August Wrap Up (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since this is the day last of August, It's the perfect time to do a wrap up!
I don't know why, but I love doing wrap ups.

So here are the books that I read in the month of August!

August Wrap Up (2016)

So here is the list of books I read this month:

1. On the Other Side, by Carrie Hope Fletcher

2. Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson 

3. Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman 

4. Seven Minutes in Heaven (The Lying Game #6), by Sara Shephard

5. Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo 

6. A Perfect Ten, by Chris Higgins

7. Bloodlust & Initiation, by Alex Duval 

So towards the end of the month when I saw that I wasn't reading as much as I wanted to, I decided to read a book that I'd read before, in the hope that I could pull it together to read Passenger before the end of the month. But by that point it was the 29th and I still hadn't finished Passenger! 

So today I decided to re-read a Bloodlust and Initiation (the first and second books in the Vampire Beach, which I have reviewed the third and fourth books, Ritual and Legacy.) Find those reviews on Post Pandemonium. 

So those are the books that I read in the month of August! I will see you all on Friday, when I will be posting my September TBR, so look out for that! 

So now I have to go dress up as an 80s party-goer, (photo-shoot for my next performance). Have a lovely day and I will see you all on Friday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx 

20 Random Facts About Me

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I'm going to be posting something a little different to what I usually post!
I'm posting about me!
I'm not being self-centred, but I feel like nobody posts about themselves, the person behind the blog because they feel that they're taboo.
But I'm changing that!
So ladies and gentlemen, this is 20 Random Facts About Me.

20 Random Facts About Me. 

1. I have a twin. He's the type of reader that doesn't read consistently, but every once in a while he'll read A GREAT WHACKING STEPHEN KING BOOK (Under the Dome), but he's the best brother in the world and I love him. 

2. I also have two half brothers and one half sisters, two of which are also twins. (Again, boy girl twins :D ). 

3. I'm a chocaholic. Love it. Hot chocolate. Profiteroles. Eclairs. Chocolate cake. Just plain chocolate. Love all of it. 

4. I run 5K every week at Parkrun and I'm currently under 25 minutes. 

5. I'm also training for a 10K next June.

6. And a triathlon next September.  

7. I love musicals. Always have. I've also been in quite a few myself, including Little Shop of Horror, Sister Act and We Will Rock You. I annoy people how much I talk about them.  

8. I'm incredibly competitive, but particularly with my brother. If he starts training for a running obstacle course and goes out for an hour long run, I'll do the same. This is an actual example, I have done this. 

9. I love to travel, and I want to see a ton of places that I haven't already (Cyprus and New York especially). 

10. I have never broken a bone. 

11. I have never died my hair. 

12. I love video-games. RPG's especially. (Role Play Games)

13. The first album I bought was Busted- A Present For Everyone. Loving punk from age 6!

14. I want to write a book one day!

15. My family owns two cats, named Tiger and Cola. We've had them for 11 years. 

16. I am also incredibly stubborn. 

17. I still have last year's calendar up because December's picture is Finnick. (That's part of the reason, the other part is that I'm just lazy.)

18. I'm disappointed on how little I've read this year, but I'm happy with what I've accomplished outside of reading (like writing and experiences etc.)

19. I'm constantly tired and I rely on energy drinks to keep me awake. 

20. I bite my nails. A lot, and that is bad. 

So that is 20 Random Facts About Me! I hope you enjoyed that little insight into my crazy energy-drink-induced brain, and feel free to comment some quirky facts about yourself! 

Have a lovely what's left of the day, and I will see you all on Wednesday!

(I'll be doing my August Wrap Up).

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Popular Books I Haven't Read (Yet)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since I've never done this list before, I thought it would be fun to do "Popular Books I've Never Read"!
Some of the books on this list are on my series/trilogies tbr, which I posted earlier in the year, but there are only so many books I know, so forgive me if some of these look familiar!

Popular Books I Haven't Read

1. The Mistborn trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson 

So far I've only got the second one, but this series is high up on my must read list, so if I don't find the rest by Christmas, I'll just go and buy them. This is a sci-fi trilogy, and that's about all I know about it. (Other than the fact that I know I'm going to love it, because I haven't read a new Sci-fi trilogy in like a year).

2. The 5th Wave, by Rick Yansey 

This trilogy was going to be on this list from the get go. I've finished the first one twice, and I should've just finished this trilogy before I posted this. It's  on my series tbr for 2016, and I really hope to finish this in the next couple of months.

3. Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan 

Okay, I know I included this in my completed series list, (eons ago) but I'm actually not completely sure I finished it. I reckon I got to the 4th book (I think), and since I was 12 at the time, I just thought I was done. But I definitely need to give these a re-read at some point. 

4. The Infernal Devices, by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments, British version. And from what I've heard, it's better, because Cassandra Clare's books progressively get better, and The Infernal Devices kind of got woven into the second half of the Mortal Instruments (in terms of release dates). Also, it's set in the early 1900s. 

5.  A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R R Martin 

Okay, there's a reason I haven't read this. 1) They're MASSIVE, so they'd be a really big time commitment, and 2) My family tried to shield me from reading them, (because some of those are GRAPHIC. I'm not talking about the violence-though they're pretty bad apparently). But I need to read these as soon as possible. Or watch the tv show. Or both, probably.  But soon. 

6. Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon 

Okay, this series just sparked my interest one day, because something about the characters sounded interesting. So, because of that, I don't know too much about it, except for the fact that it's set in Scotland, and that a lot of people seem to like it. Should be reading this by summer of next year though.

7. Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi 

This trilogy has been on my radar for so long, it's gotten pathetic that I haven't read it. This is definitely at the top of the list to read. 

9. The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken 

And finally, the Darkest Minds trilogy. The shame is real with this trilogy, because I am currently reading Passenger and loving it. And I still haven't even started this trilogy yet. I also can't seem to find it anyway in any shops. ANYWHERE. But I feel like I should have read it by now, because it's just one of those trilogies that you feel is compulsory to read. And read it I shall. Eventually. 

So those are the Popular Books I Haven't Read (Yet)! I hope you enjoyed this post, and I can promise I will be getting to all of these series and trilogies at some point. Eventually. 

So I will be seeing you all soon guys, but definitely on Sunday, okay? Okay. 

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

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

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I finally finished Six of Crows!
FINALLY!
So here's the review!

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

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo 

Genre: Action

Release date: 28th July, 2015

Pages: 491 

Blurb: 

My Thoughts: 

This book was kind of all over the place. I don't know why it took me two weeks to read it, but it did. And I think I have reasoning for that. It just didn't grab me like I thought it would. And I was struggling through most of it. It was kind of meh, to say the least. 

Granted, there were some parts I enjoyed. Like the action at the end. And some of the characters. But I just didn't get pulled into the world and the journey like I thought I would. 

But enough of the negative. There was actual things that I enjoyed about the book, and  I will tell you about them now! Some of the characters. I liked that the types of people they were impacted the way they read. Like the perspectives in this book were of a grisha, a waithe, (those were the ones that I liked the most.) and the fact that they were grishas and waives, was evident in their perspectives, and I liked that. 

I also liked the relationships. They kept it interesting. Some people liked each-other, and others hated each-other and were constantly plotting to kill each-other, and the contrast kept it interesting. For the most part. 

On the other hand, they didn't seem 16-18. They seemed decades older, and you'd read the majority of the book and think they were 21+ .(with the exception of Inez, who you could totally tell was 16-18), so I just wish the characters could have had something more to relate is what I'm getting at, I guess. 

Also, throughout the book, the plot just didn't progress unless we had all the information, and that got a bit boring after a while.

*Sigh* Really wanted to enjoy this book. 

So overall, it was just a bit disappointing. I enjoyed some of it, but not as much as I was hoping to. 

I think the question is, will I continue on with the series?

I think so. I want to see how the story ends, and what happens to the characters.

Crooked Kingdom is being released 22nd September. 

So that is my review of Six of Crows! I'm sorry all you Leighh Bardugo fans, but I just didn't enjoy this one. There's hope for the sequel though!

So I will see you all soon. Bye!

-Abi xxxx

August Book Haul (2016)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I know that I said I'd be reviewing Six of Crows today, but I'm not quite finished with it yet, so I am going to be doing my August Book Haul (2016)!
So here are the books that I bought this month!

August Book Haul (2016)

1. A Perfect Ten, by Chris Higgins

I was actually debating whether I should get this for a while before I did. (Which was yesterday). I just didn't know if I could fit it into my bookshelf, or where it would fit in terms of colour. But it was the first ever book that I read that was written by Chris Higgins, and I read it way back in primary school. (Towards the end, not in like year 2.) So I decided to get it, because to me, it was kind of like Harry Potter (in the sense that I feel at home when I'm reading this book). Also, it was one of the first teen books that I read (ever). 

This book is about gymnastics, but it also has a lot of serious issues in it as well (depression, secrets, anorexia and bullying) but this book is unique because it is from the point of view of the bully. Is it bad to say that I love reading it?

2. Seven Minutes in Heaven, by Sara Shepard

Okay, you guys already know that I have this because I've introduced it, and reviewed it (and if you didn't know, now you do) but I haven't included it in a book haul yet, so that's what it's doing here!

3. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by J K Rowling and John Tiffany 

Well, duh! Should be reading this within the next couple of months, and I hope that time flies by so quickly. 

4. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1), by Cassandra Clare

When I saw this in the charity shop, I was so surprised! I've wanted to read this trilogy (specifically this trilogy) since I finished the Mortal Instruments series, because 1)Everyone says that this trilogy is better, and 2) It's set in England. And so, I walk into Air Ambulance, and it's there on the shelf! So, moral of the story, don't overlook charity shops. Especially as you see what the next and final book I have on my list is...

5. Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2), by Cassandra Clare

Told you charity shops are great! I actually got this one in Oxfam though, so make the rounds, and don't just focus on one. But Clockwork Prince! Again, it shouldn't be too long before I read this trilogy, and I hope the time flies because I really can't wait to read all three!

So that is my August Book Haul! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all when I finish Six of Crows because I am not going to post until I finish it! (I'll make up the post on the tuesday). 

So I will see you all then! 

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

 

 

Top 5 Character Names

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be listing some of my favourite names from some of my favourite books.
Enjoy!

Top 5 Character Names

Now, names are an important part of the characters. At first impression, a character's name is sort of an insight in what the kind of role the character might play in the story. Also, a character's name is also an insight into what their parents are like, and what they expect of them(because they named them). So these are my favourite names in the books that I have read. 

So here they are!

1. Klaus Baudelaire (from the "Series of Unfortunate Events" series)

(I just love this picture, because it shows what Klaus is all about)

The name Klaus Baudelaire just flows off the tip of the tongue. The other two do too, because that surname is gorgeous, but you can say Klaus Baudelaire without any trouble and it sounds really aesthetically pleasing. 

2. Solomon Wreath (from the "Skulduggery Pleasant" series)

This name sounds creepy, and it sums up the character to a tea. Solomon Wreath is a necromancer, and he is one of the leader in Necromancy, which is death magic. His name perfectly sums him up, and the craft he practises. 

3. Grubbs Grady (from the "Demonata" series)

(That isn't actually him, he isn't a dog :) )

The name is just a fresh air. It is a nickname, but it's how he's known throughout the entire series. It's quite a catchy nickname, and it suits the character down to the ground. (Grubbs is fast, funny, and sarcastic.)

4. Edward Cullen (from the "Twilight" series)

(He looks best when he's doing his crooked smile, in my opinion)

Do I need to explain this one?

5. Celeana Sardothien (from the "Throne of Glass" series)

Even though I've only read The Assassin's Blade and Throne of Glass, I still love her name. It sounds smooth and exotic and different, and Celeana is the first character that springs to mind when I try to think of characters that are unique. 

So that is my Top 5 Character Names! I hope you enjoyed the post, and I will see you all on Sunday! (I hope to have finished Six of Crows by then, because I'm approximately halfway through right now.)

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I will see you all on Sunday!

Byeee!

-Abi xxxxx

New Skulduggery Pleasant book!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And there's a new Skulduggery Pleasant book out soon!
But more on that in the post.
Here it is!

New Skulduggery Pleasant Book! 

Okay so, for those Skulduggery Pleasant fans, 

THERE'S A NEW SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT BOOK COMING OUT!

If you didn't know. 

It's book 10 of the series, and even though I don't know if it's going to be more than the one book, I'm hoping it will be. 

Here's what I know about it so far:

• It's being released in 2017
• It does feature Skulduggery and Valkyrie
• Not all the primary characters in the last series are going to be as big as they were though
• It's still going to be a children's book

So that is pretty much all I know about this future book, but I will find out more and let you all know!

But if anyone is as much of a Skulduggery Pleasant fan as I am, then I'm guessing you're all excited as I am! (Because it's one of my favourite series'!)

So that is my post for today! Sorry it was so short, I seem to only be able to do short posts at the moment, but I should have finished Six of Crows by Friday, or Sunday at the latest, so that review should be fairly long. 

So have a wonderful day, and I will see you all on Friday!

Oh and feel free to comment, because they make my day! Seriously!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Should I Have Read More By Now?

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And do you ever think" I should have read so much more?"
That's what this post is about.
Enjoy :).

Should I Have Read More By Now?

Do you ever feel like you should have read more than you have? I do. I always feel like, it doesn't matter how much I read, I should have read more, read as much as everyone else, specifically the popular series' and trilogies that everyone has heard of. (Like the Shatter Me trilogy, and the Infernal Devices trilogy).

Does anyone else feel like this? Like it doesn't matter how much you read, you still can't catch up with everyone else, even if you've read more. 

Because books never stop being released, do they? There's just a pile of books that you keep meaning to read, and it keeps getting bigger... 

Which is a good thing, I assure you! I mean, who doesn't want to keep reading new books, uncovering new worlds, characters?

I'm just saying that it's just a bit daunting. 

I mean, when you were younger, say you skipped a couple of trilogies/ series, and a few years later, you want t go back to it (for me this was The Mortal Instruments), and you go back to read it, but then all these new releases keep coming, it's just hard to keep up. 

Right?

So tell me guys, is this just me? Or do the rest of you feel like this?

Comment down below! Let me know, because your comments make my day!

So that is the end of the post! Sorry this post was so short, but I had to talk about this. 

So have a wonderful day, and I will see you all on Wednesday!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx 

Face-off #3: Gale vs Thresh (Hunger Games)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be doing another face-off!
And guess what:both characters are from Hunger Games, so everyone knows them!
So here's the face-off:

Face-off 3: Gale vs Thresh (Hunger Games)

Gale vs Thresh 

I honestly think if these two were put up against each-other, it would be quite close. They're both quite similar in styles. 

The only upper-hand I reckon Gale might have is the bow-and-arrow, but in terms of power, I think that Thresh would be better, just slightly. 

They are both resourceful, and both smart enough to survive under unlikely conditions (Gale from the time he was 12 and his father died, and Thresh in the Hunger Games). 

They are actually quite close, if you think about it. 

Also, if Gale had been in the Hunger Games (not that he would because Katniss would have killed him) I doubt he would have done as well as Thresh had, had he been alone. To quote the book "If anything, he seems to have gained weight in the arena". Saying that, Gale wasn't in the arena, so that point doesn't change anything. 

Also, we haven't seen Gale run (not that I know of), but I'm willing to bet that Thresh is faster because we saw him run in the arena, and he was fast. As. Lightning. 

But then again, Cato was good enough to kill him, and I can't see him getting to Gale. 

Okay, this is difficult. 

...

...

...

I'm gonna go with Gale. He's good with a bow-and-arrow, and even though I doubt he's faster than Thresh, I also think he'd be able to overpower Cato, and Thresh couldn't. So, I honestly think that Gale would be better in a face-off.

So that is my post! I hope you enjoyed it!
What did you think? Would Gale or Thresh come off better in a fight? Comment below!
So have a wonderful day, and I will see you all tomorrow!
Byeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Seven Minutes in Heaven (The Lying Game #6), by Sara Shepard

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I don't have any introduction planned.
So this is my review of Seven Minutes in Heaven, the last book in the Lying Game series!
So... here's the review!

Seven Minutes in Heaven (The Lying Game #6), by Sara Shephard

Title: Seven Minutes in Heaven 

Author: Sara Shepard

Genre: Murder Mystery 

Release date: 30th July, 2013 

Pages: 371

Blurb: "MY SISTER WANTS THE TRUTH.

BUT SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS. 

For months, my long-lost twin has been living my life to solve my murder. Emma's unearthed secrets about my friends, my family, and my past. But she still hasn't found my killer. 

Then my body shows up in Sabino Canyon. Suddenly everyone knows there are two girls who look like Sutton Mercer- and one of them is dead. At first the police assume the body is Emma's. But the truth is bound to come out. And when it does, Emma will be suspect number one. If she can't find the killer soon, she'll end up behind bars... or worse."

My Thoughts

I have kind of mixed thoughts about this book. I did enjoy the plot, but I think I left it too long before reading this one, which was like 2 months  after reading the fifth, because I couldn't even remember any of the most vital plot points from the previous one. 

The plot was good though, once I remembered what had happened leading up to the start of Seven Minutes in Heaven. Not quite as good as "Cross My Heart and Hope To Die", but oh my god, THAT PLOT TWIST. Had I not been spoiled (by my own fault, I must admit) I would have had my mind blown, no doubt about that. 

But I did get spoiled, so my mind wasn't blown. 

The writing was pretty much the same as it's been the entire series. 

There weren't any characters introduced in this story, because it wouldn't make sense this late in the series. 

So overall, this book was a good wrap-up for the series. It didn't go from strength to strength, like I was hoping, but I'm satisfied with the way it ended. All the loose ends got tied up, which is... good. (I did the 3 dots because I was thinking "Isn't that what the point of an ending, all the loose ends get tied up?...)  

Yeah, so I did really enjoy this book, and I totally recommend this series (as a whole), because it is freaky as heck. So, if you like the feeling of not being able to trust any of the characters, pick up this series. Like urgently. 

So that is my review of Seven Minutes in Heaven, by Sara Shepard! Sorry it was so short, but there really wasn't much to talk about apart from the plot... 

Yeah, so I will see you all tomorrow, I hope you all have a lovely day (or what's left of the day if you are anywhere but America or some other place where I don't know what time it is currently) 

And I will see you all tomorrow :) 

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

P.S: This is my last catch up post, and even though on my normal schedule means that I will be posting for the next two days, my daily posts will be coming to an end by Tuesday.

So, bye! (Part 2) 

The Ultimate Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it's been a while since I've done a book tag, so I thought I'd do one.
So everyone, here's the Ultimate Book Tag! (It's long :) )

The Ultimate Book Tag 

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?

Only, if I haven't eaten anything in a while. It would be quite a worry if I did because I do most of my reading in a car. 

2. Which author's writing style is completely unique to you and why? 

Hmmm... I've always loved  Malorie Blackman's writing style (I bet your sick of me mentioning her by now) because she is really good at getting into her character's perspectives, and her writing is what makes you believe in the character, and that it's not just her creating them. She makes them feel like real people, and that's the writing. 

3. Harry Potter or the Twilight series? Give 3 points to defend your answer. 

Harry Potter, hands down. 

Reasons? 1. The characters. They're magical and unforgettable. 

                2. The world. It's unlike any other.

3. The magic. 

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is in it (besides books...?)

I don't have a book bag, but I make sure all my bags would be able to hold a hard-cover book (if I need to). Right now I'm reading Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo. 

5. Do you smell your books?

YES :). And if you don't, why not? 

6. Books with or without little illustrations?

I do like little illustrations, but I don't read many books that have illustrations, so I guess I'll pick books without them.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn't quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)

The only thing that I can think of at the top of my head is the Pretty Little Liars series, by Sara Shephard. At the time, I really liked it, but as time went on after I read the first five books (I only got up to the first five) I realised that I hadn't loved it as much as I thought I did. 

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!

I actually don't have any stories about my books, funny or otherwise. Sorry!

9. What is the thinnest book on your bookshelf? 

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinback

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf? 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J K Rowling 

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being as an author? 

I do. Just recently I have started prepping to write a book. I don't have an outline, or a plot, but I have done a lot of prepping for the characters. I hope I write more than I have for my previous failures (just writing a chapter or two). 

12. When did you get into reading?

It was kind of a long process. From Primary School I liked reading, and then there was the reading challenge at secondary school, which excelled at :). After that, I was known as the reading girl, and I got serious about reading. So from like Year 7/8, I guess. 

13. What is your favourite classic book?

I can't choose between two of my favourites: Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell, or Heidi, by Johanny Spyri. Have any of you guys read either of these books? Because I love them both, for different reasons. 

14.  In school was your best subject Language Arts/ English?

When I was in school my best subject was English. It wasn't necessarily my favourite, but it was the subject that was sort of a relief. Like I walked into English, and I knew it was something that I was good at. I know that isn't the question, but I think that you are more likely to be better at a subject if you enjoy it, and I did love English. 

15.  If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated... what would you do? 

I'd say thank you, not tell the person that I'd received it from how much I'd hated it, and then pass it on to a friend as a present that I thought would enjoy it. 

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games? 

After a lot of consideration, and I mean a lot, I'm just going to goo with the Demonata series, by Darren Shan. 

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?

Well, I just blog, I don't film. But a bad habit that I feel like I have is underwriting when I'm doing a review, for an example. I want to be able to go into more detail about what I think about books. 

18. What is your favourite word?

Popple. 

19. Are you a nerd, dork or dweeb? Or all three?

What do these labels even mean? Probably all three, but who cares?

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?

Vampires. I haven't read much of fairies, not since I was a kid. 

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

Shapeshifters. They just seem more interesting. Plus angels are just angels, their just... there, not really making an impact to the story. 

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?

I've read more books with werewolves, and there are a ton of different representations in them, but I'm gonna pick both. Spirits lead to murder mystery (unfinished business), so both. 

23. Zombies or Vampires?

There was already a question that involved vampires, but I'm going to overlook that. I think I'm gonna pick zombies though. Vampires have just been done to death (haha). 

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love? 

Even though I like a good love triangle, most of the books I've read contain a love triangle of some sort, so I'm going to pick forbidden love. I want to read more about forbidden love. 

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?

Oh, action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in! Full on romance are just that, too full on. 

So that was The Ultimate Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you tomorrow! (I still have a couple of catch up posts.) So, have a wonderful day and I will see you all then!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And since I have two more reviews that I need to post, I figured I'd do another one today, and then just alternate them.
So here is my review of Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman!

Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman

Title: Chasing the Stars

Author: Malorie Blackman

Genre: Sci-fi, romance 

Release date: 21st April, 2016

Pages: 495

Blurb: "Olivia and her twin brother, 

Aiden, are heading alone back

to Earth following the virus that 

completely wiped out the rest 

of their crew, and their family. 

Nathan is part of a community 

heading in the opposite direction. 

But on their journey Nathan's 

ship is attacked and most of

the community killed. 

Only a few survive. 

Their lives unexpectedly collide. 

Nathan and Vee are instantly 

attracted to each-other, deeply, 

head over heels- like nothing they have ever experienced. 

But not everyone is pleased. 

And surrounded by rumours, 

deception- even murder- 

is it possible to live out a 

happy ever after...?"

My Thoughts

Okay, I bought this book because it was 1) A Malorie Blackman book, and she is one of my favourite authors, and 2) It's set in space. I actually had no idea that the story is based off of Othello, (which is a Shakespearean play, in case you didn't know), which means that this book should have been all the better for me (because I love acting and musical theatre), but it just... didn't. 

Saying that, I haven't seen Othello, or read the play, so I didn't really recognise the similarities between the play and this book, but something just didn't do it for me. 

I mean, I did enjoy the story, but at one point I had to just put it to one side because nothing was really happening. 

Saying that, there were some things that I did enjoy. The fast-paced parts, for example. They were all just so damn quick! I also quite liked the direction the story took. It was very different to what I've read of Malorie Blackman before. Plus, the world building was quite good, actually. 

As for the characters, I wanted more of them. I like contrasting characters that show that their not just one constant emotion. Excluding like one character, who did not appear to be who I thought they were, they were all pretty constant the whole entire book, and I just wanted to see more. 

The writing was okay, and I think anyone who can finish it will be able to find something they like about the writing. 

The same goes for the plot. There was quite a lot of things developing beneath the surface in this book, and that overall is one of Malorie Blackman's strong points, and something she includes in ever book. The plot was unpredictable, and had twists that had me swearing under my breath, they were that unpredictable. 

So overall, this book was okay, but it did drag a bit. I mean, I liked most of it, but it just seemed like I wanted more. 

So that is my review for Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman! I know this review wasn't the most positive of all the ones I've done, but hopefully this review was informative and interesting. Have a wonderful day, and I will see you all tomorrow!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Underhyped Books

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I am going to be sharing some of my favourite underhyped books! So go and read them. Oh! By the way, these are going to mostly be series' and trilogies because I am well-known for loving series and trilogies that nobody has even heard of.
Just mentioning it now.
You've all been warned...

Underhyped Books

1. The Medusa Girls trilogy, by Tera-Lynn Childs

Okay, I actually got the first two books of this because my mum saw them in Lidl, and I picked them up, and I really liked them. They have mythology and other worlds, and demonhunter triplets that didn't know they were demonhunters (well, two out of three), or that they had two more sisters that looked exactly the same as them! Also, there's a ton of ass-kicking, so if it sounds like something that you're interested in, I'd pick this trilogy up because it's pretty awesome. 

2. The Power of Five series, by Anthony Horowitz

I think this circumstance is the case with a couple of the books that I've included in this list. This is the less well-known series of Anthony Horowitz, the person who wrote the Alex Rider series (teen spy if you didn't know), and in my opinion, a better written series. Because, I don't know why, but I cannot get past the first Alex Rider book. I just can't. It's just one of those things I can't do. (I've attempted it like 6 times). But this series is actually really interesting. It's about these creatures called the Old Ones that tried to take over the world. 10,000 years ago. But they were stopped by five children who had supernatural abilities. Now, they're trying to do it again. And these children are here as well. Plus they still have supernatural abilities. It's quite interesting. I recommend this to fantasy/ action/ supernatural fans. 

3. Vampire Beach series, by Alex Duval 

I'm not going to include the covers for this one, because 1) I can't seem to find the whole bunch of covers for any of the versions, and 2) All the version (except for one) are just too damn ugly! 

But I think because there are so many vampire series' out there, this one just got thrown to the wayside a bit, which is a shame, but it's really interesting, and fast paced for the most part. I can't really explain why I like this series so much, because It's everything I'd avoid normally, but there is an exception to everything, right guys?

So if you like vampires, and cool stories, check this series out!

4. Chris Higgins books

Okay, I think I've liked these books the longest out of all of them on this list, because her teen books just keep getting better. She is so clever with the web the characters she creates, and the journeys she takes them on, that your learning and growing with the characters. Plus, there are secret meanings in her books, and plot twists that are realistic because you can relate to the characters so much. I mean, not that the plot twists would be unrealistic, they are, because what Chris Higgins is good at teaching you is how easy it is to end up in that situation. But just, read them if you want an easy read that has drama. (But not too much). 

5. The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, by Heather Brewer 

Okay, this is another vampire series. And yes, I've only read two of them. But this series is so different to any other vampire story I've ever read. 1) It's a middle-grade series. 2) It's incredibly funny. I mean, how many vampire series' have you guys read that are funny? My guess, not many. What's funny about it is that it's realistic. This book isn't all vampire stuff, which is one of the things that I love about it so far. There's still the realistic teen boy  problems, just add fangs and a diet of blood. It's surprisingly funny, and their fairly small, so it's not a big time commitment. Trust me, you won't regret it. 

6. The Lying Game series, by Sara Shephard 

This series, is again, the less well-known series, written by Sara Shephard. (The author of Pretty Little Liars, or PLL.) But, to my opinion, this is the better written series, Now, I've only read the first five books of Pretty Little Liars, but I still think that this one's better. Especially now that I've just finished the series about an hour ago. But seriously, this series kept me hooked for most of the series (excluding the second book), because it had suspense and intensity, and a bunch of fast-paced events that had my heart racing. So, if your in the mood for that. Oh, and I have the first five books reviewed on my "Post Pandemonium" page. (Sixth review will be up soon.)

So those are my underhyped books! I hope you enjoyed this post, and I will see you soon! (Probably tomorrow, I still have 3 more posts to catch up on) So, byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I'm doing another post! These are flying out of me like bullets fly out of a gun!
This is my second post in 10 hours!
Saying that, that post was considered Monday's normal post...
But let's get on to the post!
This is my review of Since You've Been Gone!

Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson 

Title: Since You've Been Gone

Author: Morgan Matson 

Genre: Contemporary, romance 

Release date: 6th May, 2014

Pages: 449

Blurb: Emily's best friend Sloane disappears,

almost without a trace- the only thing left 

behind is a to-do list. 

On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired task that 

wallflower Emily wouldn't normally do,

and definitely not without her best friend. 

But what if completing the list could 

bring Sloane back?

Dance until dawn?

Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger?

Um...

Go skinny dipping?

Wait... what?

Emily only has the summer to check 

everything off Sloane's list. 

The question is, what will she find at the end of it?

My Thoughts

There really isn't much more to say about this book except for the fact that I really did enjoy it. The characters were incredibly likeable and relatable, and I enjoyed both the story and the writing immensely. 

I'd been wanting to read a Morgan Matson book for what seems like forever (and yes, I know I say that for most reviews, but for this one it really is the truth), and this book just seems to stand out the most because 1) the plot seemed the most interesting, and 2) The perfect book to read whilst on holiday. 

And I was right! This book is freeing and fun, and didn't have anything too serious, and you can relate to the characters right off the bat, so if any of that sounds even slightly appealing, I urge people to give it a try. 

Also, I want to make a point about character development.One of the biggest factors that made me enjoy this book so much was the fact you could evidently see the changes that the protagonist (Emily) went through as the book progressed, and the effect all the different tasks had on Emily. 

Another thing that I loved about this book was that it had a different feel than the other contemporary books that I've read prior to this one. (I know I say that a lot, but it really did). I reckon this was because of the writing. The writing just sucked you in, from the first page. 

Also, this book wasn't just about romance, which I really liked. It was about friendship too. It kind of had the whole package that you'd look out for in a summer contemporary/romance. And even though Sloane wasn't actually in the story much, she was still a part of it, through Emily's narration. 

Yeah, so overall, I did really enjoy this, and I am most definitely going to be reading a Morgan Matson book soon, you can count on that! 

So that was my review of Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all tomorrow! Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Introducing... Seven Minutes in Heaven

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I am tired!
I mean, it's been a long day... got home from Italy (hehe)... I DIDN'T EAT FOR & HOURS, I NEARLY DIED.
(I didn't, I'm just being over-dramatic).
But I am tired, so apologies if this short and or (probably both) rambly.
So, okay!

