All the Retellings I Want to Read!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I'm aware that it's been a hot minute since I posted something, so I'm happy I still have an audience to post to! Thank-you so much for sticking with this blog whilst I've been busy with other things. I didn't plan to take a break, things just sorta worked out like that.

But I'm back, with a list, all about the retellings I want to read!

Enjoy!

1. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White

This has been floating around Booktube for a while now, and to be honest, it looks pretty interesting. Aside from that, I have yet to read a Kiersten White book. What I like about this book is that it doesn't read unrealistic, but still has that dark quality that seems to be have made this such a stand-out book. I've been dying to read something about Frankenstein and it's creator, and this seems to be the perfect book to reach for.

2. Last of Her Name, by Jessica Khoury

Sci-fi retelling of Anastasia

I was researching fairytale retellings and I came across Once Upon A Bookcase 's post on it when I saw this book mentioned. All I needed was to see the words sci-fi retelling and Anastasia and I was sold on this book. I love the musical Anastasia, and sci-fi is always a genre that I'm willing to pick up. If you don't like musicals then watch the movie, because Anastasia is something that I think everybody should get to see. This is one that I am eager to pick up.

3. Hunted, by Meagan Spooner

Hunted is a beauty and the beast retelling and one that I have had my eye on for the longest time. It was one of the first books on my "Want to read" page on Goodreads. So it's kind of bad that I still haven't found the time to order it. I also haven't yet read a Beauty & the Beast retelling, so it's high time I did. What I like about this book is the trope of hunting whatever's in the forest, and even though the backstory doesn't look too great (in my opinion, no hate please), this is a retelling that I am determined to pick up soon.

4. The Shadow Queen, by C.J Redwine

Retelling of Snow White

From what I can tell, this is a multiple POV story about Lorelei, training to kill her stepmother, who killed her father and overtook her kingdom. Then there is Eldr, who is trying to save his kingdom, on one condition: that he captures Lorelei's heart. And we all know what happens after that. (They fall in love.) It'll be interesting to see what happens with this story, whether they'll be a twist ending, if some unexpected character dies, (who knows, it could happen!) And whether Lorelei & Eldr will triumph!

5. Sea Witch, by Sarah Henning

And finally, a Little Mermaid retelling. Up to this point, the only Little Mermaid retelling I've read has been Fathomless, the third book in Jackson Pearce's "Fairytale Retellings" series. I don't know a whole lot about this book but from what I've seen, it's gotten fantastic reviews, which is good enough for me to want to give it a try. Comment down below what you thought of it if you've read it!

And that's going to do it for today! I hope you enjoyed my Retellings list, let me know in the comments if you've read any of these, so I know what to expect going into them!

Okay, that's that for today's post, and that's going to do it for today's post!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of reading, or writing, and I'll be back on Monday with either a review, or my April Wrap Up!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

My Book Bucket List

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And a short post for you guys today. I will be listing the top five bookish things I want to accomplish in the up-coming years. They're pretty out there, but that's why they're on my book bucket list!

Enjoy!

1. Publish my own book.

Above all the others, this is my number one. I have been making up stories since I was 11 years old, that have been undoubtedly cringy, to say the least. But the love the storytelling has always been with me, and it's what I want, more than anything.

2. Go to a book event, like Bookcon, or BEA.

For the past few years, since I've religiously following Booktube (I got obsessed when I started this blog, if I'm being completely honest) I've wanted to go to a book event. There's a Bookcon in London every year, but the big ones always seem to be in America. I'll make it to one at some point, and when I do, it'll be epic.

3. Cosplay as one of my favourite characters.

I think the character that I would love to cosplay as one day will have to be Tanith Low. She's tall, blonde, and bad-ass, not to mention she's my favourite character in the Skulduggery Pleasant series (my Harry Potter to everybody else). I'd only be able to cosplay as her in summer as she wears a tunic and jeans, but it's on my bucket list nevertheless.

4. Interview an author.

This is even more unlikely than attending a book convention. I honestly doubt this'll ever happen, but I'm putting it on the book bucket list even so.

5. Be an extra in a book-to-movie adaptation.

I'd probably have to move to London to even have a chance of being in a book-to-movie adaptation. But I've seen other people on the internet talk about how much fun it is to be in an extra in a movie, and it's something I'd like the chance to try some day.

Okay! That is my book bucket list! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know some of your goals in the comments, so we can talk about them!

