The 'Where Have I Been?' Book Haul

I'm finally on the last post of the week so I thought I would treat you guys with a book haul showcasing some of the books I've recently acquired, whether it be for review or ones I bought myself. Now if you do have any thoughts on the books I've recently gotten then please leave a comment but no spoilers, I beg you.

 

REVIEW COPIES

 

 

So over the last few weeks I've not been accepting as many books for review, mainly because I know I'm not going to have the time to read and review them in the time span that publishers or authors want. However, when I get the option to receive some books I've been anticipating then I will accept.

 

Because You Love to Hate Me edited by Ameriie is a YA Anthology where 13 authors pair up with 13 Booktubers to create a short story based around the Villains we love to hate. Now this book doesn't come out until July but Bloomsbury were nice enough to send me a signed sampler of the book.

 

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray has been on my wishlist since I found out about it and while this UK cover doesn't have the same appeal as the US edition I'm still super pumped to read what's on the inside. Hot Key Books were super lovely in sending this to me and I cannot wait to step into space and take a short vacation.

 

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer was sent to me by the ever so lovely Bloomsbury. Honestly Bloomsbury never fail to supply me with incredible books and I'm super excited to getting around to reading this one. I've heard it's a real tear jerker with a lot of home truths.

 

Release by Patrick Ness was sent to me by Walker Books UK the day it released in the UK and I'm so intrigued by this one. Essentially I thought it was just a coming out story within a religious household but the story also contains chapters from the ghost of the girl who's recently passed away. It holds this appeal and my friends have whispered nothing but high praise for this one.

 

 

 

BOOKS I BOUGHT THAT LEFT ME A POOR MAN

 

 

Lately I've been treating myself to US hardcovers because they're so pretty and also smaller than a standard UK hardcover. Plus the UK hardcovers normally end up with a demented spine because they're bound so tightly. One of these books was bought when I went to Liverpool for the day and partied the night away with RuPauls Drag Race Ambassador, The Vivienne.

 

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh ended up on my anticipated list after I read - and fell in love with - her debut novel The Wrath & The Dawn. It was beautifully written with such lyrical prose'. I just knew I had to have more of her writing so I instantly pre-ordered it. Flame in the Mist has been described as 47 Ronin meets Mulan and I am so ready for that.

 

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines is actually one of my all time favourite YA Contemporary books, so I instantly needed to treat myself to the hardback copy. In fact I have the hardback copy of book 2 on it's way to me as well since the covers are so ascetically pleasing. It's a book that really hits home and also shouts out about controlling relationships. Abbi Glines can never do anything wrong for me.

 

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson really spoke to me when I was up Liverpool and shopped their Waterstones. Following the story of an unexpectedly pregnant sixteen year old Mary B Addison who's in jail because she murdered a 3 month old baby when she was 9. Allegedly. Need I say more about this one.

 

 

 

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli shouldn't have really been in here. In fact I wasn't going to pick it up until a friend of mine reviewed it and said that it was one of the best contemporaries she's read in years. And that was saying something as said friend isn't the biggest contemporary fan. Now it does sound like there's the possibility of a love triangle, which I'm not too fussed on but the synopsis had me gushing.

 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han was the book I got half price when I purchased The Upside of Unrequited. I've not even started book one in this trilogy but I do now own all three books which means I can do some serious marathoning over the summer. I'm expecting meet-cute romance and a lot of drama.

 

Contagion by Teri Terry was a lovely surprise I found in my local WHSmiths as the book isn't actually out until later in the month so I'm so grateful that WHSmiths had it out super early for me to add to my Teri Terry collection. One girl missing. Two people out to find her. An epidemic that's sweeping the country. Why would I need anything else in my life?

 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas is officially a book that intimidates me. I've not even started ACOMAF yet but seeing the size of this beauty has me scared. I'm sure my feelings are not prepared for the awesomeness that will ensue.

 

 

September Book Haul

This month I really contained myself on the amount of books I bought due to so many anticipated releases coming out in October (I know it's October now but this was written in September). I'm hoping not to go overboard with how many I purchase in October, but who knows?

I only received 3 books to review from publishers this month, so I'm really happy with that. I'm always so grateful on whatever I receive, so thank you guys!

 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick // Buy the book (Waterstones) PS, The UK edition comes out in January 2016

 

 

The Light That get's Lost by Natasha Carthew // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

 

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs // Buy the book (Waterstones)

I also bought these books this month. I've already read all but one, so that's really positive. I didn't pay full price for them all as I got some for 20% off.

 

The Enemy by Charlie Higson // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

The Selection Stories by Kiera Cass //

 

 

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige // Buy the Book (Waterstones)

 

 

HIM by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy // Buy the Book (Amazon)

 

 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy // Buy the Book (Amazon)

 

 

 

So what books have you bought/received recently?

Let me know in the comments.

August Book Haul

This month has been a little crazy for books. I've bought a lot, received a lot and the outcome for the month was...A WHOLE SHITTING LOT! I thought I had gotten about 10 books but after counting I actually got 15. It's a little crazy, so hopefully I can cut down in the next few months.

I received all these books from the publishers for a honest review, that is exactly what you guys will get after I've read them. I know I included What We Left behind in the last haul, so just ignore that. I forgot I had included it in the Random Book Haul post.

Tempting the Best Man by Jennifer L Armentrout // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Mosquitoland by David Arnold // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

Reawakened by Colleen Houck // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between by Jennifer E Smith // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

I unexpectedly received a copy of GEORGE from Scholastic. They are the bomb.com.org.co.uk. GEORGE is a middle grade novel about a 4th grade transgender.

 

George by Alex Gino // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

I then went on an extreme Abbi Glines purchase and don't regret a single second. One More Chance was shown in my last book haul post as well, but I've been so down lately that I forgot.

 

One More Chance by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

You Were Mine by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

When You're Back by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

I am luckily enough to be apart of a very special Rainbow Rowell group, the lovely Kat McKenna from MyKindaBook sent me a signed copy of Fangirl. THANK YOU KAT! YOU ROCK!

 

Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Landline by Rainbow Rowell // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Exclusive edition of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell // Buy the book (WHSmiths)

 

 

 

 

 

So what books have you bought/received recently?

Let me know in the comments.

 

 

A Random Book Haul

So, like many others I do like buying books. In fact I've bought quite a few over the past few months, however, I've decided to just show you guys to books I have bought and received from publishers recently. Ps, I would just like to say a massive THANK YOU to all the publishers that sent me books to review. I am forever grateful and so happy that you accepted me to be on your blogger's list.

 

 

These 4 books I received from the publishers to review. All of these books have been on my radar and I am super excited to read them (As of this time, Until Friday Night has already been read and the review written up).

 

All of the Above by James Dawson // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley // Pre-order the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

I bought all 3 books. I've been currently reading the Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines and it is so addicting, although the 7th and 8th book weren't all that good. Katie McGarry's newest release was also a must buy!

 

Take a Chance by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

One More Chance by Abbi Glines // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry // Buy the book (Waterstones)

 

 

 

This is my first ever Graphic Novel and I bought it all because of my friend Beth aka thebookishbunny. She's fabulous, so definitely check out her blog.

 

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson // Buy the Graphic Novel (Waterstones)

 

 

 

 

So what books have you bought/received recently?

Let me know in the comments.



An Ember in the Ashes - #FantasyIRL Tag!

So today I received my ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of An Embers in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir from Harper Voyager UK. And inside the parcel were 4 post cards with questions on that us Bloggers and Booktubers had a choice to answer. Like any warrior, I accepted!

CARD ONE

POWER. There are plenty of examples of abuse of power around the world and in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, the impact of power both on the powerful and the powerless is key.

We all feel powerless sometimes. Have you ever fought against someone in a powerful position and stood up for yourself - if so, how did you do it?

Answer - I think everyone has been in a situation where we feel powerless and I am no different. I used to get bullied a lot in school, I always felt like I had no power because they made me feel weak, worthless. But I fought back in a way that was least expected. I didn't punch them in the face or tell a teacher, instead I continued going to school as myself. Over time they noticed that whatever they were to say wasn't going to affect me and left me alone.

CARD TWO

It's easy to let fear CONTROL your actions - it governs Laia's decisions from the outset in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. And in reality, the pressures of modern life can be just as difficult to navigate.

We all have moment where we feel out of control of our own lives. What helps you regain control?

Answer - Everyone has suffered some form of loss of control, but I'm very patient and laid back. I stick to what I believe in because that's my opinion and it's not going to change. However, I do get stressed a lot when I lose control and only ASMR Videos can help with that.

CARD THREE

The burden of DESTINY is discussed throughout AN EMBER IN THE ASHES. Regardless of whether you believe in destiny or not, modern life generates its own expectations and pressures - whether from yourself, or your surroundings.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason and your destiny is laid out for you? What do you think you can do to change your own destiny?

Answer - We control out own destiny's, but don't be surprised if something unexpected pops up now and then, because it can be a change we either want or need.

CARD FOUR

Elias struggles with the motion of FREEDOM in AN EMBER IN THE ASHES - he desperately wants to make his own decisions, as we often do in reality.

Modern life often means doing things we don't want to do (as in fantasy). What do you do to keep yourself feeling positive during a difficult day?

Answer - I honestly don't. Sometimes I take a deep breath, hold it in for 10 and slowly release it. Or I write down how I feel on a piece of paper, read it over and then burn it, letting it free into the world.

NOW FOR A SURPRISE!



Because I am taking part in this tag, Harper Voyager are letting me pick 2 people to win an ARC copy of An Ember in the Ashes. All you have to do is answer the question in the comments below and I will pick a winner 7 days after this post goes live! Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour. (Giveaway is UK only!)

What is your most anticipated release of 2015 and why?


My review of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES will go live on Monday 1st June.

 

 

 

April Book Haul

This month I promised myself I wouldn't buy so many books. However, that did not happen. I found some great deals, so that's a bonus, but still, I need to calm down. Well, after May I will.

All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher // Waterstones // £6.49

 

All I Know Now is a non-fiction book about teenage life and the mistake Carrie made and how she learned from them. I've only read through Act 1, but I already love it! It's filled with insightful advice and Harry Potter references.

 

 

The Coincidence Series & The Breaking Nova Series by Jessica Sorensen // Book Depository and Amazon // £15

 

Jessica Sorensen writes incredibly dark New Adult books and The Coincidence Series is now different. It follows two main characters who have broken souls, but only seem to feel fixable when they're with each other. I'm currently reading the second book, and am loving it!

 

 

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens & Crash by Nicole Williams // Book Depository and Amazon // £9

 

Crash is described as a YA novel, but I've heard incredible things about it, and it was so cheap for a US edition. I picked up Thoughtless for £3.14 from Amazon and I cannot wait to read it soon. Apparently it features a person cheating on their partner, so I am a little weary.

 

 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas & The Last Summer of Us by Maggie Harcourt // Waterstones and Book Depository // £11.50

 

I received both of these books early. I've already read ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas and loved it, so I had to order a finished copy. My friend, Sarah reviewed The Last Summer of Us and loved it. It's about three friends who take a road trip through Wales (Which is where I live).

 

 

Alienated by Melissa Landers // Wordery via Amazon // £5.80

 

Alienated finally came out in Paperback and I couldn't resist it. Apparently it's quite similar to the TV (which is now cancelled) Starcrossed. The main character has to host an Alien, but finds out that he's keeping a secret that could destroy both worlds.

 

 

REVIEW BOOKS

 

 

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman & Skin by Ilka Tampke // Headline and Hodder & Stoughton // Sent for a honest review

 

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke is the sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog, which was released last year and I loved it! I'm so excited to continue on. I'm not sure what Skin is about since I received it unsolicited. The synopsis sounds...unique.

 

 

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon, Awake by Natasha Preston & The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak // Netgalley // E-ARC's

 

I've already read Everything, Everything and I loved it. My review should be up pretty soon. Natasha Preston is actually a friend of mine, so when I saw this up on the site I had to request. It reminds me a little of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, which is such an incredible series! The Heartbreakers sounds like a quick, cheesy read and I wanted to have some of that!

 

 

 

These are all I got this month.

What did you buy?

 

Buy the books (Waterstones) // Buy the books (Book Depository) // Buy the Books (Amazon)