Books 41-50 of 2016

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And today I'm breaking the pattern of late posts, because I actually feel enthusiastic about this one!
At one point this year, it actually seemed like I wouldn't get to do this post this year, because it ties in with my yearly reading goal for Goodreads.
So everybody, here's my post looking over the past ten books I've read recently!

Books 41-50 of 2016

41. Cold Spell (Fairytale Retellings #4), by Jackson Pearce

This was an amazing conclusion to an already incredible series, in my opinion. You heard about some other characters in earlier books, and you met yet more Reynolds children (that's not a bad thing, believe me, I have book crushes on all the male Reynolds family- that were my age in the book), It was as action packed as the rest of them, and the description and world building was on point as well. Highly recommend the whole series.

42. Nerve, by Jeanne Ryan

This book was so quick paced, that I read it in near enough one sitting (two sittings, one day). The characters could have been a bit more developed, because they were a bit cliché, but it got your heart beating, the way the plot went (the way the game got the biggest introvert to do the most terrifying things imaginable) it was easy to put yourself into the Protagonist's shoes, and that's part of what made the whole book so good. Let's just say that it was easy to see why they made it into a film.

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

Did I tell you that Chris Russell actually replied to my review on Twitter for this? I have to say, I was so surprised and happy when I say his message! :D. But this has to be one of my favourite this year, definitely. This is the story of a shy and introverted photographer that gets the chance to take some photos for the biggest band around, when some of the members went to the school that the protagonist goes to now (they left to join the band). I can't say anymore, because it would ruin the story, but I really loved the story, the characters, and especially the writing. It didn't feel like a story, it felt real, that's how good it is. Totally and completely recommend.

44. House Rules, by Jodi Picoult

This book was kind of meh. I did enjoy it, a fair amount actually, but I didn't go "Wow! This book is amazing!" And fly through it. It had a fair amount of information about aspergers, so it was part information, part plot and characters. The different perspectives, as usual with Jodi Picoult, gave me the opportunity to see what other characters saw, and I was able to piece together some things, but you can't predict everything, and you will never be bored reading this book. I recommend if you're up for reading a 500 page book (depending on what format).

45. Legend (Legend #1), by Marie Lu

46. Prodigy (Legend #2), by Marie Lu

47. Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu

I loved this entire trilogy, full details on the side of the page (the links to all the reviews are also on Post Pandemonium (2016), see my full thoughts and feelings on there).

48. Flawed (Flawed #1), by Cecelia Ahern

Again, one of my favourite books this year. This book was for my TBR Jar Challenge, and the finale for this duology comes out on the 30th March, if anyone is interested. What stood out most of this book was that the society that I saw in this book was a big part in the plot. Of course, everything else was absolutely amazing, and I wish everybody would read this trilogy, so we can talk about it. This story is about a girl, where one decision marks her flawed. And trust me, in this world, it is a horrific thing. Just read it, and my review will be up on Monday. Promise.

49. Paper Towns, by John Green

Now, you all know this book, because a film company made it into a film earlier this year. So after a poll revealed this to be the most popular out of the choices, I read it. And it was an easy read. It was short, not a time commitment, with characters that, I didn't actually hate. They were quirky and fun, and they didn't try to be anything other than what they are. The story was fun and interesting, and I enjoyed the story. I gave it 3.5 stars.

Now, you may be thinking that there's one book left. But that book is

The Call, by Paedar O Guilin

For some reason, I forgot to add this book to Goodreads whilst reading it. And so, I don't know what date I finished it. I know it was vaguely around the end of September, but that's because It's the last book on my September Wrap Up. As for what I thought about it, my review is in the same place as the Legend trilogy, on Post Pandemonium, and you can find my review over there, if your interested in my thoughts and feelings on this book.

So those are Books 41-50 of 2016! This will probably be the last one of these I do this year, as I doubt I'll be able to read another ten before the year is out! But I hope you enjoyed the post, and I will see you all on Monday, when I will be posting my review of Flawed, by Cecelia Ahern!

Have a wonderful day, and I will see you all then!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Books and Music

Hey guys! This is Abi here,
And...
I'll be honest, I was a bit stuck on what to post today.
But finally, I decided to start a discussion on what sort of an impact music has on your reading (or writing) experience.
Because, I think most people use music to either read or write, to be honest (and if you are the exception, then sorry).
I'm even listening to music now, when I'm writing this post!
So sit back, turn on some music, put your headphones on, and enjoy this post!

Books and Music

Music is everywhere. There's no point denying it. Music plays a part in all of our lives. We can love music, or hate it, and we all have our different tastes (mine ranges from Disney soundtrack and musicals, to punk metal).

But the point is that most readers do use music to get into the story, as well as writers. For writers, you can listen to a certain song because they're trying to portray a certain emotion in their writing. It's a way to create writing that the reader can relate to.

(At least, that's what I try to do).

When I'm reading, I turn the music down, so I can concentrate on the words, and it helps me block out the rest of the world, so I can focus on the book.

People even listen to music when they are working on essays, and they want to type fast.

But listening to music that you don't know too well, might be lethal, so be sure to know the music inside out so it doesn't distract you, instead of helping you focus.

Everyone has their own playlist that they listen to to get their work done.

But whether you listen to music or not does depend on the person, and whether they are able to concentrate whilst listening to music, even though it can have a massive impact. You subconsciously read to the speed of the music, and you can read a mile a minute (trust me, this happens). And you take the story in at same time.

Of course, whether you read or write with music is your own choice, but honestly, I think writing and reading with music is great!

But overall, music in general is great, whenever we listen to it. It can inspire, motivate, or act as a block when you want to ignore someone (being the introvert I am, I use this rather a lot! :D)

So that was my music and books post, sorry it was rather short, but I should do a rather long one within the next couple of days (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them review should be up next, so stay alert for that, because it will be long!)

So I will see you all soon! I hope you have an amazing day, especially as Christmas is on Sunday!

Byeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu

Hey guys, this is Abi here,
And I think I've left you waiting long enough: Here is my review for the concluding book in the Legend trilogy: Champion!
Enjoy!

Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu

Title: Champion

Author: Marie Lu

Genre: Sci-fi, dystopian, romance

Release date: 5th November, 2013

Pages: 353

Blurb: " HE IS A LEGEND.

SHE IS A PRODIGY.

THEY THOUGHT THEIR

CONUTRY WAS ON THE

BRINK OF A PEACEFUL

EXISTENCE.

But a plague outbreak deadlier than any other

has arisen and war threatens.

June is the only one who can save her country, but

Day would lose everything he has as a consequence.

WHO WILL BE CHAMPION?"

My Thoughts

This book- OMG, it didn't take me long at all to read this! It took me, I think, 5 or so hours to read- that was spread out over three days (I only read this book on the bus), but even so, it didn't take me long at all to read it, because I flew through it!

From the first page, all the way through, I didn't know what was up, this book had me on that much of a rollercoaster about what was happening!

The second book in the trilogy was the perfect book to set the foundation for this amazing conclusion to the trilogy, which I really liked. But because of that foundation that Prodigy provided, it meant that the entire book was just... jam packed, really!

But seriously, I think this was the best out of all three. And if you agree, comment below!

The start of this book starts maybe a month after Prodigy ended, and in that time some themes that we got introduced to at the end of the last book have escaladed a great deal (I'm not going to divulge more information than that, but those that have read Champion know what I'm talking about) and the time jump is lethal for one character in particular *sigh*.

But anyway, on to the review.

This book kept me hooked from start to finish, I swear! You were given just enough information to be captivated, and the description was so clear and easy to picture (it was also incredibly original) that you were right there in the thick of things, with the characters.

Also, I was both excited to see the end of this book, but also dreading how this trilogy was going to end, to be honest. And this book delivered with the end. I was actually sobbing at some parts (it takes a lot to make me cry in a book).

Now, the characters. There weren't any new characters introduced, but the characters we already knew (and had formed a connection to, I might say) were being destroyed enough for us. (Particularly one character- I was legitimately sobbing by the end of the book regarding this character).

These characters- you were just right along with them the whole time. You saw them die, suffer, and cry. And you were right along with them.

This book was just a whole bunch of misery and heartbreak, which is both good and bad. It's good, because, the book wouldn't be interesting if people aren't suffering; it's also bad, because... well they we're suffering.

Now, THE ENDING. I was happy with it, but I was also in tears, BECAUSE IT WAS SO TRAGIC AND WHAT IF? My heart was breaking. Honestly.

I was just left saying, WHAT?

But I did like the ending. Kind of. If you read the book, you'll get it. I hope.

So overall, I've really enjoyed this trilogy. It was tragic, heart-breaking, action packed, and fast paced. It truly contained everything, and I am very glad that I read it. If you have read this trilogy, please feel free to comment what you thought of it, and we can chat about it!

So that was my review of Champion, the final book in the Legend trilogy! I hope you enjoyed it! I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you all soon!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx