The Book Sacrifice Tag

My return to blogging will remain at just one post a week for the next few weeks, hopefully I'll then be able to write and upload two posts a week when my schedule starts clearing up a lot more than what it is at the moment. So I thought I'd do something quick and simple; a book tag. The Book Sacrifice Tag was created by Ariel Bissett and only consists of 4 questions all based on books you'd sacrifice.


Question One:

An Over-Hyped book - Let's start this off with a Zombie Apocalypse! Let's say you're in a book store, just browsing, when BAM! ZOMBIE ATTACK. An announcement comes over the PA System saying that the military has discovered that the zombies' only weakness is over-hyped books. What book that everyone else says is amazing but you really hated do you start chucking at the zombies knowing that it will count as an over-hyped book and successfully wipe them out?!

Answer:

So for this Question I chose 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before'. At the moment the book is getting even more hype due to the recent movie that's just become available on Netflix but I honestly felt like the book itself was written for Tweens when it was marketed as Young Adult. The writing felt very immature and in fact I stopped reading 50 pages in because the character said the word "Biotch". Biotch was a word made popular by the movie 'Wild Child'. It was popular for a few months, then deceased all together so I had no idea as to why Jenny used it as something Lara would say because it felt so awkward.


Question Two:

A Sequel - Let's say you've just left the salon with a SMASHING new haircut and BOOM: Torrential downpour. What sequel are you willing to use as an umbrella to protect yourself?

Answer:

This book honestly goes down as the worst sequel I have ever read. Literally. I absolutely loved 'The 5th Wave' The setting of the book captured my attention, I loved the world building and the character growth was some of the best I've ever read. It was even one of my favourite books of all time. And then 'The Infinite Sea' released. It was just a mess. Our main characters got pushed to the side for some boring side character who was very 2D. The book was filled with plot hole after plot hole and overall it left a sour enough taste in my mouth that I never went on to reading the last book in the trilogy and I honestly never will pick it up.


Question Three:

A Classic - Let's say you're in a lecture and your English teacher is going on and on about how this classic changed the world, how it revolutionized literature and you get so sick of it that you chuck the classic right at his face because you know what? This classic is stupid and it's worth detention just to show everyone how you feel! What Classic did you chuck?

Answer:

I think every school made you read a classic that you absolutely hated and surprisingly my school was no different. They made us read 'Lord of the Flies' which was quite fitting since I attended an all boys school filled with a bunch of assholes. Now 'Lord of the Flies' was just completely awful in my opinion. The writing was very stiff and I found it didn't flow very well, not only that but the author tried bringing in so many characters that it made it all very confusing - even after seeing the movie; twice. I never understood why the only character who had his head on straight was killed off? Also the ending never made any sense.


Question Four:

Your least favourite book of life! - Let's say that you're hanging out at the library when BAM global warming explodes and the world outside becomes a frozen wasteland. You're trapped and your only chance for survival is to burn a book. What is the book you first run to, your least favourite book of all life, what book do you not fully regret lighting?

Answer:

I think I've made it pretty well known that I absolutely hate 'The Hunger Games'. It's not just for it's lack lustre characters and writing but also for the plot as well. I appreciate that 'The Hunger Games' was a starting base for the Dystopia genre but nothing about this series was entertaining. In the first book everything was slowly paced until the games started, even when the games started it never really picked up a lot. In Book Two I found the beginning to be well paced and then the actual games very slow paced. Book Three was just a big ol' mess. It's a rare occurrence for me to say that the movies are actually better than the books.

Mean Girls Book Tag

Tag created by thebooklife

 

1. "It’s pronounced like Cady” - Which fictional character’s names did you get completely wrong?

Chaol from Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. I'm pretty sure about 80% of the population who read the book pronounced his name wrong, and there is nothing wrong with that, because he will forever be known as Chaol (Pronounced like Kale) in my mind.


2. “She doesn’t even go here!” - Which character would you like to place in a fictional world from another book or series?

I'd love to see Alice (Ali) from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter in the world of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, because Ali kind of reminds me of Cassie, in fact they're a little more alike than they'd probably think. The only difference is that Ali goes with her instincts first.







3. “On Wednesdays we wear pink!” - Repetition. Repetition. Which book gave you dejavu of another book whilst reading it?

 

Lets be honest, Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Jennifer is known for using other series to inspire her own writing, but even without reading Twilight I could see a few similarities between these two. But I will say that I totally loved Obsidian and Onyx, I need to finish the rest of the series!

 

 

4. "You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores." - Which book gave you the complete opposite of girl power feels? 

Katniss Everdeen. Please don't shoot me, I know a lot of you guys love her, but I just don't see how she's fierce and independent. I loved that she was loyal to the ones she loved, but that was it for me, sadly.

 

 

5. “You go Glen Coco!” - Name a character you felt like you wanted to cheer on whilst reading.

 

Kyra from The Taking by Kimberly Derting. From page 1, I was rooting for her, hoping she'd find the answers she so badly needed.

 

 

6. "Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” - How long do you typically spend at a book shop?

 

 

Well, I usually shop online since they're a lot cheaper. However, when I do go to my local book store (which happens to be over 40 minutes away via train) I tend to spend a bit of time in there.

 

 

 

 

7. “It’s not my fault you’re like in love with me or something!” - Which character would have to get out a restraining order on you, if they were real?

 

Hmm, I'm pretty sure I'd have to get a restraining order out on them because one look at me and they'll be obsessed. But, I'd have to say....ALLS OF THE BOYS!!

 

 

8. “I can’t help it that I’m popular.” - Which overhyped book were you cautious about reading?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. Everyone had hyped up the series, which I didn't mind because I loved the idea of the book, but when I started it back in October 2014, I found that I wasn't all too fussed on it. I read 40 pages and gave up. Then in November, I picked it up again and flew through it all and read the 2nd and 3rd book as well. The hype for the series is definitely well deserved! 


9. “She’s a life ruiner. She ruins peoples lives.” - We all love Regina George. Name a villain you couldn’t help but love.

I have quite a few but the one I truly love is Eric from Divergent. He was easily one of the worst characters in the first and second book, but with every scene he was present, my love for him grew. His death was easily the worst.


10. “I’m not like a regular Mom, I’m a cool Mom.” - Your favourite fictional parents. 

Arthur and Molly Weasley. How could anyone not love these parents? They're amazing, in fact I think they should adopt me!


11. “That is so Fetch!” - Which book or series would you love to catch on?

 

The Taking by Kimberly Derting. So far it has 3,000 ratings on Goodreads, but it deserves at it least 10x that.


12. “How do I even begin to explain Regina George?” - Describe your ideal character to read about.

Myself. I'd love to read a character that has an alter ego. Boy by day and Fishy Queen by night.


13. “I just have a lot of feelings.” - What do you do when a book gives you a bad case of ‘the feels'?

Awwwh *hugs oneself*



14. “Nice wig Janice, what’s it made of?” "Your Mom’s chest hair!” - Which characters one liners would you love to claim for your own?

"Taste the rainbows, Bitch!" Which was said by Jamie in the Mara Dyer trilogy.







15. “Boo, you whore.” - Name a time a characters decision has made you roll your eyes

Any decision Tris ever made. The bitch seriously got on my nerves.




If you would like to do the tag then feel free to do so.

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.

 

 

 

Book Tag | Let it Snow

As it's December 1st I have decided that we need to kick the month off with a Christmas book tag. Let it Snow was the perfect one, and it was so quick and easy to write up. Anyway, I hope y'all have an amazing Christmas and I'll see you in 2015 (this is not my last post, lol).


1. What book gets you in the holiday spirit?
I've picked My True Love Gave to Me because it's a bunch of Christmas short stories and that'll get you into to Christmassy mood. Also, despite not having read it, I have won a copy of the book from Goodreads (MyKindaBooks) and I'm excited to start it!







2. It's a blizzard outside and you're snowed in, which character would you want to be stuck inside with?

I've chosen a character that no one else is going to pick: Mara Dyer from The Mara Dyer trilogy by Michelle Hodkin. She's in no way a trust worthy character because she's insane, but I just absolutely love her. She's a quirky character who's completely likeable.






3. You're having a snow fight, which cold hearted character would you aim for first?
He's not a horrible character, but this character got on my nerves so so much. I wanted to punch him whenever he appeared and that's not how I should feel about a character, especially one that was a side character. Aspen may be a guard, but he's so childish. It's a pity he wasn't shot!







4. Which family would you like to spend the holidays with?

Easy. I'd want to spend the holidays at The London Institute with Charlotte Branwell and everyone else. Despite not being a real family by blood, they acted like one and everyone was welcome. Plus I happen to love the 19th century. The clothes, the mannerisms, everything! Also, I want to meet Sophie and Gideon and see them get married.





5. Who would you want to kiss under the mistletoe?

Jase from My Life Next Door. He's my ultimate book boyfriend, so it seems right for me and him to kiss under the Mistletoe. However, if he's not the best kisser than I have a few guys on standby. *Starts counting down on fingers* Ridge from Maybe Someday, Adam from Where She Went and Will from Slammed.





6. Which character was on the Naughty list, but made his/her way on to the nice list?

Warren from Maybe Not (Maybe Someday #1.5) He's always been a great character, but Maybe Not showed a whole new side to him. He was sexy and masculine, almost an alpha male. He just gave me all the good reasons for me to love him......and man does he have patience.






7. You're HOME ALONE, when two burglars come into your house. Which character would you want to help fight them off?

Since I'm not like any of the boys from Home Alone, I will definitely need help in fighting them off. I'd have Tris from Divergent because she is fearless. She's kick ass and even though she's not the most happy of characters, she could shank a bitch if need be. DAUNTLESS FOREVER!




8. The Hallmark channel is having a holiday movie marathon, what book has the cheesiest cover?

Every cover of The Lux Series by Jennifer L Armentrout. These are going to be the UK editions and I just.....msbojsbdkjfnsdjkbjks. They're so cheesy, but I will say this: There is nothing wrong with cheese. Especially Hallmark cheese.

Hallmark film recommendation: A Christmas Kiss, Let it Snow and Where Calls the Heart (It's a TV series, but it's soo good!)


9. Spread the holiday love, who do you tag?

*Grabs mic and sings* And you and you and you!

The Ultimate Book Tag

I saw this tag over at libertyfallsdown. I've been meaning to do a few blog book tags and I thought this one was almost perfect. It'll be fun and simple. Plus I can still sip away at my tea while typing out my answers. I'm drinking PGTips if anyone was wondering. Without further a do....here are the questions.

Questions:

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
 All the time. I'm one of those weird teenagers who feel sick in a car anyway after being in there for more than thirty minutes. The only thing I can do without feeling sick is either fall asleep or sing my heart out, which annoys my family, which is also why I love doing it. But if there was a tablet that could allow me to read without being sick in a car then I would take it.

2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
 I have two authors come to mind: Teri Terry and Susan EE. Teri Terry writes specifically towards a Dystopian world. Her pro's are beautiful, but weird and her characters almost speak like they're prone to feelings. Susan EE has a short sentenced structure to her books. Each sentence could be three words long and you'd still love it. I tend to think it adds more personality to the book.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
You will all hate me, but I've not read the Twilight Saga and I'm only four books in on Harry Potter. As a child I would've loved Harry Potter, but I'm nearing nineteen now and the books aren't really fun. They're very slow. However I also think that I would've loved Twilight back when I was a pre-teen. Vampires are something I've always loved. I'll have to read them one day.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is in it (besides books…)?
Nope. I never had time to spare in school, so what would be the point. Plus I'm OCD when it comes to my books. If a book gets damaged I have a rant and then buy a new copy.

5. Do you smell your books?
One hundred percent. But not before spraying my Lady Gaga perfume on them.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?
 I'm not bothered about it. A little illustrations can be cute, but I prefer books to only have illustrations on the beginning chapters. I don't want to be distracted from reading by a few drawn pictures.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?
 I don't actually know. I only got into reading a little over a year ago, but if I find that book then I'll let y'all know.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
 I remember smacking someone in the face at a school book fair because they were about to get the last book on the shelf that I wanted. But it turned out that they had more in their cart. I was shouted at, but I wasn't bothered. I got the book!

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Probably Blood Brothers or Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo. I always thought Private Peaceful was quite a big book when I was twelve. When I saw it after five years I was merely shocked.

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

City of Heavenly Fire. It's 733 pages long. But I do have A Game of Thrones in my wardrobe because it makes my bookshelf look a mess.

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
Yes and it is my dream. I write New Adult fiction with characters set in College or University. But I'm also hoping to start writing some Dystopian very soon. You can follow my writing on my Wattpad account: FabulousDoll

12. When did you get into reading?
 I loved reading as a child, but gave up when I was about eleven. I started back reading last year and I've been addicted ever since. I'm annoyed that I gave something up that is now quite a big part of my life.

13. What is your favorite classic book?
 I've only read a few, but Of Mice and Men. I also love Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I hope to one day get a tattoo inspired by it. The 2010 remake of the film is also very good.

14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
 Not at first. I was always told that my story writing sucked, but I kept at it. When I was in year 10 my writing started to improve and I passed my GCSE's with flying colours. I was predicted an E, I had a B. I also enjoyed Art in school as well as Welsh and History.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?
 If they gave me the receipt then I'd take it back, but if not then I'd donate it to charity or my local library.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
 I'm not really sure. Most Dystopia get published saying that they'll be the next Hunger Games and it annoys me, but my favourite Dystopian would have to be Divergent, which is very similar. I'd also go with Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman. As for Harry potter? I have none. But just check out anything by Cassandra Clare, she's amazing!

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while blogging?
 I don't think I have any apart from lip syncing when I'm out walking.

18. What is your favorite word?
 LUSH (It's a Welsh thing.)

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
I'm not any of them. I'm more of a sassy confident bitch. I do have a nerdy side when it comes to writing books, reading and quiz shows though.

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
I'm undecided. I've only read a few books with vampires in and I enjoyed them, but I've never read a book with Fairies (Faes). I think I'll like both though.

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
 If they're human killing Angels then absolutely yes!

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
 DARN! I love Ghosts. Its my dream to go on a Ghost Tour and I've had experiences with the dead. But I like Werewolves too.

23. Zombies or Vampires?
If they're the Zombies from Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter then one hundred percent yes. If not then, no.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love
 It depends. If they can pull off a love triangle like Cassandra Clare then continue with it, but if not then I'd prefer them to stop writing them. However, I love a good forbidden love story.

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Once again it depends. If it's a Dystopian or Epic Fantasy then I want action-packed/romance. If it's a contemporary or New Adult then romance.

Feel free to have a go at this tag. I thought it was a fun one to do and I am definitely going to be doing another tag soon. Maybe I'll make it a once every two weeks thing. But...yeah. I had fun.