September Wrap Up (2017)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And first I have to say something...

Sorry I haven't been posting! I'm now back at college and things have just been hectic this week!

But I promise, I will be back to posting three times a week!

Now, on to my September Wrap Up (2017)!

BOOKS

So, this month I surprised myself and read a total of 9 books!

Yeah... it's been a slow month... didn't have a lot to do...

So here are the books I read in the month of September!

1. The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins

Technically I didn't finish this during September, I finished it on the last day of August, when my wrap up had already been posted, so I'm including it in the September one (even though I didn't include it 9 books that I mentioned at the start of the post).

But I have to say, I flew through this book. And I can see why they made a (highly successful) film based on this book! The characters were well-written, and it raises the subject of an unreliable host very well! I loved the way the story unfolded, and the story was very easy to read!

I was actually thinking about maybe doing a book/film comparison post sometime in the future, so let me know in the comments if that is something you think you guys would be interested in!

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

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

4. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3), by Cassandra Clare

I started this trilogy on the 1st September, and it took me maybe a week to soar right through this trilogy! There is no doubt in my mind that they are all going into my Favourite Books of 2017 post later on this year, because these characters, this world, and the story that Cassie Clare has carved through it all is beyond anything!

5. We Were Liars, by E. Lockhart

When I think of this book, the first thought that comes to mind is this is one hell of a strange and surreal book. And it is. It was captivating, and beautiful and it was strange and creepy and I am so happy that I took the time to pick it up because it did not take me long at all to finish it! I hope to read more of E. Lockhart's books in the future.

6. The Start of Me and You, by Emery Lord

Yet another contemporary! I added a lot of contemporaries this month because I don't really want to be reading them in October-December (the winter months). Which is why I added the book this month as well. And I am so happy I did.

I don't know what it is, but something about these characters, and QUIZBOWL, of all things, but I just loved this ensemble of characters. And I am so happy we're getting a second book.

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

I have to admit. It took me a while to get over the pretence and delve into this book, especially after the emotional trauma of TID. But this book, and the world and just everything, it's all so DENSE and COMPLEX that I can't help but love it!

All I can say was that I was able to finish Lady Midnight. It was a great start to a new trilogy and I can't wait to finish it next year! And anyone that hasn't picked it up yet, I urge you to read the start of the great new shadowhunter series!

8. The Sky Is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson

This was not the right book to pick up after Lady Midnight. I got a book that left my heart hurting, it was so good. Like, it feel like it could have been a bit more polished at the start, but we all know that Jandy Nelson is an amazing author, and I know that she got better because I've read I'll Give You The Sun. But this book hit me. And it's definitely a contender for one of my favourites of the year. A possible review coming for you soon.

9. Warcross (Warcross #1), by Marie Lu

How do I even begin to describe this book?! I absolutely loved it. It was classic Marie Lu. And it was an amazing start to a new series. It takes place in a world that is obsessed with this game, Warcross. The main character is a bounty hunter, she finds people that are using this game illegally. And it pays a bit, but not much. But then, after a mistake for high stakes, she finds herself transported right in the middle of this game. But someone has a plot, and she is trying to discover it-and if she doesn't- GAME OVER.

10. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play

I read this in about two days. And it was decent, it screamed nostalgia, but there was something almost random about it. I was aware of the mixed reviews, and I'm glad I've read it, but there was something off about it.

For those that have read this, what do you think?

TV SHOWS AND FILMS

I haven't exactly been watching that much.

Or at all.

Really, I haven't been, mostly because of my Anne Frank rehearsals, three days a week, as well as work.

Hopefully I'll get to watch more next month, especially as it is half-term some time next month.

WRITING

I have done some writing this month, just maybe not as much as I would have liked.

But, I find that I can't read loads, AND write loads. It seems I can only do one or the other.

Which is fine. I got about 20 pages done, I cleared 100, so I'm more or less halfway through at the moment, so it's looking positive.

Another post will be coming when I finish the second draft, which should be around February.

So that was my September Wrap Up (2017)! I hope you enjoyed it, and I apologise for being missing in action this week!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I will see you all on Monday!

Byeeeee!

(Maybe comment what you are currently reading below, so we can share opinions).

-Abi xxxxxx 

September Book Haul (2017)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I'm here with my September Book Haul (2017)!

I haven't got a ton of books this month, but I'm posting this early because I doubt I'll obtain any more books before the release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated edition, which is released on October 3rd.

Enjoy!

1. Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1), by Laini Taylor

Even though I bought this in August, I still posted my August Book Haul before I got this, so I'm counting it! I can't believe I haven't read this yet, because everyone has been raving about it! I don't know too much about it, but I want to read this book so much that the size of it isn't even that bad! This is SERIOUS. But, it's next on my TBR, and hopefully I'll have finished it by the end of the month! Look for it in my September Wrap Up!

2. One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns #2), by Kendare Blake

Again, another book that I can't wait to pick up! I don't know if this is the last book, or if there is another one, but I can't wait to see what happens. Also, the ending to the first book is planted firmly in the back of my mind so that I can't stop thinking about it! And it won't let up, so I really need to pick this book up as soon as I can. I have no words on how much I want to read this book.

3. Fireblood (Frostblood #2), by Elly Blake

I actually think the first book wrapped up pretty good, but that doesn't mean I don't want more! From what I know, we get to find out more about the world and the people of the world in this one, which would of had to be one of my complaints of the first book, and I'm excited to see what happens in what seems like a build up between fire and... frost? I don't know! Hopefully I'll find out when I read this, which is soon. Hopefully.

4. The Last Empire (Mistborn #1), by Brandon Sanderson

Okay... tell me in the comments if this has happened to you! You're searching for a book in charity shops and the like for about, let's say a year. And then you cave, and pay the full price in a normal shop... and then it shows up in the charity shop! Well that was the case with this! And, I lost the receipt, so I can't take it back either! But... The Final Empire! I now have the whole set, and I can read it next month! And I can't wait to pick up this long awaited trilogy that everyone seems to love! Just... Mistborn.

5. Warcross (Warcross #1), by Marie Lu

This book looks so interesting, can't wait to pick this up and know why the heck everyone seems to love this! I only got this the other day, but I will definitely want to pick this up before October is over! Not just the cover, but that the main character is a hacker that gets offered a job in the world's biggest videogame appeals massively to me!

And that was my September Book Haul (2017)! I don't know why, but I'm literally tripping over what book I want to read next in this haul! Like I normally have an idea of what order I want to read these books, but with this one I have no clue whatsoever! Let me know in the comments which one you think I should read first!

So that is all I have for you today! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I will see you all on Monday!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

51-60 Books of 2017

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I don't have anything else to post, so I hope you enjoy my 51-60 Books of 2017!

51. Before I Die, by Jenny Downham

This is a re-read that I have consumed like, a million times. Every time I fall in love with the story, and even though it has some sad themes in it, that isn't the be-all and end all in it. To quote the blurb, "and sometimes the most unexpected things become important." And that message, that it's important to live and love and experience things no matter what's going on around you, is one of the reasons why I love this book so much.  

52. Songs About A Girl (Songs About A Girl #1), by Chris Russell

I'd only read this book once before, and it was one of my favourites last year. The purpose of re-reading was so I could fully immerge myself into the story before carrying on with the sequel afterwards. The link to my review is in the title if you haven't seen my full thoughts and opinions on the first book in the trilogy.

53. Songs About Us (Songs About A Girl #2), by Chris Russell

Considering how much I had enjoyed the first book, I was both excited and hesitant about whether this one would be just as good. I was not disappointed. Although a lot happened in this book, like everything felt like it was super crucial to the plot, and I did not want to miss one detail! Also, even though there was more tension than there was before, I felt like it was building for an explosive ending to the trilogy in the third and final book. And I have to say, I'm nervous for how it's going to end! Great job!

54. Aaru (The Aaru Cycle #1), by David Meredith

I read and reviewed this in exchange for a free e-copy. My review is linked into the title, and you can check it out if you want to. I had a couple of issues with it, but overall, it surprised me in the plot, how quickly the pacing changed, and it surprised how quickly I became invested in the story. If you want a story that is definitely unique, I'd recommend this (though probably only mature readers, as it contains some mature content).

55. All That She Can See, by Carrie Hope Fletcher

When I think about this book, I just think of how sweet, and just how lovely it is! There are no words. I recommend this to anyone who just wants a sweet and heart-warming and just amazing book about pie! (For all my musical theatre fans, this is like Waitress, but in a book!)

56. Us (One Day #2), by David Nicholls

This book was kind of all over the places. I just wasn't that interested in the story. The backstory between the two whose relationship is currently in turmoil is pretty interesting, seeing the journey they took to get to where they are, but it gives the impression that a steady husband- is boring, and even though I tried hard to insert interest into the story, it was so hard! Nevertheless there were good points, but for the most part I had a hard time with it.

57. The Circle, by Dave Eggers

This book was good, but the ending was just super frustrating. I won't tell you why, because the reason I thought it frustrating is deep in the plot. I like the concept, and the mystery behind the idea of the circle, but I did not like or relate to the main character, Mae, in any shape or form. It was a compelling and addictive book, and I enjoyed the writing (I flew through it), but I guess I was just wishing for it to end differently. If you like the idea of social media taking over the world, maybe think about giving it a read.

58. History Is All You Left Me, by Adam Silvera

Maybe it was the hype, but this book didn't sit as well as I thought it would. Yes, those staccato bursts of laughter mixed with the sharp surprises of grief were in there, but it just wasn't everything I was expecting it to be, from the way people talked about it. It was wonderful, don't get me wrong, and I loved the direction it took me in, especially as I wasn't expecting it, but maybe the hype left me just a little bit disappointed. Sorry guys...

59. The Girl On The Train, by Paula Hawkins

Saying that this book pulled me into it as much as the film is kind of an understatement. I finished this in less than a day and I can see why they made it into a film. It's so easy to get sucked into the whole story, and it's so fun being able to piece together the clues from the three perspectives as the book progressed. I had already seen the film by this point, but honestly, either would do. They are both so clear, which is why the unreliable narrator thing is done so well, that you know, you are absolutely clear on what you saw, but also not at the same time, and that is what sold the book for me when it came to reading it.

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

The first book in the Infernal Devices, I have reviews for all three of the books in the trilogy. Check it out, the link is in the title if you would like to see my thoughts. Do I even need any words to describe this book? I don't think so, except that I recommend this for ANYONE.

So that is my 51-60 Books of 2017! I hope you enjoyed it, and if you've read any of these books, let me know in the comments!

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

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3), by Cassandra Clare

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And its the last review of the trio!

Enjoy!

Title: Clockwork Princess

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: 19th March, 2013

Status: 3/3 in trilogy (Infernal Devices)

Pages: 569

Blurb: "As Tessa Gray prepares for her wedding, a net of

shadows begin to tighten around the Shadowhunters

of the London institute. Mortmain needs one last item

to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. Jem and Will,

the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart,

will do anything to save her."

As this is a very different difficult book to review without even some spoilers, maybe expect some.

And if you decide to read this having not finished it, you've been warned.

My Thoughts

As much as I wanted to see what would happen to the characters that were now a part of me, I almost didn't want to pick up Clockwork Princess, because I just didn't want the trilogy to end.

But, I have to say, this book just blew me not just away, but it shattered the windows.

Like, it had quite a different direction to Clockwork Prince, which I loved, because the main focus became the focus, but I was totally fine with that.

My heart was totally all over the place with this book. I was laughing, then shock, and then I couldn't contain my emotions any longer and I was crying. All in the space of a page.

Cassie, why do you do this to me?

But then, I forgot about Magnus. Sassy, laughable, wise Magnus. And his comebacks that had me grinning from ear to ear.

And a totally random battle with a worm.

And a character we find out more about, that we got to meet at the end of the second book. And how I related to them, because they feel like a little sibling. And the relationship with their sibling that just makes you want to laugh out loud.

Because truthfully, I loved every second of this book.

I've said it before and I'll say it now. Cassie Clare is the QUEEN of wrapping up series. I actually think I was anticipating/dreading the end to this trilogy more so than TMI, just because 1) the trilogy is shorter, and 2) more is packed into this trilogy than TMI. But I hope that there are elements of both series' within Lady Midnight, just so I get to be with the characters just a little bit longer!

Also, the love triangle has been a part of the books since Clockwork Angel, and they brought it home in this book. They are now aware of it, and it's made them stronger, instead of creating the conflict that it would for most trios. Which, going into this book, nobody doubted would happen anyway. In fact it made them stronger as a whole, knowing where everyone was at.

And it was so much better than I thought it could be! The fact that they were this unbreakable unit that could not be penetrated just brought tears to my eyes!

Now, that ending. I am aware that a couple of people may have had a few problems with it, but I'm with the majority. It may not have gone where I thought, but I'm satisfied. It was all truly wrapped up, and I'm happy with the way it went.

Now, that is my review of Clockwork Princess, the third and final book in the unforgettable Infernal Devices trilogy! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it will definitely be making my TOP BOOKS FOR 2017 LIST!

So that is all that I have for you today! I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you all on Wednesday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

The Guilty Reader Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And it's time for me to do my monthly book tag!

Now this book has been circling booktube for a while now, and I am super excited to be doing it (even though I wasn't tagged).

Even though I found this on booktube originally, I found the questions for the tag on travelineintrospect, so thank-you for that!

This tag was originally created by ReadLikeWildfire on Booktube, and you can check it out here!
Hope you enjoy the tag!


1. Have you ever re-gifted a book that you've been given?
I actually don't think I have! Not that I can recall anyway. People don't really get me books, they got me book vouchers, because they don't like the idea, I guess. And with book vouchers, they give me the choice to choose a book that I'm actually going to read instead of picking a random book.


2. Have you ever said you've read a book when you haven't?
This I actually have done. I do this with books that I've started, or I've researched, so I don't get caught out, but I haven't always read the books I say I have. I haven't done this for a while, because I don't really talk about books much (except on here) but I have actually done this. So ashamed...


3. Have you ever borrowed a book and not returned it?
Again, not done this. Although I didn't pay that much attention to the date when I had to return books (library books) because I always knew that I'd be able to finish them, I did try to be conscious as to when I had to bring them back. And I always managed it too, somehow.


4. Have you ever read a series out of order?
I haven't deliberately, but I did once read the fourth book in the Pushing the Limits series. But considering I haven't picked up the series since having read that book, I don't think it matters too much, especially as I didn't make out any plot holes that I would have missed in the first three. It stood pretty well as a standalone really, so no harm done I guess.


5. Have you ever spoiled a book for anyone?
I haven't done this either! I've been spoilt for books such as Allegiant... and Seven Minutes in Heaven, but I don't think I've ever spoilt anyone. But nevertheless, sorry if I have!


6. Have you ever doggy eared a book?
I used to do that a lot when I was younger! But this was before I started blogging, and caring about what state my books might be in. I'm still awful for keeping the condition good, like lines on the spine, but I try to take a lot more care now, and I never doggy ear my pages now, so at least I've learned about it!


7. Have you ever told someone you own a book when you do?
No, I haven't! Although I am super protective about my bookshelf, so in the unlikely event where someone does actually borrow one of my books, I'm always super hesitant, I'm always repeating to take good care of it, though even if they wrecked it, I probably wouldn't say anything anyway.
But, no, I'm always truthful if I own a book.


8. Have you ever told someone you haven't read a book when you have?
What? Do people actually do this? Why?


9. Have you ever skipped a chapter or a section of a book?
Don't think I've done this either! If I skipped a chapter, or a section, I might miss an important part of the book, and then the whole thing would be out of wack!
Besides, you wouldn't get the whole impact of the book if you skipped a part, even if the person's perspective you were reading from you didn't particularly like...


10. Have you ever bad mouthed a book you actually liked?
Maybe a couple of times, but not seriously!


Tags:
Elena @ Elena of the Universe
Arvenig @ Arvenig.it
Katie @ Book Ink Reviews

So that is my "The Guilty Reader Book Tag"! I hope you enjoyed it and even if I didn't tag you, still feel free to try the tag if you want to!
So, that is all I have for you today! I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you on Friday!
Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

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

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And it's time for my review for book two in the Infernal Devices!

Enjoy!

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: 6th December, 2011

Status: Book 2/3 in trilogy

Pages: 496

Blurb: "Love and lies can corrupt

even the purest heart...

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray

finds her heart more and more to Jem, while her longing

for Will, despite his dark moods, continue to unsettle her. But

something is changing in Will- the wall he has built around

himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will

from his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and

what she was born to do? As their search for the truth leads

the three friends in peril, Tessa's heart in incredibly torn,

especially when one of their own betrays them..."

BEAR IN MIND THAT THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK IN THIS REVIEW- YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

My Thoughts

First up, this was a heck of a step up from Clockwork Angel- I was just swept away by the story of Tessa's heritage, her connection (both positive and negative) with the other character, as well as being swept away in the midst of the Magister. (Told you there would be spoilers).

I felt that we delved into the characters a lot more in this book, and after becoming acquainted with them in Clockwork Angel, I got to know these characters on a whole other level other than their reputation at the Shadowhunter's Inquisite. And I didn't mind at all that the characters were the main focus of the book, it was one of the main things that I enjoyed!
What I loved in particular was that we saw them as secondary characters too- we fell more in love with some characters (not naming names, though you can probably tell who I'm talking about) and our hatred for some characters deepened. A lot.

Basically this book managed to achieve both a personal element, as well as a kick-ass one too. Like the characters have got to a point where anything they do, it's insanely easy to put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself why that character would have a reason for whatever it is they've done.
Also, this bond that you have with these characters at this point, makes every moment with every relationship they have, it makes it extra sweet, or heartfelt or angry, depending on the person. For example, the bond between Jem and Tessa, Jem and Will, Will and Tessa, just made everything so much more... I don't have the words, I literally do not have the words.
And something tells me it'll get even worse in the third and final book.

Even the minor characters surprised me too. Magnus, Henry, Charlotte, SOPHIE. OMG SOPHIE. She changed, I saw a different side to Sophie, and I loved every second of it because I relate to Sophie so much it scares me!
I liked how Magnus had more of a prominent role in this one, too. He stayed the ever mysterious Magnus, the wise warlock that we can only guess at, but... he was nice in this one, and I like him for that.

So, I cried, I screamed, I contemplated throwing this book at the wall and I laughed a lot at this book. And that was down to the conversations between the characters mostly. They're all so sharp and witty and just plain funny that I couldn't help but clutch my side at the humour that these Shadowhunters share.
But I also cried because this book was capital block TRAGIC. The more invested I got into this story the more, I don't know, tearful I became. Because I honestly cannot see how Cassie is going to wrap this whole thing up. Especially with all my babies surviving. I just cannot.

And so that brings apart the end of my review. I love this book so much- for sure the best Cassie Clare book I have ever read and I cannot wait to consume the last book. But one things for sure, I am not ready to give up these characters yet. Even if their descendants may or may not be in Lady Midnight. But I can't. Yet I can't wait to pick up Clockwork Princess.


So that is all that I have for you guys today. Is Clockwork Prince your favourite in the trilogy? What was your favourite part? Character? Twist? Let me know in the comments.
So, I will see you all on Wednesday, I hope you have a wonderful day, and I will see you then.
Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Top 5 Most Read Authors

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And even though I still have a bunch of reviews to do, I don't want to do a bunch in one go, so today I will be listing my Most Read Authors!

Just a note, this isn't my most owned authors, but merely the authors with which I've read the most books, because I've read a lot of authors where I don't own every book I've read.

I hope you enjoy the list!

1. Jacqueline Wilson (36 books)

 

Although I have not read Jacqueline Wilson in the longest time, she dominated as my favourite author when I was a child. To date I have read 36 of her books, and even though she has written a couple of teen books such as Love Lessons and the Girls Out Late series, most of her books are children. I'm not going to list all of them, but I have read

-All the Tracy Beaker books

-Candyfloss

-Bad Girls

-Cookie

-The Lottie Project

And a whole bunch of others!

2. Lemony Snicket (13 books)

In this case I do own most of the Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, with the exception of book 11, The Grim Grotto (which I have been searching for for months.) But this is the most quirky, dark and interesting series that I have ever read. I really want to re-read this series before I turn to the tv show, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. I read this 6 or 7 years ago, and even though I can still remember fragments of the plotline, I can't wait to give this a re-read next year.

Here are the books I have read:

-The Bad Beginning

-The Reptile Room

-The Wide Window

-The Miserable Mill

-The Austere Academy

-The Ersatz Elevator

-The Vile Village

-The Hostile Hospital

-The Carnivorous Carnival

-The Slippery Slope

-The Grim Grotto

-The Penultimate Peril

-The End

3. Derek Landy (12 books)

These aren't the only books that I have read by Derek Landy, but they are the reason why I have read so many of his books. These aren't all the ones that he has written, he has the spin-offs and his new release Resurrection, which I intend to read before Christmas, as well as the Demon Road trilogy, which I finished at the start of the year. If you have been following me for a while you will know that I am a HUGE Derek Landy fan and I love his books. If you're new, now you know! I have read: -Skulduggery Pleasant Books 1-9 (excluding spin-offs) & Demon Road trilogy (Demon Road, Desolation & American Monsters)

4. Darren Shan (10 books)

These are the books that I have read by Darren Shan. In short, the Demonata series. I can't divulge too much about the plot, but the first book Lord Loss, is about a boy who, after witnessing his parents and sister being brutally murdered by a demon, is thrust into the world of demons, magic and lycanthropy. Spreading over space and time, never have I read such a thorough and captivating story about this. Even though this series is considerably less well known than the Vampire Assistant series, I encourage anyone who enjoys stories of brutality and magic, and lots of gore to pick up this series. I have read 10 books by Darren Shan: Lord Loss, Demon Thief, Slawter, Bec, Blood Beast, Dark Apocalypse, Death's Shadow, Wolf Island, Dark Calling, and Hell's Heroes.

5. Sara Shephard (10 books)

I have the dvd covers here because I have read books from both the Lying Game and Pretty Little Liars and even though I didn't finish all of the books in the PLL book series, and it seems unlikely that I ever will (those books just keep on going) I did manage to finish the Lying Games series last year. (And if you want to pick up a Sara Shephard I would recommend the Lying Game over Pretty Little Liars any day).

So that is my top 5 list of Most Read Authors! It's different list to my most owned authors but hopefully you still enjoyed it!

So that is all I have for you today! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! (Maybe let me know in the comments what you are reading over the weekend?)

So, have a wonderful day, and I will see you then.

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

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

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I didn't know what review I was going to do today. Going into today, I assumed that that review would be The Girl On The Train, but having already reviewed the film earlier this year, I'm thinking about maybe doing a comparison between the two. Let me know in the comments if that would be something you might be interested in seeing!

So today I am going to review Clockwork Angel, the first book in the Infernal Devices trilogy, which I read only last week!

I hope you enjoy it!

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: 31st August, 2010

Status: Book 1/3 in trilogy

Pages: 482

Blurb: "Magic is dangerous-

but love is more dangerous still

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign

of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's

Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk

stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refugee with

the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world

of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself

fascinated by- and torn between- two best friends and quickly

realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all."

Can I just say that this is going to be so hard to keep this spoiler-free, but I will do my best!

My Thoughts

Going into this book, I did not know a great deal. I knew that it was set in London, in the 1800s. And I knew that most people prefer this trilogy to TMI.

And I have to say, I totally agree with them.

Although the Mortal Instruments started off with a bang, a big explosion that set the plot in motion for the rest of the book, what I liked about Clockwork Angel was that, although the events didn't hit you right away, the combination of how well written the characters were, and the scenes that had such an impact that you realised how they would affect the overall plot was what made Clockwork Angel better, in my opinion.

Also, although love triangles aren't usually my favourite thing, this one became part of the reason of why I loved this book so much. Instead of hindering the overall plot, it gave me, as a reader, a reason to love the characters even more.

One thing I would like to say is that even though I'm not the biggest fan of third person, it did actually give us more in the name of mystery and suspense.

Another aspect that I liked about this book was that I enjoyed every single chapter for one reason or another. I was never bored, and I never felt like a chapter had been added just for the heck of it. I feel like each chapter had a purpose, and each chapter hit the nail on the head.

And a big part of that was the pacing and the plot. Although it may seem a bit slow at first, the pacing picks up so fast by the second half, you'll soar through this book, and before you know what's hit you, you'll be finished and desperate for the second book.

Something else that I loved was the secret and discovery of what the hell Tessa is. Like even though all these other things are happening around her, Tessa is the key of all of it for reasons that nobody really knows. And finding out who we are is something that I think we all go through at some point in our lives, which makes her really easy to relate to.

Which brings me to my next point. THESE CHARACTERS. Far and away, my favourite part of all of it. Not just the main three, but all the secondary characters as well. I don't even dislike any of them (except maybe Jessamine and the villains). But Charlotte, Sophie, Henry, they all play their part in the story, and they all just add so much more to the story. 

There's also the thing that you think you know what's going to happen and then ONE OF THEM GOES AND DOES SOMETHING INCREDIBLY RECKLESS AND OR SMART AND... nearly gives you a heart-attack!  

God sake... these characters will be the end of me...

But overall, this is a lovely book, and I will definitely be reading and posting reviews for the rest of them. I can't wait to see what happens and I hope everyone survives...

*Fingers crossed*

(Though with a series like this, who knows? Oh wait, you guys do, because it's been out for seven years).

But that was my review of Clockwork Angel! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will be back on Friday with, maybe the Clockwork Prince review! Who knows?

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I will see you soon!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Books I Did Not Finish and Series' I Am DNF'ing

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And everybody has books that they didn't particularly like, I have books that I didn't like all that much!

And then there are the books that I Did Not Finish. (DNF)

So today I thought I would share this list with you.

Enjoy!

Books I Did Not Finish

Now, there's literally only one, but I'm going to mention it anyway, purely because I do not like not finishing books. The only book is...

1. The Casual Vacancy, by J K Rowling

Despite the high hopes that I would like and complete this book, I have to be honest. I got about half way through and was unable to continue due to the fact that squat happened. I admit, it was good to see the reaction to someone high up on the board of the town dying from multiple perspectives, but there was no event that took it any further. The description was good, but that just wasn't enough to keep me interested. (Please don't hate me in the comments).

Series' I Am DNF'ing

1. Snow Like Ashes trilogy, by Sara Raasch

Although I may be swayed if someone in the comments talks about how much they love it, I doubt I will. Although it was an enjoyable read, it was two years ago, and it seems unlikely that I will continue with the rest of the trilogy, (despite how beautiful the covers are.) Just, the pacing was kind of off, and from what I remembered was that there was a lot to be desired for the plot. So, I doubt I will be continuing with the trilogy any time soon.

2. Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, by E. L James

Again, I have only read the one book, and I gave it 1 star. There's no way in hell that I will be continuing this series'. No-one can convince me. Not only is this poorly written, but there is no plot-line.

3. Wolf Brother series, by Michelle Paver

So, I read the first book when I was in Year 10, aged 15. And it was really slow then. Now that there are six in the series, I highly doubt that I am going to want to read them any time soon, or any time in the future. Although this would be an ideal series for someone who is just getting into reading, but I didn't particularly enjoy this, at all really.

So that is all I have for you all today! I hope you enjoyed it and I will see you on Wednesday, when I should be posting a review; of what book, as of yet I haven't a clue! There have just been some amazing books lately!

I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you then!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

September TBR (2017)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I can't believe it's September already!

It's 2018 in only a matter of months!

But first, I need to read all the books on my TBR.

So here's my September TBR!

Enjoy!

The Infernal Devices

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

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

3. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3), by Cassandra Clare

  

I figured I should put these books in one section, rather than just doing a wrap up at the bottom of the page; and I have to say, I do like the layout.

Now, THE INFERNAL DEVICES! I finally have all of them, which means I get to marathon them!

And... I want to see why everyone loves these stories so much! 

Hopefully I can finish this series by next Sunday. I'm not doing much until then, so there should be no reason not to.

Let me know in the comments what you think of TID, and whether you love them or (unpopular opinion) dislike them.

4. We Were Liars, by E Lockhart

I chose this book for a couple of reasons, one of them was because I know that once I finish such a full on series as TID, I'm going to need a book so that I don't fall right down into a reading slump after finishing, and this book is short enough that I'll be able to finish it without too much trouble. Also, I consider this a summer read, so I need to finish this before Autumn comes in October.

5. The Start of Me and You, by Emery Lord

I'm chosing this one for one of the reasons that I chose We Were Liars, because it has the summer feel. But this is a book that isn't just a cutesy fun book: it has some weight to it. It's about re-discovering yourself after what I can only describe as a HUGE knockback. It's about facing your fears and learning that there is life after someone leaves you. Written by the author of When We Collided, this book promises to be beautiful, and heartwrenching, as the story is emotional, and takes place when a character is at her most vulnerable position. Can't wait to read it.

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

I thought, since this is primarily a shadowhunter month, that I'd pick this up and make a start to the series! (Hopefully if I finish all these books I'll nearly be caught up with ALL CASSANDRA CLARE BOOKS, which I didn't think would ever happen! I won't be continuing with Lord of Shadows until next year, because I am just going to focus on the current books of my TBR at the moment. But, Lady Midnight! Can't wait to pick this up :) .

So that is my September TBR (2017)! Those are the main books that I plan to read, but if all goes to plan, hopefully I might be able to pick up more (such as The Chemist, or Strange the Dreamer) before the end of September). But because I'm unsure of what I'm going to read after these, I'm just going to stick to this TBR for now!

What are your reading plans for September? Let me know in the comments below!

So, I will see you on Monday, I hope you have a wonderful reading weekend, and I'll see you soon.

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx