The Summer Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it's time I talk about why I haven't been posting much recently. Boring story actually, but I need to say why.  I basically have just needed to focus more on my qualification, especially as it's nearing the end of year. But I promise, after I finish, (which is next week at some point) and then the usual schedule of posting at Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be back and I hope you guys will be here, so we can start about books!
So anyway, now that that that's out of the way, let's get on to the post!
It's been a while since I've done a tag, so I thought it would do one now! And since Summer seems to have come by all too quickly, I thought it only fitting that I do the Summer Book Tag!
Enjoy!

The Summer Book Tag

1. Lemonade: Pick a book that started bitter but got better.
For this one, I'm going to choose the book that I am currently reading. The Girls, by Emma Cline, the Waterstones Book Club pick for June. This started off super pretentious and slow, and though the pacing hasn't changed yet, the story has taken a turn for the better. More on this book after I read more.

2. Golden sun: pick a book that made you smile beyond compare.
I'm going to go with a book I read earlier in the year. Everything Everything, by Nicola Yoon. Just the uniqueness of this book, and the love that Maddie and Olly have for each-other, and the love that is bursting to be free, but can't because of four walls.

3. Tropical flowers: pick a book set in a foreign country.
This book stuck in my mind and didn't go away for this question. Wolf Wilder is set in Russia, and is the story of the Wolf Wilder, who raises wolves, protects them and treats them as her equal. It's basically a run from authority that turns into something else. This book thoroughly surprised me and it is a strong contender for my favourite books of 2017.  

4. Tree shade: pick a book in which a mysterious or shady character
was first introduced.
I'm just going to go with the Skulduggery Pleasant series for this one because the MAJORITY of the characters seem dark and mysterious and shady from the get go, but end up not really being that big of a threat (or a massive threat, it's hard to predict which pile they are going to go in).

5. Beach sand: pick a book that was grainy, and the plot barely developed.
Ohhhh, this one's hard. I'm just gonna cop out with Fifty Shades of Grey, because 1) I can't think of anything else and 2) there's that one theme that's relevant, and the plot really doesn't develop much at all.

6. Green grass: pick a character(s) that were full of life, making you smile.
Another hard one! I think I'll go with Alice, just because she's so joyful and positive and stubborn, that I just love her (from Twilight, if you didn't know). She's just a breath of fresh air in that house full of the intense vampires that she lives with.

7. Watermelon: Pick a book that had some juicy secrets.
I'm going to go with the first two books in the Red Queen series (I haven't read King's Cage yet) because who saw the end of book one coming?!

8. Sun hat: pick a book that had a vast, big universe/setting.
Chasing the Stars, by Malorie Blackman. They have the whole of space, as well as a bunch of planets to explore!

9. BBQ: pick a book where a character was portrayed as a hunk.
I would have chosen Emmett for this, but I've already chosen a Twilight character, so instead I'm going to go with Gale. Though he is portrayed as a hunk, he is also seen as a protector, when Katniss goes into the arena. (I know, spoilers! Lol).

10. Tag people!
I'm actually going to tag a couple of people for this!
I tag Savannah, at The Book Prophet , and you can check out her blog on this link!
I also tag Elena, at Elena of the Universe , which contains the link for her blog too!

So that was my Summer Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed this tag, and Elena I will get to the tag that you tagged me in in my Writing Update! Promise!
So I will see you all on Friday (hopefully).
I hope you have a wonderful day, and I will see you soon.
Byeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

The Summer Reader Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And no surprises to anyone that I am doing a book tag today, because I said I would most likely be doing one today!
So here is The Summer Book Tag because... it's summer!
Though it does look like it gonna read, plus it's not really hot enough to be considered summer...
Also I didn't get tagged...
But who cares because I'm doing this tag anyway!
So here's The Summer Reader Book Tag!

The Summer Reader Book Tag 

1. Lemonade: Pick a book that started off bitter, but got bitter. 

After much consideration, I decided to use More Than This, by Patrick Ness for this category, because at one point (the start of the book) I had considered giving up on this book, but then it totally changed and I got sucked in. 

2. Golden sun: Pick a book that made you smile beyond compare. 

Pretty much any contemporary really, but specifically I'll Give You The Sun, by Jandy Nelson, because it's just so beautiful and just, hopeful. I read this back in March, and I still feel joy whenever I think of it. 

3. Tropical flowers: Pick a book set in a foreign country. 

I really don't have many options for this because for some reason I'm drawn to books that are set in the UK and the USA (though come to think of it, USA could be considered a foreign country), but I'm going to pick The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, which is set in Germany. 

4. Tree shade: Pick a book in which a mysterious or shady character was first introduced. 

I totally saw Sebastian coming. 

5. Beach sand: Pick a book that was was grainy, and the plot barely developed. 

Okay, I hate choosing this, because I feel like everyone is going to be yelling at me, but the book that I'm choosing has to be Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs. 

6. Green grass: Pick a character(s) that were full of life, making you smile. 

Milo, from Demon Road, hands down. He just doesn't let the fact that they're on the run from Demons get him down, and that is a hard thing to do. 

7. Watermelon: Pick a book that had some juicy secrets. 

Just all the "The Lying Game" books, by Sara Shephard. (From the five that I've read. Out of six.) All the secrets are incredibly juicy in this series. Totally recommend this. Oh, by the way, if you didn't like the Pretty Little Liars series please don't be put off, because I think, this series is so much better. 

8. Sun hat: Pick a book that had a vast, big universe/setting. 

I'm going to go with Mind Games, by Teri Terry because that book is set in a virtual world (basically the internet), and the internet is incredibly vast!

9. BBQ: Pick a book in which a character was portrayed as a hunk. 

I'm gonna go with Jace for this one. I hate to use a series' twice in one tag, but I seriously can't think of anyone else. 

10. Summer fun: Pass the tag on. 

Everyone! If people want to do this tag then who am I to stop them? Nobody tagged me and I still did it!

So that was The Summer Reader Book Tag! I hope you all enjoyed it! I will see you on Wednesday, and if I haven't finished Glass Sword by then I will most likely be doing a face-off! So I will see you guys then. 

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

The End of Summer Book Tag

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with another book tag! I had such fun doing the 10 Year Challenge Book Tag, I thought it might be fun to do another one! 

And with the end of August literally two days away, I thought The End of Summer Book Tag was perfect! 

In fact, the children in the county I lived in, until a couple years a go, have already gone back to school! 

For the majority of the UK though, it really is the end of Summer. 

Now, I'll be doing the End of Summer Book Tag created by Kate (Reading Through Infinity), instead of the original, mainly because I prefer the questions on this version. Post is linked if you want to check it out. 

Right! Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

~Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?~

 

Nothing really springs to mind straight away, but I'm currently in the middle of Tilt, by Emma Pattee, that I've been working through the past couple of weeks, on a Sunday (trying to start consistent with my audiobook listening streak). It's about a heavily pregnant woman trying to make her way to her husband after a horrific earthquake. Even though I've been juggling it alongside my SP re-read, I am always excited to pick this up. It jumps from present day for one chapter, and then to events leading up to the day, starting from teenage years. It's really good, and I'm hoping to finish it sometime tomorrow. 

 I also have the fifth book in the Earthsea series, Tales from Earthsea, in audiobook that I haven't started yet. I would like to finish that, and book 6 before the end of the year. 

~Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?~

Again, nothing springs to mind immediately, but there are a couple of books I could lean into if I was feeling like an autumn read. 

Two books, both magical realism novels, and those two are Piranesi, by Suzanne Clarke, and Inkheart, by Cornelius Funke.  

 

Both feel like an introduction to the heavier fantasy that I suspect I'll be reading for the majority of the winter months. 

Maybe I'll prioritise Piranesi first because it was a gift, and not as much of a commitment. 

~Is there a new release you're still waiting for?~

THIS. I heard that the final book was going to be released at the end of the year, a couple of weeks ago. 

Book 2, Vengeful, was released in 2018, and fans have been waiting for several years for a conclusion. I haven't been waiting as long, I only picked this series up in 2020, but it's still a long awaited conclusion. I really hope this comes out in the UK the same time as in the US. 

Definitely a Halloween read. 

~What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?~

  

1. The House of Fortune (The Miniaturist #2), by Jessie Burton- the book I've had on my unread shelf for at least three years. After finishing Tilt, The Miniaturist is next on my list, followed by this. I have no idea what this is about, haven't read the blurb since I bought it, and that's the way I want to keep it. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as I remember liking the first book. 

2. Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke- it's short, it's snappy, it's intriguing, and the world building sounds amazing. The ideal season to read this is fast approaching, and I will be reaching for it pretty hastily, when it's the right time. 

3. Where She Went (If I Stay #3), by Gayle Forman- the sequel to the bestselling If I Stay, that takes place three years later. Read from the POV of Adam. Lots of loose ends to tie up with this one, as the first book ends without any further chapters after Mia makes her decision. I've found recently that I haven't been able to forget that this book is waiting to be picked up, in my bookshelf. Also, this feels like the right book to pick up when I fancy something different to all the fantasy I've read these last few months. 

~Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?~

  
Any one of these honestly. Three completely different genres, all meant to be outstanding. 

Has anybody read these? Care to divulge what they're like in the comments?

Honestly, I know I'm going to love all three of these, and they're all potential review titles. In fact, I'm going to make a promise to myself, that I will review all three of these books, because you can bet I'll have some thoughts on all three. 

Which do you guys think I'll like more?

A disturbing sci-fi about a cold blooded killer and the detective that pursues him; a story by an auto-buy author about women in space; or a book about oppressed women, from three generations, teaming up, trying to survive and make a difference? 

Which one? 

~Have you already started making reading plans for 2027?~

At the moment, no. I just finished an eighteen book series, and I'm just planning on reading whatever I feel like reading in the moment. I'm happy just looking at the present for the moment. Time to knuckle down and focus on reducing my 50 book TBR. Because I found more books under my bed last night, that were not in my original unread shelf post. 

Okay! That is the End of Summer Book Tag! 

Nobody has really done this tag in recent years, so I'm just going to be lazy and say, do the tag if you want to, then link it in the comments below, so I can see it! 

Right! That's all I have for you all today, so I will see you all in September, hopefully with another story update! (And a wrap up at the end of the month, yay!)

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

Byeeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Summer Book Tag!

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And for a bit of a break from the two reviews that I posted this week, I've decided to post a book tag!

I thought I'd do the summer tag today because I've pretty much finished my qualification and I shall soon be working full time! And because it's summer, of course!

Enjoy!

1. What book cover makes you think of summer? 

Although I don't really have that many books that fit this category, I did manage to find one. Songs About A Girl, by Chris Russell. It doesn't give much of a summer vibe, but it has more of one than any others on my bookshelf.

2. What book brightened your day?

This book feels like it takes a bunch of random things like quiz bowling and boyfriend drowning and lists, and then turns it into this really heart-warming story about people learning to face their fears, and learning to love themselves for who they are in the meantime. It definitely brightened my day when I picked it up last September.

3. What book cover is yellow like the sun?

Of course I'm going to pick this one. It literally has a sun on it.

4. What is your favourite beach read?

The first book that comes to mind is a book that I read in one day, on my holiday to Italy: Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson. It was such a good book, and I was able to fly through it, but stay engaged at the same time.

5. What action book had you running for the ice-cream man?

I'm actually going to change the question for this one, and change it to 'what book had you running for the ice-cream man (because  the romance was so hot)?' And I'm going to go with Sephy and Callum's relationship from Noughts and Crosses because they lived so that they could love each-other. And the odds were stacked against them from the start, yet they would give up anything to be together. One of my favourite romances ever.  

6. What book left you with a bad or painful ending?

Of course, the first one that comes to mind is The Diary of Anne Frank. I'm really not surprised by this because I was in a play of it in my hometown, (playing Margot, not Anne), and I watched the 2001 version of a film the other day, so I'm not surprised this one cropped up as my first idea.

7. What book cover reminds you of a sunset?

I actually have not seen a cover that has a sunset on it, or reminds me of a sunset, so can I just opt out of this one? Thanks.

8. What is one book you hope to read this summer?

I'm going to choose another Morgan Matson book for this question as well: Save the Date! It's about a girl called Charlie, whose older sister is getting married, and she is really excited because for the first time in ages, all four of them (her, her sister and their two other siblings) are going to be under the same roof, before the house is sold and everything changes. But then, things start to happen that could send the whole weekend into disaster: Relatives that aren't speaking, a dreadful girl that her favourite brother has bought home, and a papergirl with a grudge. Not to mention a potential thunderstorm that might send the whole event collapsing down. No biggie. It sounds chaotic and amazing, which is something that intrigues me. Also the fact that I want to pick up more Morgan Matson, it seems perfect!

Tags
ANYBODY- I feel like this is sort of a cop out, but anyone that wants to do this tag should be able to!
Yay!

Okay, so that is the Summer Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it and I am actually glad that I decided to take a break from reviews, so I could do this fun tag!
As always, if you have any thoughts, let me know in the comments!
Alright, that is it so I will see you all on Monday!
Byeeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Quintissential Summer Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And since it was the start of summer last Friday, I thought it would be fun to do the quintessential summer book tag!

Enjoy!

1. Iced drink- a refreshing read

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It may have had a few tropes, but it showed the theatre from a point of view I haven't encountered before- from behind the scenes. It was a wonderfully light, enjoyable read that I will undoubtedly re-read in the years to come.

2. Cotton candy- a book that was fluffy and sweet

Becki Albertalli is an author to take note of, especially when it comes to writing fluffy and sweet contemporary. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda is the combination of not the nicest themes, but there's always that positive, sweet spin that Becki puts into the story. Highly recommend for readers.

3. Sunglasses- a dark book

I re-read this series this month and it's such a serious, yet fantastic way of gaining awareness (for so many issues that are discussed in this series). The characters are so complex, the stakes are so high, and it remains to date my favourite series of all time.

4. Picnic on a rainy day- a sad book

You'll speed through this book you won't know what hit you. The struggles these characters go through, just day to day, living with their condition, you'll be in tears from the get go. It's not the best written book I've ever read, but it's got a wonderful premise, and the story to back it up.

5. Sand- a book that irritated you Out of the three books in this trilogy, this was the one that dragged the most, in my opinion. It doesn't even touch how well the other two were written. The only good thing about this book that I will mention is that Still Me, couldn't have happened without this book. It feels like a bridge book, but it was written for a reason.

6. Summer blockbuster- favourite book-to-screen adaptation

The film is amazing: the book is phenomenal. I can't wait to read the next one (when I read all the books on my TBR of course.)

7. Dropped ice-cream- a book you were anticipating, but ended up as disappointing.

I honestly thought that One Day was a standalone. But when I heard that there was a second book, I decided to pick it up. I didn't know what I was expecting, maybe to enjoy it. Not so much. Honestly, I was expecting more.

8. Palm tree- a tall book you loved

When I first heard about the Red Queen series, I was intrigued. A Red- in a world where Silvers rule- with the power to control electricity. This is a series that you will not be able to predict, from the first time you open the book, to the very last page.  I recommend this to fans of Fireblood and the Mistborn trilogy.

9. Bonfire-a book you want to burn

I think I'm going to opt out of this one. Authors work way too have for any of them to have their books burnt.

10. Fireworks- a book that exploded onto the scene

THUG. That book has been on the Book Bestseller for like two years, since it's release date. There's no moving it.

Okay! That was the Quintessential Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and feel free to reply in the comments!

I love summer, despite all the sunburn and the sun, do you?

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx  

The Easter Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it is time for another book tag! Since it is Easter at the moment, I thought it only fitting that I do the Easter Book Tag!
Enjoy!

The Easter Book Tag

1. Rabbits- A book that you wish would multiply- So a book you want a

sequel to (that doesn't have one)!

Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell

After much consideration (frankly, most standalones I read I'm happy with the endings), I think I want to go with Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell. Even though this book ended a way I liked it, I think I'd like to see the characters dealing with the aftermath of what happened in Carry On. And maybe divulge a bit more with magic.

2. Egg- A book that surprised you

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

I think this was one of the biggest surprises I have ever read. I don't know what I was expecting when I bought this, but I am so glad I did! And when I review it, the author was nice enough to contact me about the review! This is the link to the review here.

3. Hunt- A book that was hard for you to get your hands on

Hero of Ages (Mistborn #3), by Brandon Sanderson

Even though it isn't potentially hard to get any book nowadays because of book shops and the internet, I did find it hard finding the last book in the Mistborn trilogy because I found it in a charity shop. I was searching mercilessly for that book for ages because I got the second in the trilogy in a charity shop too.

As for the first one, I will continue to look for that in charity shops, but come September (birthday month), if I haven't found it by then I'll just buy it off the internet or Waterstones.

4. Lambs- A children's book that you still enjoy

Matilda, by Roald Dahl

This was one of my favourite childhood books, and I still love it today because it truly is timeless. It's also one of those books that everyone should read, at least once because truly anyone can enjoy it. And what's more, it's currently on stage in London and is due to tour round the UK next year! It's one of those shows that I desperately want to see and hopefully that wish will be fulfilled next year!

5. Spring- A book with a cover that makes you think of spring

Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson

This one really reminds me more of Summer instead of Spring, but this was the first one that popped into my head, so this is what I'm choosing!

6. Rising from the dead- A book with a deceased author

Little Woman, by Louisa May Alcott

I don't think I have many books with deceased authors but I'm going to pick Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott. This is such a classic, and I'm in tears every time I read it!  

7. Baskets- A book that is in your Amazon cart or on your wish list right now

Perfect (Flawed #2), by Cecelia Ahern

This is at the top of my wishlist at the moment. It is the second and final book in the Flawed duology (I read the first in December- the link for my review is here.) This was released on 6th April, and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up!

8. Candy- A book that is sweet

I'll Give You The Sun, by Jandy Nelson

This book is more than sweet. It is hopeful and beautiful, but the main element is sweet. You cant help but sigh happily at how sweet the dialogue is, and how these characters feel about each-other.

9. Peeps- tag people!

I'm going to tag anyone that wants to do this tag!

Hi! That was my Easter Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and I will see you all on Friday!

Byeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx 

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