November Wrap Up (2021)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And we've reached the end of another month! Where's the time going? 

I feel like everyone's gotten into the christmas spirit early this year, I've seen trees go up the first week of November and I am here for it. 

It almost feels surreal that December is only two days away. 

But time goes on, and my wrap up must be done! 

Here's what I read this month. 

Enjoy :) . 

1. The Hammor of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2), by Rick Riordan 

Have you ever been so relieved to have finished a book that you've gladly forgotten most of what happened in it? That's what's happened with this. I can remember the odd chapter or detail, but most of all the almost over-whelming relief that I've finished this. 3 stars, because, this was average to me. 

2. Paper Girls Vol. 2 (Paper Girls #2), by Brian K. Vaughan 

Going into this, I wasn't quite sure on how I felt about this series. I felt like it hadn't really settled into a rhythm yet and I wasn't sure where it was going to go and whether I liked it or not. This was the graphic novel that changed that. I finally got a feel for the characters, and started to enjoy it. I still had no idea where the series was going (that was a recurring thought throughout) but that was part of what I enjoyed about Paper Girls. 

3. The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3), by Rick Riordan 

The third and final book was relatively better than the second, but I'm still happy that I'm finished with this series. I'm actually considering popping this trilogy on the unhaul list that I recently posted, because at the moment, I'm fairly confident that I'm never going to want to visit this world and these characters again. But then, maybe my disliking this series so much might have something to do with the fact that I tried to read all of Rick Riordan's series' in one year? Maybe that has something to do with it? I don't know. Let me know in the comments you guys. 

4. Paper Girls Vol. 3 (Paper Girls #3), by Brian K. Vaughan 

5. Paper Girls Vol. 4 (Paper Girls #4), by Brian K. Vaughan 

6. Paper Girls Vol. 5 (Paper Girls #5), by Brian K. Vaughan 

7. Paper Girls Vol. 6 (Paper Girls #6), by Brian K. Vaughan 

I've found that with each graphic novel series I try (or the Brian K. Vaughan ones at least) that I reach a point where I just want to marathon them until I reach the end. (It might be because I found two volumes in an end independant comic store and thought why not? Probably is actually.) 

But that's not the point. The point is that I couldn't get this series, and the twisty turns I was being led down whenever I seemed to pick it up, out of my head. It was a constant plaguing through my time reading the third Magnus Chase book. 

As you can see, I absolutely loved them. Four and five stars through, these novels are guaranteed to make it to my Favourites books list of the year. It's all explained so well, without making it seem too info-dumpy, I loved each and every character that was introduced throughout the series, whether they were there through multiple volumes, or just the one. I'm so glad I read these. 

8. Noughts and Crosses (Noughts and Crosses #1), by Malorie Blackman

9. Knife-edge (Noughts and Crosses #2), by Malorie Blackman

10. Checkmate (Noughts and Crosses #3), by Malorie Blackman 

I acquired Endgame, the sixth and final book in the Noughts and Crosses series back in July, so of course I had to re-read the whole series before picking up. There were no if, ands or buts about it. If you didn't already know, this is my Number 1 series of all time, and I doubt that'll change anytime soon. 

I still have Double Cross, my current read, Crossfire and Endgame left to read, and I'm so excited to jump back into this world (even though I basically know the first four books off by heart). 

It makes me sad that there won't be any more books after Endgame, but I'm exicted to see how it all wraps up. Fingers crossed it's good. 

Okay! Those are all the books I read this month! I'm genuinely surprised by how many books I managed to get to this month, and even though they didn't exactly mirror what I wanted to read at the start of the month, I genuinely enjoyed most of what I read. 

As always, let me know what kind of books you read this month, as well as any thoughts you might have. Did you love them them/ hate them? Or still not sure? Let me know! 

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

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Book Unhaul!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back- this time I'm unhauling some books! 

Honestly, I know I'm not going to read them again, whether I enjoyed them or otherwise, so they may as well go to someone who will enjoy them! (And this way I can have space for more books of my own. 

Without further ado, enjoy! 

~Full Series'~

1. The Nevernihght Chronicle trilogy, by Jay Kristoff 

I read this series through pure determination. I enjoyed some of this, despite the constant footnotes, but not enough to keep these. I was actually due to review the last book in the series, but since it's been a year and I still haven't done it, I think it's safe to say that I have no thoughts on it, and I'm not going to read them again.  

2. The Passenger duology, by Alexandra Bracken 

Just a duology that I read a few years back when it was all the craze. I loved the flowy language, and the way that the violin/ classic music was entertwined with time travel, but I feel little to nothing about this story and it's time it was shipped to another owner. 

3. The Arc of A Scythe trilogy, by Neil Shusterman

If you've been following this blog since last year, you'll know how much I detested this series. There is no way I'll be re-reading this series (ever) and it's time I got rid of them so someone else can read and enjoy them more than I did. 

4. The Raven Cycle series, by Maggie Stiefvater 

Although I enjoyed this series at the time, it wasn't my favourite. I loved the dynamic with Blue and the Raven Boys, but to be honest, I won't be too bothered to give this series away to someone who has yet to read about these characters, and their story. Love the covers too, but not enough to keep them any longer. 

Bye, Raven Boys Cycle. 

5. The Flawed duology, by Cecelia Ahern 

Honestly, I love the message behind these books. It shows that nobody is perfect, and that we all have our flaws. I was so excited to read Cecelia Ahern's debut YA novel when this came out, and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed them both. 

This is probably one of the few books that you'll actually see me recommend on this list, but I recommend picking this duology if you like books that have a message. These two will have you gripped from page 1, because it takes place in a society where everybody with a perfect life live at the top, whereas the people that are branded FLAWED are punished and outcast from society. This is a compelling couple of novels and it has been wonderful reading them. It's time to pass them on to be loved elsewhere. 

~Individuals of a series~

1. Alex & Eliza (Alex & Eliza #1), by Melissa De La Cruz 

Never even got past the first few pages with this. Purely for the reason that I thought it was a story about Angelica and Alexander. Those two deserve their own story, but I was just immediately turned away from this. Don't regret not picking this up. 

2. Concrete Rose (The Hate U Give #0), by Angie Thomas 

Don't worry, I got gifted another copy for my birthday, I'm just getting rid of the first one I got. (Keeping the copy I got from my boyfriend- despite the frayed edges on the first one.)

3. If I Stay (If I Stay #1), by Gayle Forman 

I've been saying I'm going to complete this duology for so many years now. It's never going to happen. 

This used to be a book that I could read if I was in danger of falling into a reading slump. It isn't anymore, which means it's time to donate it. 

~Standalones~

1. The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern 

Couldn't finish this. Just way too slow, I wasn't interested in what was happening, and I didn't care about what was happening to the characters. Has to go. Sorry guys. 

2. Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green 

Yes, I know. This is the most recent John Green book that's out, and it was five years in the making. But I don't think I'm going to read this again, therefore there's no point in keeping it. 

3. Opposite of Always, by Justin A. Reynolds

Now, this one I might be persauded to keep. I'll be reading Early Departures in 2022, and it seems strange to get rid of one book by an author, and then purchase their other one straight after. 

Persuade me, guys, cos I might just keep it. 

4. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman 

One of the Neil Gaiman books I started with good intentions, and although I did manage to finish this, this is a definite donation. I very much doubt that I'll want to read this again. 

5. With the Fire on High, by Elizabeth Acevado 

I enjoyed the representation, I don't think I've ever read a book about a teen mum, still at school, just wanting to finish, balance a part-time job and further her career as a chef, but for me, this wasn't anything special. It never really seemed to go anywhere, except at the ending. Kind of average. 

6. Educated, by Tara Westover 

Although I found this book enlightening and inspiring, because of the challenges we see Tara struggle with, and eventually overcome, I just know that, I'm never going to read this again. I rarely pick up autobiographies, and if I do, it'll likely be Paula Radcliffe's or Mo Farah's. 

I enjoyed this, but it's time to find someone else to read it. 

7. Cinderella is Dead, by Kalynn Bayron 

I love fairytale retellings, always have and likely always will. And although I enjoyed this, it always felt kind of sub standard to me. Wasn't really anything special about it that tipped it from a regular four star to a five. My personal opinion, of course, but I highly doubt I'll read this again. 

8. Dear Evan Hansen, by Val Emmich 

I love this musical so much (despite not having seen it yet) and when I heard there was going to be a book based on it, I was so excited. There was no question, I thought it might be one of my new favourites- and then it wasn't. I mean, it was alright, like a solid four stars, and I don't regret reading it, because it meant I got more of a feel for the musical itself, but I just don't think it'll be one of those books that I read more than once. 

Still really want to see the musical though. 

9. The Surface Breaks, by Louise O' Neill 

Finally, a new Little Mermaid retelling! 

I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially as it's closer to the original Hans Christian Anderson novel than the Disney movie. I liked that it had some darker and more realistic themes, but still managed to be engaging and intriguing. I almost don't want to get rid of this, because there aren't many Little Mermaid retellings that I like the premise enough to actually pick up. But, I don't really have any special attachment to it, which is why I'm giving it away for someone else to enjoy. 

10. Eleanor and Park, by Rainbow Rowell 

I remember when this first came out. It was a book like no other, some special quality that made it stand out above the rest. Even now, years later, that twist ending is still clear in my brain. 

But that's the point. It's been years since I've read it. 

And I've only read it the once. 

Which is why it's being donated. 

11. All the Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven 

This is such a beautiful book. One of the first, that I remember at least, to talk about suicide as an open theme. It used to be one of those books that was always in the back of my mind, that I would consider picking up whenever I was in danger of entering into a reading slump. 

It's no longer one of those books, and it's time it had a new owner, because I know I'm not going to read it again. 

12. Autoboyography, by Christina Lauren 

DNF. Couldn't make it past halfway. Definite chuck. Doubt I'll pick up another Christina Lauren book now, which is a shame. 

13. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brönte

14. Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen

Struggled through Sense and Sensibility for The Reading Rush last year, but I realised, when I started Wuthering Heights that no matter how hard I try, I'm never going to actually like reading these books. 

I'm sorry, okay? I just can't love them like everybody else seems to. 

Moving on. 

15. The Authenticity Project, by Clare Pooley 

And finally! 

The Authenticity Project! I'm passing the book along, like in the book! I want to be part of that, and also I know I'm never going to read this again. 

I just won't. 

Okay! Those are all the books I will be unhauling! 

I will be trying to sell some of them, but not on here, because it would just be way too complicated and time consuming. Sorry guys. 

Anyway, I hope you had a fun time reading this post, and although it was a long one for me, it was fun to try something new. 

So that's going to be everything on here for today, but I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

November TBR (2021)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with another monthly TBR! 

I have one main goal for this month, and another series kind of dipping in every other book maybe. 

Based on last month, you might be able to guess. 

Enjoy! 

1. Trials of Apollo series, by Rick Riordan 

The Dark Prophecy

The Burning Maze

The Tyrant's Tomb 

The Tower of Nero

I have a lot of books to read if I'm going to get through this series. They're shorter than the Magnus Chase trilogy, but there are more of them. However, if they're anything like the first one, I'm sure I'll enjoy them. The sarcasm was on point, I was laughing my head off. I don't know where Rick Riordan came up with this idea, but it's one of the funniest series I've started by him so far. I hope the rest of them continue to be as incredible as the first book. 

2. Magnus Chase trilogy, by Rick Riordan 

The Hammer of Thor 

Ship of the Dead 

I'm currently just over halfway through The Hammer of Thor and although I'm supposed to read the next couple of Trials of Apollo series books next, I'm wondering if it's worth just finishing this series instead. I feel like I'm too invested in this series, having read the 1st and 2nd straight after, and it feels like it would just make sense to finish the series and give it the attention it deserves. 

3. Paper Girls Graphic Novel Series, by Brian K. Vaughan 

Volumes 2-6

I'm not sure how many of these I'll get to this month, as I'll be reading them throughout working my way through the books above, but I'm hoping I should get through at least half. 

If you don't know about this series, it's about four pre-teen girls that run the neighbourhood newspaper, and stumble across something, let's say, out of this world. Literally. 

I've finished the first one, and I have a feeling that I've only hit the tip of the iceberg with this series. To say I'm excited to see what happens next would be an understement. 

Okay! That's my November TBR (2021)! I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to comment what you plan to read, in the comments below! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx