Friday 28 December 2018

TBR Jar (2018) Wrap Up & TBR Jar for 2019

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And with limited time before the end of the year, I thought I might squeeze two posts into one (especially as they are relevant to the other.)
Enjoy!


TBR Jar (2018)- How It Went
What I Accomplished
1. 1 Stephen King book- It
2. Graphic Novel/Manga- A Wrinkle In Time
3. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
4. VE Schwab- The Monsters of Verity duology
5. A Shadow Bright and Burning & A Poison Dark and Drowning, by Jessica Cluess- Having read the first book, I'm counting this, and I will carry on with this challenge in 2019.

What I Didn't Accomplish
1. The Dark Artifices trilogy, by Cassandra Clare- I currently own the books in this trilogy (I bought Queen of Air and Darkness literally yesterday) and this is going to be one of the first trilogy's that I pick up in 2019.
2. The Witchlands trilogy, by Susan Dennard- I don't think I'm going to pick this trilogy up any time soon. I have no motivation to delve into this world, meet the characters, and read the story.


TBR Jar for 2019
1. The Dark Artifices, by Cassandra Clare

2. A Poison Dark and Drowning, by Jessica Cluess- I will get to this at some point, if I get to finish the trilogy it'll be fantastic, if not, at least I will still have completed the TBR Jar.

3. 1 Stephen King book- I want to pick up another Stephen King book again this year, because I thoroughly enjoyed IT, and I kind of want to read more Stephen King for some reason. I might pick up Carrie, or Misery. But I want to read more horror, and I feel like Stephen King is the way to start.

4. Book 4 in the Three Dark Crowns series (I think it'll be called Last Dark Queen, but no title is confirmed yet.)- I just finished Two Dark Reigns, and I really enjoyed it. All I know is stuff is going to go down and I need to get my hands on it. So it makes sense to make it one of my TBR Jar Challenges.

5. Skulduggery Pleasant Book 12- This is the concluding book for the second part of the Skulduggery Pleasant series. It comes out in June and after the twist ending of the last book, I cannot wait to see how it all wraps up!

6. Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2), by Laini Taylor- I got this book yesterday with my Waterstones Christmas voucher and I can't wait to read the concluding book to the Strange the Dreamer duology.


Okay! That is my TBR Jar for 2019, and also my wrap up for this year. I appreciate that the description was kind of vague, but it's a long post, and I will get more into detail when I actually read these books!
Right, I hope you have a lovely weekend full of reading, or writing! I will be back on Monday with my 2018 Wrap Up, so make sure you keep your eye out!
Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Monday 24 December 2018

Favourite Books of 2018

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I'm coming at you today with my Favourite Reads of 2018!
Just bear in mind, these are my favourite reads that I read this year, they weren't necessarily released this year.
You can check out all the books that I've read this year on my Goodreads page (or I might write a post about it!)
Enjoy!


1. Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1), by Laini Taylor
This was my first Laini Taylor book that I had read, and because 1) the book was huge and 2) the amazing reviews kept me from picking this book up for the longest time. But of course, because it's on this year's favourite's list, all the hype was absolutely accurate. The language that Laini Taylor uses in her novel is just so beautiful and poetic, you can't help but love her novel, her characters, everything. Muse of Nightmares is going to be one of the first books after Christmas, and I can't wait to pick up the concluding book in this wonderful duology!

2. Fireblood (Frostblood #2), by Elly Blake
This book has to be the surprise of the year. After the first book in the trilogy, I wasn't really expecting much from the following book, because I didn't really know what else I could learn about these characters, and the world. But to be honest, I didn't realise how much I needed to pick up this book until I did. It was the perfect follow on to the first book, because we got to find out more about Ruby, her heritage, and the totally opposite world of the Firebloods. I would go as far to say that this was my favourite book of the trilogy, because it was such an easy book to pick up and become invested in.

3. P.S I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2), by Jenny Han
As much as I enjoyed this trilogy, I think it's this book, out of all three, that I love just that little bit more. The writing was a bit more mature, like you can tell the transition that's been made in terms of language between the first and second books. And what's great about that is that you can tell that Lara Jean has made that transition herself. Also, you get more of a perspective on the side characters, as well as the main ones. Both the events in the first book and the second combine to make this wonderful story full of light-hearted and funny moments that make this book a pleasure to read.

4. The Well of Ascension (Mistborn #2), by Brandon Sanderson
Again, with this trilogy, I loved the entire trilogy, I want to pick up more Brandon Sanderson as soon as humanly possible, but the second one is definitely my favourite out of the three. The world is so immense, so detailed, as are the characters, and the plot is on a whole other level than anything I've ever read (with the exception of IT by Stephen King.) If you are a fan of epic fantasy, then I deplore you to pick this trilogy up.

5. Children of Blood and Bone (Children of Orisha #1), by Tomi Adeyemi
It is no secret that everybody seems to love the first book in this new fantasy series, and I am no exception. I could not put this book down, it was just one of those books that you have no trouble flying through. There was so much that was good in this book, that I couldn't help but love every single chapter. I cannot wait to delve into the next book in the series, and I doubt I'm alone in this. Fast paced, amazing characters, nothing too much or little explained. A phenomenal world. I'm hooked.

Okay! So those are my Favourite Books of 2018! I know there aren't many, but I read so many fantastic books this year that I couldn't pick too many!
What were your favourite reads of the year? Let me know in the comments!

Okay! I hope you have a lovely Christmas, and I will see you all soon!
Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx






Thursday 13 December 2018

12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And it's time for my monthly book tag!
As it's December, I will be doing the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag!
Enjoy!





ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE.
The partridge stands alone in the tree. What is your favourite standalone?
It changes with the genre.
Contemporary: Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell
Fairytale retelling: Heartless, by Marissa Meyer
Historial fiction: The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak
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ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
TWO TURTLE DOVES
Love is in the air, what is your one true pairing?
The one and only Clary/Jace. The things they go through throughout the book series, how can they not be the pairing that springs to mind?
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ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
THREE FRENCH HENS
In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?
This year, the best trilogy I have to have read is the Mistborn trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson. I just love how in depth everything is, particularly the world building.

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ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
FOUR CALLING BIRDS
Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favourite series?
The Noughts and Crosses series, by Malorie Blackman. I've re-read this series a number of times since I came into contact with it 8 years ago.




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ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS
One ring to rule them all! Who is your favourite villain?
I don't actually have a favourite villain, funny enough. There's IT, who is creepy as hell; there's Flora Banks' mother, then there's the undeniable Voldemort.




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(From this point, everything is going to be in bold, because I can't change it back to normal, for some reason.)



ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
SIX GEESE-A-LAYING
Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world/world building?


Other than Mistborn, which I mentioned earlier, the universe of Harry Potter has to be the one.


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ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
SEVEN SWANS-A-SWIMMING
Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one animal sidekick? Who's your favourite animal sidekick?
Animal side-kick? I don't think I've read a book with an animal side-kick! Can anybody recommend one?


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ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING
Milk is so 18th century. Which book series' takes beverages/food to a whole new level?
All that she can see, by Carrie Hope Fletcher
From the point of view of a baker!


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ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
NINE LADIES DANCING
Dancing is just one skill of a lady. Who is your favourite kick-ass lead?
This is one of the older protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. The first kick-ass lead I've ever read, and she remains my favourite to this day.


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ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
TEN LORDS-A-LEAPING
How about your favourite leading lad?
Matt, from the Power of Five series (Anthony Horowitz.)

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ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
ELEVEN PIPES PIPING
What is your favourite book or bookish thing with a musical influence?


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ON THE TWELTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME
12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING
Drum roll please... what is your favourite read of this year?
I think I'm going to have to go with...
Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi.



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I TAG:
Everybody! If you want to do this tag, you can!
It was tones of fun, even though it was a long one, and it had some very interesting questions.




So that's the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you thought in the comments, so we can chat about it!
I hope you have a good day, and I will see you soon.
Byeeeeeee!


-Abi xxxx


Friday 7 December 2018

Pennies In A Hat, an Original Story

Pennies In A Hat

I pull my sunglasses over my eyes, shielding them from the sun. Too bright. Almost sighing  at the almost instant relief they give me, I take a brief look at my watch. Shit, I think noticing how many people there are between me and the corner, 10 minutes to opening. No time to even get a Danish pasty. I almost roll my eyes.  
Dodging past people, I consider making a scene so I don't have to go to work, the banging on the side of my head right now. I start to calculate whether I'd have the space to faint without actually injuring myself, when I hear something faintly, in the distance.
Music, I think, feeling the corners of my mouth turning upwards. I make my way towards the music.

I find myself at the platform, where I go for a deli sometime, though it looks different to usual. Usually there's only one or two people making their way to the various different places to go in London. But now, the platform is full of people, all seemingly crowding round something, which is also where the music is coming from. I head towards where the crowd is gathered.
What do I see? A youngish boy, moving from skateboard, and dancing, being spurred on by the ever-growing crowd. Not what I was expecting.
Glancing at my watch, I hastily make my way to the crowd, hoping for a chance to talk to this boy and introduce myself. But as soon as I get over there, I see there is no way, there's just two many people. Never mind getting a pastry, I'm going to be late.
Looking around for inspiration, I notice a slightly crumpled, blue hat with some change and notes inside. Obviously the boy's takings for the day.
Sighing, I reach down into my sock, grab my handy notebook and pen, scribble "Matt Richardson- Music Producer- 07452618552",slip it into his hat, and head off to work.

* * * * * * * * * * *

My feet are at the ground, trying not to trip. Since when did it get so dark? I can't even see my watch in front of my face. Rocking back and forth, I try to keep my balance. I should have eaten more at lunch, I probably wouldn't feel this light-headed if I had.
Just keep your head up Matt, then you can't fall.
But I did. I didn't even realise I'd fallen until I heard a shout:
"Watch it! I was trying to sleep!" The voice was gruffier than I'd thought it would be, especially as it was coming from the skateboard/dancer from earlier.
"Sorry, sorry, I didn't recognise you! You're that boy from earlier! You were amazing!" I couldn't help but grin, especially as it was the best thing that'd happened all day.
"Thanks mate." His eyes don't make eye contact with mine. Digging his hands into his pocket, he leans down to pick up his one blanket and goes to lie back down on the platform he was dancing on just hours before.

An idea pops into my head. By this point, the boy has already gathered on the floor, ready to brave another night on the street. I go up to him, give him a little nudge with my leg, making sure that he is still conscious.
"Get up. Your staying round mine." I keep walking.
And without another word, he gets up.

* * * * * * * * *
I set the two cups of tea down on the table and glance at my companion. He's had a shower, dried and brushed his hair, and borrowed some of my clothes, so he looks a lot more presentable. But there's still a look in his eyes.
"So..." I stare at him, straight in the face.
"So..." He stares straight back.
I push the mug towards him. "Have some tea." He eyes the tea, but he doesn't drink.
Biting my lip, I say: "So what's your name?"
He remains silent.
"Okay..."My eyes darting around my tiny apartment, I'm trying to hype myself up, to say what I want to say.
Time's up.
"You've got talent." I wait for his response.
"WHAT did you say?"
"You've got talent, and I think you should be signed with an agent." I reach for my mug of tea.
"Are you out of your mind?!" He was staring at the door, thinking of leaving.
He looks me straight in the eye. "I'm fine." And before I can make a move, he's out the door.
Hmmmm... drumming my fingers on the table, I start to think.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Alright mate, see you soon." I hang up the call.
Right on time.
I'm at the platform, watching the kid (whom I still don't know his name) killing it with his skateboarding/break-dancing routine. I just hope he gets here soon.
Here's the plan: I have a friend from high-school who is at a dancing agency. He scouts all over the country, and I have managed to get him over to London. He's due to arrive any minute.
And then, I realise that the boy is staring right at me. I walk a little closer to the crowd.
I see my friend, motion to him. He comes closer. The boy is still staring at me.
"This is him. I don't know his name, but I do know that he is sleeping on the street. What do you think?"
"Wow." And the rest is history.
* * * * * * * * * *
This was two years ago. The boy is now in a troupe of break-dancers, touring round the country at present. When he's not touring, he stays with me, and I am in the process of adopting him, as he is under 18. And his name is Jacob.
As for me, I find I'm a lot happier, having someone else in the house from time to time. It's cool to have someone to talk to.



Okay! Hi guys! I just felt like writing another story, I think my last one was in the last half of October... but I definitely want to make this a more of a regular thing, but only when I'm in the mood, because otherwise it's going to seem like a chore, which is the last thing I want.
Anyway, that is going to do it for this post, let me know what you thought in the comments!
 I hope you have a lovely weekend, and I'll see you on Monday!
Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx