All the Stephen King Books I Want To Read

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I'm currently in the middle of working through Under the Dome, by Stephen King. That book has kind of been the inspiration for this post really.

Over the last couple of years I've read maybe 1 Stephen King book a year. First IT, then Pet Sematary, and now Under the Dome.

Now, I've accumulated a list of Stephen King books that I would like to pick up, sometime in the future.

Here's the list.

1. The Institute

When I heard about this book, the first thing I thought was: it sounds like Stranger Things. I have yet to watch Stranger Things, so I might watch that after I read this. It also sounds kind of like the This Mortal Coil and the Dark Matter trilogies by Emily Suvada and Teri Terry. (They both have kids with powers, though they're not placed in a place quite like the kids are in this.) From the blurb, the gifted children are kept in a room exactly like their own, but without a window. It's a two minute process for the children to be moved, but once you're in, there's no coming out. From that premise, I've got chills. No author can put goose-bumps on my arms like Stephen King can and this sounds like an intriguing read.

2. Sleeping Beauties

I love the premise of this one. When women go to sleep, they're covered in a cocoon-like gauze. When the gauze is disturbed or violated, or the sleeper is awaken, the women becomes violent. Only women are affected, the men are left to the world, and their increasingly primal devises. They cannot go to where the women are, and they cannot come out. Except for one. Evie is seemingly immune to such a state. When she awakens, day after day, one question arises: Is Evie someone to be studied, so there can be an end to this turmoil, or is she to be slain? Sleeping Beauties sounds so cool, I'm curious as for why it's just the women that remain unconscious, and where it is that they go. This is probably the one I'm most excited to read about out of all of these.

3. Carrie

Carrie, Stephen King's debut novel. I've watched both the original film, and the 2013 version, but I've always wondered about how the book compares to the films. I consider this to be one of the book releases that changed the face of books. I feel like without Carrie, we wouldn't have had books like The Darkest Minds, like the Percy Jackson series. And I want to read the book that made it possible for those books to be made.

4. Misery

The premise: a bestselling author is kidnapped by his number one fan, because of how he ended the series. When will this end? When he rewrites the ending of his final Misery book. Interesting to say the least. This is the book that I know the least about because I haven't seen anybody else on Booktube pick this one up. From the reviews on Goodreads it seems like a decent book because all the reviews are at least 4 star.  

5. The Mist

The Mist was the first horror film I saw as a kid. It's still one of my favourite horror films to date. In short, it's basically about a mysterious town that covers the city. I don't know if its the same in the book, but it leaves a dad and his son stuck in a supermarket when his wife is at home. They cannot get out, for the reason that when they try, an unspeakable horror appears. Nobody has made it out alive. This might not be the first book on this list that I pick up, but I will get to it at some point soon.

Okay! That's going to do it for today! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know in the comments if there are any authors that you want to read more of their work.
I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all soon with my monthly wrap up.
Byeee!

-Abi xxxx

11-20 Books of 2020

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I will be doing a recap of some of the books I've read recently.

It was just over a week ago that I reached 20 books, so it's definitely the right time to post this.

11. What If It's Us, by Becki Albertalli & Adam Silvera

This god damn book was so CUTE. I love the characters, the humour, the setting, the romance. It was just the perfect new York romance with wonderful, lovable, interesting characters. I really hope there's a sequel because these authors create magic together in a book. And I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters because of how much I love them.

12. Solitaire, by Alice Oseman

This was one heck of a debut novel. Bang on writing wise, these characters, especially Tori, felt so real it felt like I could reach through the page and meet them. It was so easy to see myself in her character, which might be the best thing honestly but I'm going with it. (Trigger warning: mental health.) This was my first book by Alice Oseman (other than Heartstopper) that I picked up, and I was blown away. I can't wait to see what she writes next so I can devour it.

13. A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1), by V.E Schwab

The first book in the Shades of Magic trilogy. Another book I was blown away by. I can see why this series has the hype it is, because it deserves all the recognition it's gotten. I've since read the second book as well and I'm nervous as for how this trilogy is going to end. But none of these books would have been half the success they were if it wasn't for this first book. It was wonderful to get to meet Kell and Lila, and even before the second book I knew I'd only scratched with these characters.

14. Radio Silence, by Alice Oseman

What I liked about this book the most was that it showed that when it comes to your future, university isn't the only direction you can go in. When you're at school, schools put university on a pedestal, as the only thing worth pursuing after A Levels. But I like how this book suggests the opposite, without making it obvious. This was even better than Solitaire in my opinion, and I doubt it's an unpopular one, as I remember how much hype this book got when it was first released. If I haven't already said it 100 times, I highly recommend Alice Oseman's novels, whether it be Heartstopper, Solitaire, this, or anything else she's written.  

15. The Mercies, by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

If you are a fan of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton then I highly recommend this. It's a historical fiction, based around the Vardo Storm and the Witch Trials of 1617. It weaves a story of what it's like when the men of an island are thrown to the waves, never to be seen again. The women have to take charge, learn to work the lands when, 18 months later, the Sherriff arrives with his wife, determined to bring the woman of the island to their knees. It was a very engaging read, and one that I would gladly pick up again. If anyone has read this and knows something similar, let me know in the comments.

16. Twin Ambitions: Mo Farah Autobiography

Although this wasn't recorded by Mo himself, it was so wonderful to get to listen to Mo's journey from an unknown to an Olympic Medalist. There's something about hearing a voice telling the story, when you know it's a real life one, that makes it that much better. This was another of the TBR Jar Challenges that I set out to read this year that I can now tick off, and I'm happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Which runner autobiography should I read next? Comment down below.

17. Only Mostly Devastated, by Sophie Gonzales

This was the first book I finished after being told that I couldn't see my partner for three months. It's 277 pages and it took me a week to finish it, when it should have been read in 2-3 days. It got me back into wanting to read, so I highly recommend it if you're entering or currently in a reading slump. Only Mostly Devastated is basically an LGBT version of Grease. It's a read full of laughter, love, relationships and loss, and even though it's not an exact copy of the popular musical, it's an engaging loose adaptation that's easy to easy to fall into.

18. Educated, by Tara Westover

This is a book I picked up, purely because of the hype and the title. I knew as much as it said on the blurb. This book was so much more than that. I don't want to disclose too much information as for what happens in this novel, but I would recommend taking a second to think about picking this book, particularly if parental abuse is a trigger for you. But difficult scenes aside, this is an incredibly powerful book. It shows that you can achieve your dreams regardless of where you came from, if you work hard enough and are determined.

19. Skyward (Skyward #1), by Brandon Sanderson

Skyward will definitely be making my favourites list this year. If it wasn't for the 2nd book not being in paperback yet, I'd have already finished Starsight. I genuinely forgot how well Brandon Sanderson can weave a story together, but I won't be forgetting in a while, believe me. As soon as I know when the paperback is out, my eyes will be scouring the pages, because I'm hungry to find out what happens next to Spensa, in her quest for the truth.

20. Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham

I read this book for the first time maybe 6 years ago, and I love it so much that I've read it once every 2 years, without even realising I was doing so. I love books about family, especially when they're all females. (I like reading about independent females, especially when they're trying to figure themselves out- I love a character arc like that.) I think that's what appealed to me about this book, and even after all these years I still love to relive this story. And the cover's beautiful too.

Okay! That's it for today.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you all next week! Remember to stay safe too.

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Disney Films I Wish Would Be Remade

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I'm not writing about books, but about Disney movies! More specifically, about which Disney movies I would like to be remade.

I feel like this new era of remaking Disney movies, and fairy-tale began with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And while that may not be a Disney movie, the majority of films that have been remade have been Disney films!

1. Treasure Planet

Although I don't watch this as much as I should (I actually haven't watched this in years) I think this film was made to be readapted in the way that so many Disney have already been adapted. I mean, it's about a ship in space that can fly. I just think the graphics would be absolutely phenomenal, and even though I know the film is amazing, I think it's a Disney film that often goes pushed under the radar, especially competing with films like Frozen or Moana.

2. Robin Hood

I found out, after putting this film on this particular list, that Robin Hood is in fact being readapted again, which I am so happy about. The only problem is, it's going to be on Disney+. From sources on the internet, it's going to be the same kind of graphics as Lady and the Tramp. There aren't currently any actors confirmed, but the contract was signed before the outbreak and the social distancing rule was released, but it will still go ahead. The writer of Lady and the Tramp will be working on this adaption too, alongside director Carloz Lopez Estrada. No release date as of yet.

3. Hercules

In my opinion, there is no film like Hercules in the history of Disney. I love the songs, the characters, the premise, and the sarcastic humour. I think it would be really cool to see how Disney would remake this if they were to do it today. I think they could make Hades look really interesting. I can't be the only one that thinks this would be an amazing remake, can I?

4. Peter Pan

It appears I'm behind on the game on finding out about Disney remakes, because it turns out Peter Pan is getting a remake as well. It's titled "Peter and Wendy", and I have to wonder, why the title change? Maybe there's more of a subplot on the relationship between Peter and Wendy perhaps. Or maybe I'm just clutching at straws. The two leads have been confirmed, but because of how far away this film is from being released, I'm not sure how credible the leads are. But what I like about a Peter Pan retelling, is that there are a million directions that this film could take and it would still be amazing.

5. Wall-E

Although this isn't my favourite Disney film, I think it would be absolutely perfect to be adapted. There are very few science fiction Disney films around (other than Treasure Island at the top of the list), and I just think it would be absolutely amazing to see what Wall-E's part of the world looks like if it was remade today. I should really watch this again sometime.

Okay, and that's the list! I hope you enjoyed it and feel free to write below what films you think should be adapted!

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

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

The Spring Has Sprung Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And it's time for my monthly book tag!

It seemed extremely fitting that, when we're not supposed to be leaving the house, the weather is glorious.

Here's The Spring Has Sprung Book Tag.

Flowers ~ Look at your bookshelves. What is the most beautiful book, inside and out?

This cover is possibly the most gorgeous cover I think I've lain my eyes on. I'd say it's multi-coloured, but that's a bit of an understatement. The dust jacket looks like this, and the actual novel is rainbow coloured underneath. It's certainly the most colourful by any means.  

Grass ~ What is a book that you find everybody likes more than you?

Before you all throw hate comments my way, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it. It was actually a decent read, I just didn't like it as much as I was expecting to. And it dragged. It was only 100 pages longer than Lord of Shadows but while I finished book 2 in a week, Queen of Air and Darkness took me 3 months. I might pick up Chain of Gold at some point, but I'm going to leave it a while before I pick up another Cassie Clare book.

Rain ~ What's a great book that lifts your spirits when you're down?

This book is just too cute! The whole series really, but I've definitely felt the happiest when I was finding out about these two wonderful characters, and the even two volumes later, I still love this series. I can't wait to see what happens in Volume Four, because honestly I have no idea. Just wish I didn't have to wait until next year :(.

Dew ~ What's a book that made you feel alive?

A book about dying. Before I Die is about a girl with cancer- which is terminal. She has a list of things she is going to do before she... you know. I've written that word enough. It's the most heartbreaking, yet undeniably beautiful book I've read in my life, and it makes me thankful for the things that I have. In short, it makes me feel alive.

Storms ~ What's a book that you found unpredictable?

THIS. I read this in the summer a couple of years past and I was not expected what happened- to happen. The rug is just pulled completely from under you with this one. If you haven't picked it up yet I recommend it, because it's quite, it's snappy, it's addictive.

Rainbow ~ What was a book you struggled with, only to be happy that you read it in the end?

I struggled to get into this because of the writing. I liked the way the storm emerged in a string of moments but I definitely had to work to get through it, and continue to pick it up. I was so happy though, that I managed to get to the finish, so I could find out what would happen to these wonderfully, whimsical characters.

Chilly weather ~ What's a book that you didn't finish or didn't enjoy?

I got just under halfway when I realised that I didn't want to carry on with this book. I was able to get through The Night Circus without too much difficulty, but this I couldn't tolerate anymore. As much as I wish I could have kept going, I just had no more interest in the story.

Warm weather ~ What's a book that you loved and wanted more of?

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. I read this last year and loved it, and I would love to know more about the origins of all the characters, in the years before the events of this book. I've actually been thinking about this book a lot recently, I might try and re-read it in the next couple of years. For anyone that hasn't picked this up, you read from the POV of someone who, I don't think is ever named. They live in the lives of seven guests that are residing in the mansion of Evelyn Hardcastle at the time of her death. Their only mission: find out who killed her, or live the rest of your days doing it over and over again. It was a little hard to get into, but it was so unlike anything I've seen.

Green ~ What's a book that you haven't read yet, but want to?

I finished Skyward last week and I'm eager to get my hands on the sequel. The only problem is, I have no idea when the paperback version is going to be out in the UK. If anybody knows, please let me know. I have to admit though, it's been a couple of years since I finished the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson, and I'd forgotten how well he weaves a story together. But now I've finished the first book in the series and I want MORE.

Pink ~ What's a book in which you felt a strong connection to the characters?

There isn't a character in this series that I don't feel some form of connection to in one way or another. The Noughts and Crosses series has just been adjusted to a tv show, and according to most of the people I work with, and my own family members, it's a pretty decent series. I'm still on the fence as for whether to try it though, particularly as this book series is my all time favourite series. Let me know if you think I should give it a try.

Purple ~ What's a book that when you read it, you feel safe?

The Light Between Worlds is about a family of siblings that are pulled away to a magical land amidst the bombings of WWII. One of the characters in particular, loves this magical land, and falls into a deep depression when they eventually have to go back to the real world. So much so that for the remainder of the books, she is trying to get back. The question is, can she, or will she be lost forever in the attempt? There's just something about the writing that makes me feel at home.

Orange ~ What book do you think is written intelligently?

This one. Not just because of how specific the world building is, but all the science tech language used, and the writing style. I re-watched Polandbananasbook's video on book recommendations for the Ravenclaw soul, and I need to read more of the books mentioned, but I truly think this book is intelligent in the way that it's written. Even if you don't read the book just please watch the film. They're both incredible.

Yellow ~What book puts a smile on your face?

Just hearing about Heidi and her adventures up in the mountains with Peter and the goats makes me smile like nothing else. It makes me want to journey to the Alps so I can see them for myself, even though I know that's probably never going to happen. I just love imagining Heidi in Dorset, living with her grandfather, and then the good Doctor. Heidi really is a wonderful story and I recommend it as a novel to read to siblings, or to your children, to get them into reading.

I tag:

Everybody that wants to do this tag, as always! If you want to do this tag, you can!

Okay! That tag was long! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know in the comments what you would pick! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, being responsible and only going out when necessary. See you all soon!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Spontaneous 24 Hour Readathon TBR

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And in spirit of the OWLS readathon, I've decided to do a spontaneous 24 hour one, this Sunday! The number of books I plan on attempting is large enough that I can do an official TBR, even though it's only going to last 24 hours.

What I plan on reading:

1. Unbecoming, by Jenny Downham

This was one of the first books I mentioned back in 2015 when I started this blog. I picked this up yesterday as a way to give my brain a break after finishing Skyward yesterday, before I jump into another book just like it: A Gathering of Shadows. Unbecoming is about Katie, a girl who is reliable, studious and responsible. When she meets Mary, a grandmother she never knew she had, she feels free. Will Mary, who is searching for something from her past, help Katie admit to herself what she's always been afraid to? Lovely, wonderful story about what can happen when you risk your heart. (Also the cover is the most beautiful thing I've seen in years).

2. A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2), by VE Schwab

The second book in the Shades of Magic trilogy. All I know is the synopsis. That Lila's returning on the ship she got, there's basically an Olympics of magic that's on the horizon, and that Black London will start functioning again, at the cost of another London. Which one will it be? Also, I'm looking forward to meeting some new characters, and greeting the already existing characters that started this amazing trilogy off. If you've read this series, let me know which one you liked more please, because I can't wait to see what the rest of you thought.

3. Every Heart A Doorway (Wayward Children #1), by Seanen McGuire

I got this book on audible purely so I could get the badge for listening straight through a book. As well as having hear how amazing such a short novel it is, it's been a while since I've read a magical realism novel and this series looked interesting. It's also the perfect book to stick on a readathon TBR. Go figure. I've heard that Every Heart A Doorway discusses the theme of missing children, from the POV of missing child Nancy, when she reappears back into the real world. Looking forward to diving into something new and short.

4. Me, by Elton John

I bought this from Waterstones at the end of last year, after having read Paula Radcliffe's autobiography and having loved it. I got home, and found out that my mother had been gifted the exact same book as a Christmas present. This is her copy, which I will attempt to pick up this Sunday, if all goes according to plan. It'll be interesting to see what Elton John thought in his rise from being an unknown to the icon he's known as today. Especially as I haven't seen Rocketman yet.

Okay! That is my TBR for my upcoming 24 hour readathon! I hope to get to all of these but if not, it'll still be a good way to progress with my reading for the year (especially as I don't get much of a chance cos I'm working).

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, and continue to stay safe- because the longer we do, the less time it'll be before it's all over.)

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxx

Characters I'd Like To Be Friends With

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I will be listing the characters I would most like to meet and be friends with! I can't be the only one to want some characters I read about to be real, that you can meet in real life? This is my list.
Enjoy!

1. Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic
I've only read one of the books in the A Darker Shade of Magic and Lila is already one of my favourite characters of all time. I know I've only scraped the surface with her, but I already know that I'm going to love everything about her. She feels realistic to me because she doesn't stay and fight when it's crystal clear that she can't win- she turns and runs. But she always comes back. And I like that.


2. Tanith Low from Skulduggery Pleasant

Tanith Low is and always will be my favourite character from the Skulduggery Pleasant series. She is the most kick-ass, amazing yet wonderfully genuine and such a mentor for Valkyrie for the first few books in the series. Tanith Low is an adept, which means they can be more powerful than elementals, but it might cost them something. Tanith's talent: running on walls. Also she fights with a sword and can drive a motorbike.


3. Levi from Fangirl
As much as I like Cath, I think we're too alike. Put the two of us in a room together and there'd be silence, apart from the noise of us typing words on a laptop. And that would be fine, but I like how Levi can make conversation out of anything. And gingerbread coffee based drinks are my favourite :).


4. Kitty from To All the Boys I've Loved Before

I believe she is the most underrated yet one of the funniest characters in To All the Boys. She's probably one of the reasons why I feel guilty that I still haven't seen P.S. I Still Love You. It's been a couple of years since I've read the series, and I hope she gets more of a role in the sequel film, because she's one of my favourite characters. Also I can't wait to see her grow up into an older, more mature version of her epic self.

5. Goh Peik Lin from Crazy Rich Asians

Goh Peik Lin was a breath of fresh air in this book. I know she makes a reappearance in the next book, because I think it takes place the night before Rachel and Nicholas' wedding, so she'll be at the wedding, if nowhere else. She's just unlike any other character in that book, whenever I'm reading her quick and witty responses I have to bite my lip, for fear that I might burst out laughing.

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

-Abi xxxx

April TBR (2020)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And because I only have two books left on my physical TBR, that means I can order more this month! (So I got a bit creative with this month's TBR which I am very happy about :D).

Enjoy! (And let me know in the comments what you guys are planning on reading this month.)

Enjoy!

1. Educated, by Tara Westover

I've heard so many people talking about this memoir. I don't really like to say this often but this is such an important book. I'm just over halfway and even though it took me a while to get into it, when the story started to unfold, I've become more and more invested. I wouldn't be surprised if I finish this on Friday. I'm honestly so happy that I kept going when I wanted to DNF this book, because Educated is actually super easy to get into once you get past a certain point.

2. Skyward (Skyward #1), by Brandon Sanderson

It's going against everything to start another new series, especially when I'm about to continue with the Shades of Magic, but I've been dying to get stuck back into another Brandon Sanderson series. This series is getting fantastic reviews, but I'm trying not to expect too much because that'll just ruin my enjoyment of it. I don't really know much about Skyward, except it's about a girl's dream to become a pilot. But she won't be taken seriously because, when her dad was her age, he become qualified to be a pilot. He did something, though I can't remember what that shattered his reputation. Now, so many years later, his daughter wants to be a pilot. She won't even be given the chance to try, until the alien race that has been trying to destroy the earth for the last hundred doubles their attacks. And it's humanity's last desperate attempt that finally takes her skyward.

3. A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2), by VE Schwab

I absolutely loved the first book, and I can't wait to get my hands on the second. At the end of the first book, Holland's corpse was launched into black London, along with the stone, Kell has given up smuggling, and Lila is off the explore a London she never even knew about. In this book, Black London is becoming live again, and another London will be sacrificed, Lila's back, and there's basically an Olympics of magic that'll be taking place. Am I excited? Yes. I just hope no characters I love dies.

4. The Kingdom of Back, by Marie Lu

Now, even though this book isn't going to be sold in Waterstones, that doesn't mean I can't get it on Amazon. I love the idea of Marie Lu writing a historical fiction, and the fact that it's about the sister of one of the best classical composers ever is just the cherry on top of the cake. Add that to a book about siblings, an offer that can't be refused, and a mysterious fantasy land and I'm excited for it. Marie Lu is one of my autobuy authors (though I still need to pick up the Young Elite series) and I've always found her books easy to become invested in, and easy to fly through, so I'm looking forward to picking this up.

5. Every Heart A Doorway (Wayward Children #1), by Seanen McGuire

I did a poll on Instagram to see which audiobook I should include in my TBR for the month. It was between Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, or this. And I was surprised to discover that by the next day, this had stomped Gentleman's Guide by 8 votes to 1. I'll get to Gentleman's Guide eventually, but I've heard how wonderful this series is, and how quick and easy it is to read that I couldn't hold my intrigue any longer. This series sounds like nothing I've read before and I can't wait to delve into the wonderful world of the Wayward children because it's been ages since I've read any magical realism novels.

Okay! That was my April TBR! I look forward to getting to each and every book this month, and I can't wait to see what I think of them!

I hope everyone is staying safe, and know that even though it looks bad right now with more and more coronavirus cases being revealed each day, we can get through this. The state that we're living in now isn't forever and in a couple of years we'll all be thinking back on this time like it was a distant memory.

I'll see you all soon.

Bye.

-Abi xxxx