Right, that is it for today's post, so that is going to be all for today! I hope you have a good weekend, especially if you broke up for Easter today! I will see you all on Monday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

This or That Book Tag!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I'm doing the This or That Book Tag!

Enjoy!

1. Reading on the sofa or in bed?

Although I do tend to curl up on the sofa when nobody is home, or there isn't any noise downstairs, the majority of my reading is done on my bed, or when I'm about to go to sleep, so I'm going to go with bed. Saying that, I do a fair amount of reading on my lunch break too.

2. Male main character or female main character?

I don't mind reading from either a male main character or a female one, I don't have a preference. I also don't choose my books based on whether the protagonist is a male or female. Though if I'm being completely honest, I probably read from more female perspectives. Females just happen to be the main character for the books that I like to read.

3. Sweet snacks or salty snacks while reading?

Sweet snacks, hands down. There's nothing like snacking on a box of Maltesers while you're reading.

4. Trilogies or quartets?

Although I have read the odd quartet, like the Raven Boys for example, but I have a lot more trilogies than quartets.

5. First person POV or third person POV?

Although I have read some third person POV stories, I find it easier to connect with characters when the story is first person. It's easier to see their motivations, their reasons behind their actions when the novel is first person.

6. Reading at night or reading in the morning?

Again, I don't really have a preference. I read whenever I have the time, whether that be in the morning, or the afternoon. Though because I tend to work from 9 until some time in the afternoon, I definitely get more of my reading done in the evening.

7. Libraries or bookshops?

When I was younger, the library was my home. I didn't have the money to afford the books that I get now. But, I still go into the library from time to time, to relieve the memories of the place that I learned to love books. They're redecorated since I was a child, so it feels kind of difference, which I think is why I go to bookshops more now.

8. Books that make you laugh or books that make you cry?

See, that's a tough one. I do like light-hearted funny books, I tend to pick them up after I've read a heavy fantasy book. On the other hand, if I'm in a bit of a low mood, I pick up something sad.

...

...

I'm going with books that make me laugh.

9. Black book covers or white book covers?

Honestly, neither. I do have more dark covers than light ones, but (other than a few exceptions) I don't pick books based on the covers.

10. Character-driven or plot-driven books?

Although I love both, I think I love character-driven books more. Although what happens in the story is important, if you don't like or relate to the characters, you won't care what happens to them.

So, I'm going with the characters.

TAGS

I'm tagging everybody that wants to do this tag!

Okay! That is the "This or That" Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and as I said before, you are free to do it if you want!

Okay! That is it for today's post, I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you on Friday!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Top Ten Series' 2.0

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And just under three years ago, I listed my favourite series. And so, I think it's time for a 2.0!

I think it'll be different to see whether my list/order has changed, don't you think?

Right, let's get to it!

My favourite series' are: The "Skulduggery Pleasant" series, the "Slated" trilogy, the "Noughts & Crosses" series, the "Mistborn" trilogy, the "Infernal Devices" trilogy, the "Six of Crows" duology, the "Harry Potter" series, the "Songs About A Girl" trilogy, the "Tiny Pretty Things" duology, and the "Three Dark Crowns" series.

Okay, now the hard part. Ordering them.

10. The "Tiny Pretty Things" duology, by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

This made the top ten list, because it was addictive, it was really dark, and it dealt with a lot of issues in general, not just in dance. I flew straight through both books, and if you are a fan of dance, even if it's not ballet or contemporary, this duology is worth picking up, especially if you're looking for a duology that you can't put down, and isn't too long.

9. The "Songs About A Girl" trilogy, by Chris Russell

I picked the first book up on a whim, because I was intrigued by the cover. Not really expecting much, I picked it up, and I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. It wasn't something I should have liked, but there was something so familiar about the story, the protagonist, that I couldn't help but love it.

8. The "Slated" trilogy, by Teri Terry

Now, this book was my favourite series, last time I wrote this list, and it hasn't become any less awesome, I've just read some books that I like more. It's by far my favourite YA sci-fi trilogy, because the writing is completely unique, as is the premise, and I can't wait to re-read this trilogy, because Fated (the prequel) came out last month!

7. The "Three Dark Crowns" series, by Kendare Blake

The fourth book is yet to come out, it's out in September, but I can honestly say that this series' has blown me away. The second book aside, I was not expecting this series to go in the direction that it did and I can't wait for the explosive conclusion for the series. The covers are beautiful, the characters have grown and developed so much since the first book, and the writing and plot is magnificent.

6. The "Infernal Devices" trilogy, by Cassandra Clare

 Now, this one surprised me. I rarely get on well with a Cassandra Clare book, no matter how well written it is. But I genuinely loved this trilogy. I read the whole thing quicker than I read one other Cassandra Clare book. There's no touching this trilogy Cassandra Clare. Doubtlessly amazing, my eyes were glued to every page, that I finished at lightning speed. I'm so glad that I waited as long as I did to read this trilogy, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to blog about it. Pick this trilogy up if you're a Cassandra Clare fan guys.

5. The "Six of Crows" duology, by Leigh Bardugo

Now, I have never felt the desire to pick up the Grisha trilogy, nor will I ever. But when I heard about this duology, where a team of deadly group of criminals attempt to pull off arguably the most impossible heist ever, I was instantly hooked. Not only that, when I got into the duology, I fell in love with the individuals, and the bond that they all began to share. I don't know anything about the Grisha trilogy, but what I do know is that this duology should be on everyone's favourites list!

4. The "Skulduggery Pleasant" series, by Derek Landy

There are too many books in this series to count, so that is why there is not a picture here. The reason that this series' is my No.4 is because this series' was my Harry Potter. It was the series where I always bought the next book, the day it came out. All the characters are either mysterious, or kick-ass, or are seriously misunderstood. The final book (I think) is out in June, and I have no idea where the book will end up! Skulduggery Pleasant was my reading life when I was younger, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

3. The "Mistborn" trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson

I read this last summer, and even though it was less than a year ago, last week I got the urge to pick up another Brandon Sanderson book! If that doesn't say something about how much I loved this trilogy then I don't know what will! The writing, the world building, the characters, I genuinely can't fault them! If you are a fan of fantasy, then this is the author to pick up!

2. The "Harry Potter" series, by J K Rowling

I really don't need any words for this. The phenomenal Harry Potter series, everyone.

And the number one stop goes to...

The phenomenal...

1. The "Noughts & Crosses" series, by Malorie Blackman

I cannot explain how much I love this series. These characters are like real people to me. My emotions go from super excited to balling my eyes out when I pick this series' up, and I regret nothing! The fifth book, Crossfire is out (on my anniversary of all days) on July 4th and I am so excited, not just because there will be another book with all my favourite characters in it, but because I get to read the whole series again!

Okay! And that is my Top Ten Series' 2.0! Three years after, and I have to say there were some changes made! I hope you enjoyed reading about my faves, and let me know some of your favourite series' in the comments below!

Right! I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I will see you on Monday!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

April TBR (2019)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And with a new month, comes a new TBR!

There's nothing I love more than a new TBR; which is basically planning a list.

So here it is; enjoy!

1. The Light Between Worlds, by Laura Weymouth

This was one of those books where, I saw the cover, I read the blurb, I bought the book. All I know about this book is that it's about two sisters that are transforted to a magical world, away from their city, which is in the midst of WWII. Five years later, they must return to the real world, and live ordinary lives. But Evie, does not like it, she dreams of the land she once left, even though Philippa has grown to love the real world, her peace is shattered when she hears the words she dreads: your sister is missing. As she searches for her sister, she can't help but wonder: did she make the journey back to the magical land, or was the light too bright, and did she fall? I don't know about you, but that sounds like an exciting synopsis?

2. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, by Stuart Turton

Another beautiful cover, though that was just a bonus. The world and it's mother have been raving about this book, and I figure it's about time I give it a try. The premise is super interesting, and on top of that, I'm really excited to jump into this novel, which I barely know anything about.

3. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2), by Cassandra Clare

I didn't get to this last month because I was reading Muse of Nightmares last month instead of this. I don't regret that, because it means I got to tick off the first of my TBR Jar Challenges, but this TBR challenge has been on the back-burner since February. But it's time I get back on track with it. I'm intrigued as to what happens next with all the characters I met in the first book. With Emma and Julian, all of Julian's siblings, and everybody else!

4. Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1), by Kevin Kwan

This is the perfect length to finish my TBR off for this month. This is an extra book that I will get to if I finish the others, but they're my priority. I've been looking forward to reading this, and it's high time I picked it up, since it's been collecting dust on my bookshelves since January. Let me know if you enjoyed it!

Okay! That's my April TBR! I hope you enjoyed reading about what books I plan to read this month, and hey! Let me know in the comments what you want to read, so we can chat about it!

Right! That's all I have for today!

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx