less intense the first book was, I think... WOW! In the first book everything was new, you're just making sense of the plot, getting to know the characters, with the odd clues and mysterious moments. From then to this book, everything means something, it's altogether just more intense, and I love it. 

Again, I can't really say much about the plot, because it is the fourth book in the series, but if you like intense murder mysteries about mean girls, I recommend this series. Plus, if you want a quick series, that's addictive and mysterious, this one is also for you. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am really anticipating the finale! 

So, those were my thoughts on Hide and Seek! I hope you liked this review! 

By the way, I got a new bookshelf! Finally! 

So, I will see you guys on Sunday, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

The Girl With All The Gifts, by M R Carey

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I told you I'd finish this book today! So, I am going to do a book review on it!
So, let's get on with the post!

The Girl With All The Gifts, by M R Carey

Title: The Girl With All The Gifts

Author: M R Carey

Genre: Utopian and Dystopian Fiction

Release date: 14th January, 2014

Pages: 460 

Blurb: "Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite. But they don't laugh." 

My Thoughts

This was one of the books on my TBR that I wasn't super enthusiastic about (that seems to be the case with quite a few of my TBR pile), but I knew that I wanted to read it, because I had bought it. And because I knew I wanted to read it, I also knew that if I didn't take the initiative and just start reading it, it would be on my TBR for all eternity, and I didn't want to do that. So naturally I started it. And I was so glad that I did. 

This book pulled me in from the first chapter, and it didn't let me go until the last page. I started the story, and it surprised me how easily I got into the story, and considering the plot, before I started reading it, it seemed like a hard thing to do. 

The writing was a big part of what pulled me in. Mostly descriptive, but what dialogue there was impacted the plot a whole lot. 

There were multiple POV's, it wasn't just surrounding what happened to Melanie (although she was so interesting M R Carey could have written an entire book just on her perspective), there were other people's perspective, which I wasn't expecting (that's a good thing). 

Also, the plot had me on tenterhooks for most of it. It got me a bit slow about halfway, but for the most part, I was captivated. 

So, I really enjoyed this book, which I wasn't expecting. This book had a lot of surprises, all of them good. The comments of the back of the book, like: "If you only read one novel this year, make sure it's this one", and "Takes hold of you and never lets you go", are true. So, if you are on the fence as to whether or not you should read this book, definitely read it. You won't regret it! 

So, those were my thoughts on The Girl With All The Gifts! That's one TBR Jar Challenge down, one to go (and another that I'm waiting for the book to be released). But that is all that I have for you guys today, I will see you tomorrow, and... bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Evaluating My TBR Jar Challenge

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be evaluating my progress of my TBR Jar Challenges, because it is already April (really can't believe that), and it is already the second quarter in the year. I will be telling you guys what I plan to do for each challenge.
So, let's get on with the post!

Evaluating My TBR Jar Challenge 
So, these are the challenges that I started at the beginning of the year, there are 16 of them:
1. Read a book with 500+ pages
2. Re-read a favourite book
3. Read a popular YA book
4. Read a book that someone else picks
5. Read a book published in the last 3 years
6. Read a book with magic
7. Read a new-to-you author
8. Read a book that was made into a film
9. Read a series finale
10. Read a book you own and haven't read yet
11. Read a graphic novel
12. Read a sequel
13. Read a book published in 2016
14. Read a book guaranteed to bring you joy
15. Read a non-fiction book
16. Read a book based on a fairytale

So those are all the categories for my TBR Jar Challenge for 2016! What I will be doing next is listing each challenge that I have picked in the previous months, and listing the books that I have chosen for them.
So, these are what I picked:
1. Read a graphic novel- Tomb Raider: The Merlin Stone
This was a really easy read. I read it in one sitting, on a Sunday morning (cue the Lionel Richie song).

2. Read a book published in 2016 (not completed)
If you remember, I originally intended to read Passenger for this one, but at the time it wasn't available in the UK. Well, it is now, but I'm going to go with "On The Other Side", by Carrie Hope Fletcher because I've already pre-ordered that book, and what's the point of buying another book if you've already got another one that fills the category?

3. Read a book that was made into a film- The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

This was a book that had been on my TBR for a while.

4. Read a book that is guaranteed to bring you joy- I'll Give You The Sun, by Jandy Nelson

5. Read a book that you own and haven't read yet- (Not completed yet)
I only got this challenge this month, and the book for this category is More Than This, by Patrick Ness. I should read this book later on this month.

6. Read a book that has been published in the last 3 years- (Currently doing now),- The Girl With All The Gifts, by M R Carey

So enjoying this book at the moment. 

So that is my evaluation of my TBR Jar Challenge of 2016. Truthfully, I think I am doing okay. I am on top of most of them, and those that I didn't complete, I will soon. 

Also, two other things: 

In my giving up on a book post, I actually didn't mention what book I gave up on. That book was *sigh* Attachments, by Rainbow Rowell. I just feel like it was the wrong time to attempt it. One of my friends said that there sometimes isn't even a reason why you just don't like a book when you should. So, I just gave up on it.

Also, I lowered my Goodreads challenge to 30 books instead of 50. Mainly because I don't want to push myself to read books, when I want to go back and re-read one of my favourites. Also, I want to be able to read what I want too, so I pulled my target number down. 

So, that is my post! I hope you enjoyed it! I will see you guys on Wednesday, and I am aiming to finish the Girl With All The Gifts, because I haven't really done a review in AGES. 

So, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

Epic Reads Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it has literally been a month since my last book tag (I seem to have got into the habit of doing a book tag a month, like the wrap-ups, TBRs and book hauls that I do), so in case you missed the title, today I am going to be doing the epic reads tag!
So, with further ado, (where did that saying come from) let's get on with the tag!

Epic Reads Book Tag

1. If you could invite one author and one of their fictional characters to lunch, who would you invite and what would you serve them? 
There were a couple of contenders for this question, for example, Vladimir Todd and Heather Brewer (it would be super interesting to find out about the life of a half human-half vampire), or Cath, and Rainbow Rowell, but I had to go with Valkyrie Cain, and Derek Landy, because magic.

2. What book do you wish the author would write a prequel for? 
I feel really bad for not picking Harry Potter for this one. I would really love to read any prequel in the Harry Potter. It doesn't ever matter which one, but a Harry Potter prequel is not what I'm gonna pick. What I am going to pick is the Series of Unfortunate Events, because it would be great to see what the Baudelaire Children's parents did before they were born (and if you've read the books, you know in what).

3. Which two characters (not from the same book) would make a good couple? 
I feel like these two would just be the perfect couple. They are both tough, and smart, but they could both be considered protectors. The couple is Scarlett, from Sisters Red, and Katran, from Fractured, which is the second book in the Slated trilogy.

 

4. If you ran into your favourite author on the subway and could only say one sentence to them, who is it and what would it be? 
If I just had the one sentence, I'd say: "Hi, email me so we can meet up, here's my email address!"
Then I'd get to talk to them some more!

5. What book made you a reader and why? 
It wasn't a particular book, to be honest. It was when I went to college and I made some friends who liked to read. They then started to recommend some books that I hadn't read, and I took it from there.

6. Incendio! 
Your bookshelf just caught fire! Show the book that you'd save. 
No, please don't destroy all my books. *Sigh* I guess I'll have to pick... OMG, this is so hard! Okay, so even though there were so many contenders for this one, for example: My Illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Checkmate by Malorie Blackman, and Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, I will have to go with Mind Games, by Teri Terry. I mean, it is one of my favourite books, plus I got it signed the other week. But it really was close.

7. Which dystopian world would you want to live in if you had to choose one? Why? 
No contest, Hogwarts.

8. What is your most epic read of all time? 
Again, incredibly hard. But when someone says epic, I think action. So, my top kick-ass action book series is the Skulduggery Pleasant, so I'm going to pick that!

Alright, so that is the epic reads book tag! I tag anyone who wants to do it, because anyone who wants to do this tag, should definitely do it!
So, I will see you guys tomorrow, bye!
-Abi xxxxx

Giving Up On A Book

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And in case you missed the title, and just randomly clicked on this post, today I am going to be talking about what you feel like when you give up on a book.
Enjoy!

Giving Up On A Book
When you finish a book, you get that sense of satisfaction, particularly if you just finished a long one. When you give up a book before it just isn't entertaining you anymore, it's completely different.
For me at least, my brain is wrestling with whether I should keep struggling with the book, in the hope, that it will get better sometime soon, or whether I should just give up on the whole thing.
Also, another factor that comes to mind for me, is how long I've been reading this book before I got to the point of considering putting it down. For example, if it's only been a couple of days since I've begun reading this book, I try to carry on for a bit longer, because I still have some time before the situation gets desperate. However, if I've been reading the book for 5+ days, and I still haven't got past a certain point, then it's more likely that I'll put it down, and choose another book to read.
Although, saying that, it another factor is whether I like the author. For example, if it's a new author that I haven't read before, I am more likely to put the book down and read something else.

So, those are the things that I consider before I decide the put a book down and start something else! I hope you enjoyed it, I will see you guys on Sunday, bye!

-Abi xxxxx

Meeting Teri Terry

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I met Teri Terry on Saturday!
So today I am going to be talking about my whole experience! This may be a short post, but I still hope you enjoy it!
So, let's go!

Meeting Teri Terry 
I'm not going to lie. Meeting an author, let alone one of my favourites was both exciting and nerve-wracking for me. It was lucky I had a lift, because if I was in a train, by myself, I would have been a nervous wreck. Here's the footage of that:

Thanks again Dad, for the lift! And that's my little sister, Rubi (and yes, it is spelt that way). 

And so, I got to Birmingham, and what a shock! The High Street Birmingham Waterstones has four floors, and there were so many books! In the  YA (Young Adult) section, there were books that I hadn't even seen in real life before! For example, there was the Unravel Me, the second book in the Shatter Me series by tahereh mafi, which I had never before seen in physical copy before! 

It was so strange, seeing this book on the shelf! 

I filmed all the books, too! 

And then Teri Terry came in, and she was so down to earth, it was the most amazing experience! She signed all my books, we talked a bit, she is actually really genuine, and I am so glad that I met her. Also, since I was by myself, I did not get to film actually meeting Teri Terry (unfortunately). But it was so great to meet her. 

Okay, the whole time, I was looking for a book. I knew that I wanted to buy a book, so I could have a sort of souvenir of the whole experience. And the day before I went to my local Waterstones, and Cecelia Ahern had released a YA book called Flawed, and it looked really interesting, but I went to Waterstones in Birmingham, and it was signed! I knew I had to have it, 

Here's the book, and the signature: 

Love the cover, and the signature is just an added bonus. I'll tell you guys more about this book in my April Book Haul! Can't wait to tell you about this book, because it seems so intriguing, and completely different from what Cecelia has written about (I haven't read P.S I Love You, or Love, Rosie, but this one seems completely different). 

So, that was the end of my experience of meeting Teri Terry! I went to the train station (I had the intent of going to the train station, only to go straight to W H Smiths :) , I went to the train station afterwards) Then I got the train and went home (I got the wrong train, got off at Derby, and then got the right train from then on. (It was quite an experience, to be honest, I mean, I can count how many times I've been on a train on one hand, and this was my first time travelling on a train by myself, so it was quite the experience). 

So, that was my experience with meeting Teri Terry! I  hope you enjoyed the post, I will see you guys on friday! Also, I have some footage, of me showing you guys my signed copy of all of my books! (I still can't believe that she took the time to sign every single one of them)! So, I bid you goodbye! Bye!

- Abi xxxxx 

Book of Lies, by Teri Terry

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I have read a lot of books lately, and so get ready for another review!
Let's go!


Book of Lies, by Teri Terry

Title: Book of Lies

Author: Teri Terry

Genre: Paranormal

Release date: 24th March, 2016 (early, I know)

Pages: 428

Blurb:          "Tell a lie and the darkness will find you. 

Quinn and Piper are twins, but they've never met. A tragic event brings them together, and draws them into a family curse that stretches across centuries. 

One twin can command the darkness; the other could hold the key to breaking the curse. 

But when lies become truth and truth looks like lies, who can you believe?" 

My Thoughts

I wasn't completely enthusiastic about reading this book, because I didn't particularly like the plot too much (from what I'd heard about it at least), but when I went into Waterstones I just couldn't resist buying it, because Teri Terry is one of my favourite authors. And to be honest, I'm so glad I bought this book. 

This book ticks every box (as all of Teri Terry's books do), but this one is a bit different than the others. The others are events after events that are fast-paced and filled with adrenaline. This book also has those events, but the overall story creeps up on you, it's a bit more caution (well considering that this book is a paranormal book, and the others were Sci-fi, it probably should). And I really liked that this book did that. 

The characters are as well rounded and as well developed as they usually are (which is just as much as they need to be). And they aren't just one consistent mood all the time either. You see them be lonely, angry (that keeps the book interesting because they both have tempers), and they begin to love each other as sisters too, which is really sweet to see. 

The writing is harsh and to the point, it doesn't take the long way, it just gets to the point, which is another thing that I really like. 

Overall, I did really love this book. 

So, those are my thoughts on Book of Lies! If you have any thoughts on the book, please let me know! I will see you guys, on Wednesday, and... peace out! 

-Abi xxxxx

Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I finished this book on the 29th, but I like to post my wrap up and tbr of each month as close to the month as possible, so this review kind of got pushed to the side (having said that I also finished book of Lies two days ago, so that review is going to be tomorrow), but I'm doing it now, so let's get on with the post!

Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Romance

Release date: 26th February, 2013

Pages: 325

Blurb: "Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried. 

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book- he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose." 

My Thoughts

I don't know why I didn't really enjoy this much as I was expecting. It might have been that two of my friends have already read it recently (by recently I mean in the past two years), and they both rated it five stars. It might just be because it was mid March, and I wasn't really in the mood to read a cute romance. I don't read many romance books anyway, and it has to be a time when I'm in the right mood for it. But my friend let me borrow this one, (along with Attachments that I am reading now, though not yet started), and I try to read books that I've borrowed asap because I have a habit of ruining my books, despite how careful I am around them, and also because it's someone else's books, and I don't like it when someone else borrows my books and takes ages to give them back, so I shouldn't do that to someone else. 

I don't know what it was, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I mean, I enjoyed it, a fair amount, and I laughed out loud a few times because it was all just so damn cute! (And trust me, it takes a lot for me to laugh out loud at a book), and I loved the relationship between Eleanor & Park, but it just didn't do it for me. 

Don't get be wrong, the ending was good, but the twist I almost saw coming, because I was trying to notice things that might impact the ending, because I saw the comments about the ending on Goodreads. 

It was a solid four stars, but I wanted it to just jump into it more, and if that doesn't make sense, sorry. 

So overall, I did really enjoy this book, I gave it four stars (originally 4.25, but I pulled it down a bit), but it was still a solid four star book, and I did enjoy this book, despite my pretty negative review. But it just didn't do it for me, sorry. 

So those were my thoughts on Eleanor and Park! I hope you enjoyed it, I will see you guys tomorrow, with my Book of Lies review! Sorry about the overall negative review guys! So, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx

April TBR (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I have to say, it a strange typing April TBR, for some reason.
Anyway, this is my April TBR!


April TBR (2016) 

TBR Jar: April
It is the fourth month of the year, and so there will be two TBR Jar Challenges, instead of one. The ones that I picked were:
1. Read a book published in the last 3 years
2. Read a book you own and haven't read yet


TBR Jar Books
1. Read a book published in the last 3 years
I feel like I could literally read any book, because I own a fair amount of books that have been published in the last 3 years, but I'm going to go with "The Girl With All The Gifts", by M. R Carey,

and this book was released on January 14th, 2014. And also, if I don't take some initiative to read this book, I doubt I ever will, because I know I want to read it, but I just don't have that much drive towards it. So, this is one of my TBR Jar books for the month of April! 

2. Read a book you own and haven't read yet

Again, this is literally any book. So, I'm going to pick another one of my TBR that I'm not saving for any other category (for example, read a book by a new-to-you author, so Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo), and that book is "More Than This", by Patrick Ness. 

These books probably aren't very fitting for this time of year, but I like to get things done, and waiting for Halloween just so I can read some creepy books just doesn't appeal to me. 

Other Books

3. Book of Lies, by Teri Terry

I'm currently reading this now and I plan to dedicate my whole afternoon in the hope that I finish this book by tomorrow, because I don't know if you heard, but... I'm meeting the author tomorrow! And I want to finish it. 

4. Attachments, by Rainbow Rowell

Okay, I normally read borrowed books asap, but Book of Lies was an exception. But this will be what I will be reading next. 

5. Hide and Seek, by Sara Shepard

This is the fourth book, in this series, and I hope to continue on with this series. This book is about a girl trying to find out her twin sister's killer whilst pretending to be her. Too intense for words. 

So, those are the books that I will be reading this month! I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you guys have any thoughts, please let me know! I will see you guys on Sunday, when I will be posting my Eleanor & Park review! So, tata for now, bye! 

-Abi xxxxx