Introducing.... Seven Minutes in Heaven

Okay, so I've been waiting for what seems like a very long time to pick "Read a finale" and I was on the point of just ordering this book so I could reach the end of the series. But then I picked the TBR Jar Challenge! And I got to order it! 

So this is the book:

Okay, so I unwrapped this book, (it took a while, but I don't care that I'm tired, I'm gonna get to the book) and I innocently read the blurb, and holy crap, this last one just sounds mind-blowing. Just... Just read it: 

MY SISTER WANTS THE TRUTH.

BUT SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS.

For months, my long-lost twin has been living my life to solve my murder. Emma's unearthed secrets about my friends, my family, and my past. But she still hasn't found my killer. 

Then my body shows up in Sabino Canyon. Suddenly everyone knows there are two girls who look like Sutton Mercer- and one of them is dead. At first they assume that the body is Emma's. But the truth is bound to come out. And when it does, Emma will be suspect number one. If she can't find my killer soon, she'll end up behind bars... or worse. 

Okay, I read this, and I got chills. I'm not kidding. Like I have a feeling that this one is going to top all of them. Also, I have no idea how Sara is going to wrap it all up! But nevertheless, find out, we will, because this is the last book. And I have never been so excited to read the last book in the series! 

But that is my introducing... Seven Minutes of Heaven post! I hope you enjoyed it! Again, sorry it wasn't too long, but as I said I'm dog tired. So I will see you all tomorrow because I am posting everyday until I catch up with what I missed!

So with that I bid you all goodnight (or good morning, technically)

So, byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

On the Other Side, by Carrie Hope Fletcher

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it turns out I can post while I'm on holiday!
But I'm not going to be blogging everyday because I am on holiday, but still, here's a surprise post to keep you all until I get back on Monday!
So I finished this a few days ago, plus it's been ages since I did a review (seems likes months, but it's actually only been 2 weeks) so I figured, why not?

So here's my review of On the Other Side, by Carrie Hope Fletcher!

On the Other Side, by Carrie Hope Fletcher

Title: On the Other Side

Author: Carrie Hope Fletcher

Genre: Contemporary, romance, and a bit of fantasy thrown in there

Release date: 14th July, 2016

Pages: 340

Blurb:" Your soul is too heavy

to pass through this door;

Leave the weight of the world

in the world from before

Evie Snow is eighty-two years old when she quietly passes away in her sleep, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. It's the way most people wish to leave the world but when Evie reaches the door of her own private heaven, she finds that she's become her twenty-seven year old self and the door won't open. 

Evie's soul must be light enough to pass through she she needs to get rid of whatever is making her soul heavy. For Evie, this means unburdening herself of the three secrets which have weighed her down for over fifty years, so she must find a way to reveal them before it's too late. As Evie begins the journey of a lifetime, she learns more about life and love than she ever thought possible, and somehow, some way, she also may find her way back to the only man she ever truly loved... "

My Thoughts

So the fact that I enjoyed this book is kind of an understatement. I loved the characters, especially the details I was given about their personalities; I loved the route that the story took, and I loved that the story flowed incredibly easily. Plus I finished it in a day and a half.

With contemporaries you always want the writing to flow, and this one did so perfectly. So perfectly in fact, that some of the plot that would have seemed too out there for contemporaries (such as walked around inside of a huge cat) kind of normalised the situation, if that makes sense. 

So overall, the whole thing was beautifully written, and it just... flowed. 

Now, on to the characters. They all had a different part to play in this adorable yet funny story, but first and foremost, they were just... cute! The conversations they had, the way they found each-other, it all just screamed cute!

But what I loved most about the character was the details. For example, the fact that one of the characters had a birthday on the creepiest day of the year, for me, was hilarious! 

Also, let me just say that I particularly loved the main character Evie, and you can actually see some of Carrie's (the author) personality in Evie. (I say some, I actually mean A LOT) and that is actually a good thing. (Evie is bubbly and quirky, but she is also really stubborn and she will sacrifice something for someone she is close with in like a heartbeat. Slight spoiler there, sorry)

But I really did love the characters, and if you like books where characters are a big part of the story, as I do, I totally recommend you pick this up. 

Now... the plot. I really enjoyed the plot, because there were some twists that I didn't see coming. They weren't like massive, but I did really like the direction the story took me, and I wasn't surprised at how it ended really. (I don't really want to tell you all much about it because I want you all to read it, because I did really love it). 

So that is my review on On the Other Side, by Carrie Hope Fletcher! 

I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all on Monday! (If I don't post sooner, and at this point, I'm not sure whether I will be able to or not)

So I will see you all soon. Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx