Favourite Books of 2020!

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And now Christmas is over, there's only a number of days left of the year, which means it's time to talk about my favourite books of the year! 

I've been seeing this more and more recently, so it's time for me to talk about my list! 

Enjoy! 

1. The Light Between Oceans, by M.L. Stedman 

I read this book in February and it's definitely the book that's made me the most emotionally distraught this year. After three miscarriages, Tom and Isabel are desperate for a child. So when a boat with a dead man and a baby arrive, approaching the secluded island they live on, to tend to the lighthouse.  Against Tom's better judgement, they adopt the baby. Years later, the cracks start to show. As well as pulling my brain and my heart in different directions, I loved the way it shows that these kind of situations aren't black and white. I was glued to this from the time that I turned the first page. 

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

I read this back in February also, and out of the adorable LGBT romances I've read this year, this was by far the best one. Dear Evan Hanson quotes, a summer romance in New York, and there's going to be another book coming out in the next couple of years! I loved all the characters, I didn't have a problem with any of them, and I can't wait to see them all again. 

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

It had been a couple of years since I'd picked up a Brandon Sanderson novel, and out of all the current Sanderson series', Skyward seemed the most intriguing, so I picked it up, and the rest is history. Honestly, I'd forgotten how easy it is to fall into one of Sanderson's stories, which is why Skyward is on this list. I loved Starsight just as much, I just thought book one was just a bit better. They were both fantastic however, and I will be continuing with book three as soon as the paperback is released!

4. The Illuminae Files trilogy, by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 

Loved this series so much I can't choose between them! I wish I could forget everything about this series just so I could re-read it with fresh eyes, all over again. Loved the concepts for all of them, the unique printing just made them that much more addictive, and I was close to crying over some of the events that happened throughout the trilogy. I really wish there were more books in this series, so I could love them for even longer, but unfortunately it's just the three. 5 stars for all three. 

5. The Henna Wars, by Abida Jaigirdar 

Although it wasn't the reason I loved this, it was the reason I picked it up: there's so much representation in this month. Now, I've read female female relationship novels, but never from the POV of a Bengali girl, which was something I was interested in, right off the bat. Such a simple concept (for business studies, the girls at Nishat's school are given a task: to create a business and make money. The trouble starts when Nishat and Flavia (a childhood friends, and Nishat's crush) both decide to create a business for hennas whilst Nishat is constantly struggling with the pressure of being a lesbian and a Bengali girl (her parents won't allow it.) Add this to wonderful, fleshed out characters that will make you want to gasp, laugh and cry all at once, and you've got The Henna Wars. 

6. The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig 

The final book I read before I completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge this year. I got this on my birthday and I finished it three days later. Despite only being released in September, it's won the fiction category for the Goodreads Choice Awards this year. If that doesn't tell you how good it is, this book isn't for you. The Midnight Library is the place between life and death, and when Nora finds herself in this strange place, she gets the chance to look and decide: what life she could lead, if she had made a different decision along the way. Absolutely fantastic debut. 

7. Punching the Air, by Ibi Zoboi 

I wasn't even alive when the events that inspired this book began, but once I heard the premise, there was no way that was going to stop me tearing through this book as soon as I could. I was expecting this book to be amazing and I wasn't wrong. Written in verse, Punching the Air follows Amal, as he is wrongly accused and thrown in Jail, all because he was a black boy, in the wrong place at the wrong time. The language is powerful, emotional and gripping, and I will undoubtedly be picking it up again soon. 

8. Grown, by Tiffany D. Jackson 

If you think I finished The Midnight Library quickly, you haven't seen anything yet. I finished Grown in less than 24 hours. The story follows Enchanted, who wants nothing more than to be the next singing sensation. So when Korey Fields, an ultra famous singer takes her under his wing, she couldn't be more excited. Until she wakes up remembering nothing, and that's not all. Corey Fields is dead and the police is at the door. Who killed Korey Fields? I don't need to tell you guys how addictive this book is. I finished it in one day. Just, read it. 

9. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (The Montague Siblings #1), by Mackenzi Lee 

This is the most recently read book on this list, despite the fact that I've been wanting to read it the longest (out of all the books on this list.) But that doesn't matter, because I'm on the train now. And there's no way I'm getting off now. The Gentleman's Guide is a book I didn't know I needed, as it includes an LGBT romance, travel around the world, and a whole lot of trouble. Throw all of that into a world set in the Victorian era, and you have this book. Since stepping into the world of the Montague siblings, I've also read the second book, which is about Monty's sister Felicity, and I am extremely excited for the release of the third and final book in this phenomenal trilogy. 

Okay! Those are my favourite books of 2020! I hope you enjoyed this post, and feel free to comment about any of these books below in the comments! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I'll see you very soon with my 2020 Wrap Up! 

Byeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

The Joy of Christmas Book Tag

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And today I'm doing The Joy of Christmas Book Tag! 

It's the last tag of 2020 (thank god the year's coming to an end) and it's a Christmas one! 

Enjoy! 

1. Anticipating ~ The Christmas excitement is real, what book(s) releases are you anticipating? 

For all my anticipated releases for January- March, you can search here, but the two books (out of the books mentioned) are definitely Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala, and Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas. Be Dazzled is basically an LGBT romance that takes place at Comic Con- and it has designing, fashion and a competition- sort of like Project Runway. There's more to it than that, but for some reason I'm really excited about it. Concrete Rose is a prequel of THUG, and because Angie Thomas is an auto-buy author for me, of course I'll be devouring it as soon as I can get my hands on it! 

2. Christmas Songs and Carols ~ What book or author can you not help but sing it's praises? 

There are a couple of authors that I've discovered this year, but none of them stand out- they're all equal, and I love their books equally. Therefore, I'll list them here, and you can check out their books for yourself- 

Christina Henry- Written the Chronicles of Alice duology, The Girl in Red, amongst others

Brian K Vaughan & Fiona Staples- Most well-known for Saga 

Tiffany Jackson- Written Grown, Monday's Not Coming, Allegedly, amongst others. 

Absolutely loved all the books mentioned! Go and read them if you haven't already.  

3.Gingerbread House ~ What book or series has wonderful world-building?

 

The Nevernight Chronicle trilogy is the first series I thought of, to best fit the category. 

Darkdawn review is coming, I promise. 

It may have taken me a whole to get into this series, but the world-building is first class. 

4. A Christmas Carol ~ Favourite classic or one that you want to read 

I need to get back into the Classics! It's a genre I've longed to delve back into. I read a couple of my favourites just last year, Black Beauty, Heidi and Anne of Green Gables, but there are several that I'd like to try next year. Some examples are A Little Princess and Great Expectations, to name a couple. 

5. Christmas Sweets ~ What book would you love to receive for Christmas?

I already know what I'm getting book wise for Christmas! I asked my boyfriend to get me one of my Series' TBR picks and I have an idea for what I'm getting! As for the rest of my family, it'll be book vouchers to spend on whatever book I so desire. 

Click here to see what my Series' TBR picks are for 2021! 

6. Candles in the Window ~ What book gives you that warm fuzzy feeling? 

Any book with Nick and Charlie in it! I love these two so much- and I can't wait for Volume Four to be released in May! (I really hope this story doesn't end any time soon- or have a hiatus like Saga!)

7. Christmas Trees and Decorations ~ What are some of your favourite book covers? 

It's been a while since any cover's completely blown me away, but these covers are just beautiful: 

Under A Dancing Star just stood out in Waterstones when I saw it on display in my local Waterstones, (it shimmers under the light.) 

Punching the Air just looked so amazing and colourful that the cover drew me in (though I'd likely have read it even the cover was awful, because it was amazing.) 

I don't even know what to say about Kingdom of Back- even the photo on a screen is mesmerising. 

8. Christmas Joy ~ What are some of your favourite things about Christmas/ favourite Christmas memories? 

1. Christmas Day Parkrun- Done it four years in a row. 

2. Bacon bap after parkrun! 

3. Spending time with friends and family. 

What are some of your favourite memories? 

Okay! That's The Joy of Christmas Book Tag! 

As always, if you want to do this tag, you're free to. I tag you all! 

I hope you all have a wonderful evening and I'll see you soon- either with my Favourite Books of 2020, or my Darkdawn review! 

Comment below which one (or look out for a poll on Instagram.) 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Series TBR (2021)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And because I finished all the series' on my 2019 (and 2020) TBR, it's time for a new list! 

I've been wanting to read these for years, so it's high time I got to them! 

There's nothing left to say now except, enjoy! 

1. Throne of Glass series, by Sarah J Maas 

I tried to read this series about 5 years ago and for some reason it just didn't sit well with me. 5 years later, when a whole load more books have been released, and I'm giving it another go. I hate leaving series' unfinished and even though I've left it really late, I'm determined to see it through. Throne of Glass is about a notorious assassin Celaena Sardothien, who has to compete in a tournament against 23 other killers to win her freedom and work under the king. But there are secrets hidden amongst the castle, secrets plays at work. But there is so much hype surrounding this series, I need to know why. 

2. Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan 

Although I read maybe the first three of these iconic Percy Jackson books, I don't think I completed the entire series. So, this is the year I'm going to do it! When Percy Jackson's teacher tries to kill him, the truth comes out- he's actually the son of Poseidon. He's immediately sent to the one place his mother knows will be safe- Camp Half-Blood! It all kind of unravels from there, and Percy goes on a journey to find a stolen lightning bolt, along with his two new friends (whom I can't remember the name of!) 

3. Magnus Chase trilogy, by Rick Riordan 

Magnus Chase is actually the series I know the least about. The blurb states that Magnus Chase is a normal boy, living on the street that gets tangled up in a business with the Gods of Asgard. Maybe he has a relative that's a god, like Percy? I honestly have no idea, but I'm excited to find out. This one's a trilogy, so it shouldn't take me too long either. 

4. The Trials of Apollo series, by Rick Riordan 

If I want to read Rick Riordan, why not try for three individual series'? The "Trials of Apollo" series has just wrapped up and even though the fifth and final instalment came out in October, or November, sometime in those months, yet The Tower of Nero still won a category for the Goodreads Choice 2020 Awards, so if that doesn't mean I need to start to series, then I don't know what does. I've heard this series is action-packed and incredibly funny, but with more mature language, opposed to the Percy Jackson series, so I'm looking forward to reading about the mortal turned god Apollo. 

5. Poppy War trilogy, by R.F. Kuang 

I've heard nothing but fantastic reviews about the series and even though the third and final book got released a couple of months ago, I swear The Poppy War came out a couple of months ago. But the series is finished now, so I think it's time to start the series. Now, I don't know a lot about this, but I do know that it's based on the second Sino-Japanese war, and that there are a lot of adult themes, so if you're a young teen, or just entering into the genre of adult fantasy, this might not be the series for you. 

6. An Ember in the Ashes series, by Sabaa Tahir 

I've only read the blurb of An Ember in the Ashes, but I'm already entranced in where this story could go. The hype speaks for itself, I need to at least give this series a chance, if nothing else. The series speaks of slavery, a world where if you even raise a head, you and your family will suffer. This is the life that Laia leads, until the time that her brother is accused of treason, and she has a decision to make about whether she will do nothing, or dare to rise against royalty? I have no idea where the story will go after this, but I'm looking forward to finding out. 

Okay! Those are the series' I'm hoping to get to in the next year! I won't be doing a TBR Jar Challenge for 2021, because it would look pretty similar to this list!

So that's all I have for you all today, I hope you have a wonderful evening evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxx