My Favourite Books of 2016

We're 11 days into 2017 and I know I'm posting late but a Bitch has been working Eleven hour shifts and doing Four days straight leaving me no time to actually get things written up and planned out. Hopefully 2017 is the year I'll finally manage time to produce some great posts for you guys. To myself it seems rather fitting that my first post of the year is all about the books I truly loved in 2016. Did I think 2016 was a great year for books? Nope, absolutely not. However, I did read a few books that instantly became a favourite of mine and I feel like you guys deserve to know about them.


THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR BY NICOLA YOON

I had read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon before it first came out as an e-Arc and really enjoyed it: the writing was beautiful and the characters lively, so I knew what to expect going into The Sun is Also A Star. Except I didn't. I never knew that one book could break my heart into a tiny pieces. I never knew how much of an affect on me it'd truly have until I read the last sentence of the book. I never knew just how powerful words truly were until I experienced the lives of Natasha and Daniel and the people all around them. It made me question society and how we live life. How we choose to live life not really thinking about how our actions can affect someone else. The Sun is Also A Star was an experience to read and I enjoyed every second of it.



THE ROSE SOCIETY & THE MIDNIGHT STAR BY MARIE LU


I had hesitantly read The Young Elites back in 2015 and ended up staying up until 2am to finish reading it, then I put off reading The Rose Society that same year because I wasn't sure if it could live up to the expectations I had built up. It did. In fact it blew all expectations out of the park and then got even better in the last instalment of the series, The Midnight Star. Marie Lu went darker, darker, darker with this series creating twists and turns that no one could have expected. The Rose Society gave us new characters, new loves and a whole lot of messed up and it all came to a beautiful conclusion. Adelina's story was a brave one and I'm so happy I gave it a chance. The fact that Adelina is an Antagonist may put people off it but she's a character with heart. Plus we all love to hate a Villain.


BAD FOR YOU BY ABBI GLINES

I never went into Bad For You expecting anything more than smutty romance and sweet filthy sex, however, Abbi Glines threw a curveball and wrote something so special and empowering. The characters learn so many life lessons during their story and seeing them tackle them on their own and as a couple was something that I feel like so man
y New Adult books leave out. Honestly? I should have been reading Because of Low since I had only read the first book in this series but Krit and Blythe's story captured my attention to the point where 'I'll just read a few pages' turned into me reading the whole book.




THE WRATH & THE DAWN BY RENEE AHDIEH

I finally gave into the hype of Renee Ahdieh and her writing and it was so worth it. The Wrath & the Dawn is simply stunning with such vivid characters that just have mundane problems. Essentially I thought the story would have a lot more of a fantasy element to it, however, it had enough in there to satisfy my needs. I lived and breathed the novel the entire time I read it. When I was in work my mind was going to when I could go on my break or lunch so I could read a chapter more of the story I was becoming to love. Even when I was sleeping I was thinking about the book: I was dreaming that Khlaid actually had an older brother who was gay but because of society's opinions he was in hiding. I was a servant in the story and fell in love with Jaaeh. Of course it was just a dream and no such brother actually exists but I was so inspired that I imagined so many novellas following different characters in this series.



What were some of your favourite books of 2016?
Let me know!

My Favourite Books of 2016 (So Far)

So the year of 2016 has been a decent year of good books for myself. However, that is mainly due to the fact that I've been reading very little this year. Starting a new job and working over 40 hours a week does that but that doesn't mean I haven't read any good books. In fact I think I've read quite a few really outstanding books. So today I'm going to be highlighting my top 5 books of 2016 (so far). But the list is likely to change with a few books coming out over the next few months that I'm sure will change my life.

1. The Rose Society by Marie Lu (The Young Elites #2)

The Rose Society is without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far, and I cannot wait until the third book comes out in September. If you've not read The Young Elites by Marie Lu then I highly recommend that you pick yourself up a copy because you are missing out on something special and unique. The series has dark action to boot and sizzling romantic chemistry. I love everything about this series.


2. Bad For You by Abbi Glines (Sea Breeze #7)

I'm going to be honest with everyone and say that I've not read all the books in this series but Bad For You is so preciously good. I love the relationship dynamic between Krit and Blythe - her innocence and his addictive personality. Abbi Glines doesn't just deliver on sexiness but she delivers on every emotional level as well. I could forever read about this couple.


3. The Best Goodbye by Abbi Glines (Rosemary Beach #13)

I've been reading this series like it's the most precious chocolate in the world and I'm sad to see that it's officially over. Captain and Addy's story is so emotional and heart-breaking and it was so great seeing the past and present interactions. Captain's loyalty through the book is unquestionable and I love the fact that Abbi delivered so much drama with this one.


4. The Crown by Kiera Cass (The Selection #5)

I was honestly so disappointed by 'The Heir'. Eadlyn just wasn't a character I liked to follow, she was just too naïve and immature. But she really proved herself in The Crown. Her character development flourished and I'm so happy with her Selection pick. He was worthy of her as much as she was worthy of him. It's a bittersweet ending to the series, I just wish it hadn't ended.


5. Us by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy (Him #2)

I couldn't get over the perfection that was Him. I loved the relationship build up of Jamie and Wes, seeing their transition from friends to boyfriends. They're a couple so perfect. Us wasn't as good as Him but I immensely enjoyed it. Blake is now one of my all time favourite male characters. Ever!




What have been your favourite books of the year so far?
Let me know in the comments!

Review: The Rose Society by Marie Lu

Title: The Rose Society
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Penguin Books UK
Published: October 15th 2015
Page Number: 448
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Adelina Amouteru's heart is set on revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her.

But Adelina is no heroine. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends at the Dagger Society want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

 

REVIEW

 

At this point of time what I'd most like to do is buy unlimited copies of this book and The Young Elites and hand them out to every person that passes me on the street, because the world is seriously missing out on one of the best YA series I have ever read.

 

After The Young Elites, I wasn't so sure if Marie Lu could get any darker but she certainly did. Adelina is without a doubt one of the most darkest character's you'll ever read in any book, give or take. Her powers know no boundaries and I'm actually scared to see where Marie will take them in the final book of the series, The Midnight Star. I'm honestly not prepared and I don't think I ever will be.

 

With one of my favourite character's being killed off in the Young Elites, I wasn't prepared to let Adelina back into my heart. But I couldn't not let her in, if you get what I mean. She may be an antagonist but it's impossible to not love her. She captures you attention full span and never lets go, you need to know what she's going to do next. You're anticipating it. But I didn't just fall in love with Adelina during this book, I'm pretty sure I grew in love with every darn character. And yes, that does mean Teren as well.

 

One of the new characters, Magiano really helps take the storyline to new places. The Rose Society is dark action to it's maximum capacity with sizzling romantic tension and a shit ton of OTP's to boot. There's just something about Marie Lu's world building and writing that keeps me reading. And just like The Young Elites, I ended up reading this book late way into the night.

 

I regret nothing. And neither will you if you pick this series up. Honestly do yourself a favour.

 

 

Buy the book (Wordery) | Buy the Book (Book Depository)

 

 

 

🎧: Just Like Fire by P!nk

 

 

 

Monthly Reading Wrap Up | July 2015

July has been a very good reading month for me so far. I've had a few days off from reading just to watch my TV Shows and Movies, I've also taken a few days off due to suffering with a severe headache that made me lose concentration. However, I have found 2 of my favourite books of the year this month, which is a massive bonus.

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines - 4 Stars

This was an incredibly quick, cute, steamy read. The characters were great, Blaire really had me rooting for her and I was pleasantly surprised by what happened, drama or not!

Never Too Far by Abbi Glines - 4 Stars

Never Too Far was a good sequel, but I did sometimes get a little bored. However, Abbi Glines does write great romance. So swoon worthy!

The Young Elites by Marie Lu - 5 Stars

Okay. This book was freaking epic! Adelina is a character that despite being an antagonist you completely root for her. She's twisted, dark and creepy, yet one fierce bitch! I honestly could not believe all those droppings of plot twists, left, right and centre. Too good. TOO GOOD!

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider - 3.5 Stars

This book started off so well. I was hooked! The characters were great, relatable and completely lovable, however, things started to go down hill after 250 pages. It became a little predictable and the romance moved a little too quickly for my liking.

One by Sarah Crossan - 5 Stars

Oh, how beautiful this book was. A book written in verse about conjoined twins. So beautiful, so poetic. It was heart-breaking, yet inspirational. A truly phenomenal story or family, love and loss. I always find myself wanting to go back and re-read it.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz - 4 Stars

A LGBT book that I can completely recommend. It follows to Mexican characters in the 1980's, who befriend each other and find out the secrets of the universe. It's intelligently written with wit and drama. I simply adored it!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - 2 Stars / DNF'd

The Prologue and Chapter 1 were great, but everything fell flat from there. If you like slow moving stories then you may like it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Remix by Non Pratt - 2 Stars

I didn't like this book at all! The characters were generic, childish and acted like spoilt brats. The book, despite being set in a music festival included hardly any music. It was more 98% getting drunk and having sex & 2% music. Also everyone likes to cheat on each other.

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren - 3 Stars

This story had me split. Some chapters I LOVED, but others I HATED! The 2 authors have completely different writing tenses and it all became mumbo jumbo. It's Generic New Adult at its slightly average taste.




What books did you read this month?
Let me know in the comments.

Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Penguin UK
Published: February 5th 2015
Page Number: 368
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever, marked by a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Branded as a Malfetto - an abomination - she is cast out from all she has ever known and loved.

Adelina finds sanctuary with other Malfettos and discovers that the disease has left her with more than just a scar - she has a mysterious and powerful gift.

She is a Young Elite.

But Adelina's ability is stronger than any Young Elite before her. And unless she can control the vengeful darkness growing in her heart Adelina could be a danger to them all.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

 

REVIEW

 

 

This book could have easily been a dislike for me, since I wasn't a big fan of Marie Lu's debut novel, Legend. However, The Young Elites ended up becoming not only my second favourite book of the year, but also my all time favourite Fantasy novel.

I've always mentioned that I'm not the biggest fans of protagonists who are hero's. And one of the reasons that attracted me to The Young Elites was the fact that Adelina isn't a protagonist, but an antagonist. She's a good character who's powers come from darkness.

Marie Lu's writing has always captured my attention. It's not like any other authors I've read, it's beautiful and poetic, completely engaging and enthralling; something you can't take your eyes off even for a split second. And if I am being honest, I weren't one hundred percent sure it was going to work for The Young Elites, but it completely did. The time setting mixed with the characters and the city they lived in was enhanced by Marie's writing. I wasn't reading a book, I was reading a book and watching a movie at the exact same time.

The characters were fresh and exciting, completely compelling. Adelina was dark, twisted and creepy, but there was also this side to her that wanted everyone to like her. She wanted to be properly liked for the first time by people who didn't see her scar as something to fear.

“No one wants you to be yourself. They want you to be the version of yourself that they like.”

 

The book also followed two other characters that played a huge part in the novel: Raffaele and Teren. Teren is the hypocritical enemy, who everyone wants dead. He's vicious and will do anything to end the lives of all Malfetto's. And honestly? I LOVED his character. I think he's a little misunderstood, but I know his actions come from his own hatred. He doesn't like who he is and wants to be released from all his sins. And I understood that.

 

Raffaele was a character that entranced you and made you fall in love. Literally. His special power allowed him to capture the hearts of those around them, made them fall in love with him. And I'm pretty sure it doesn't end at fictional characters, because I fell for his charm and wit like everyone else.

 

There were so many plot twists that came unexpectedly and each and every one had me silent. I hadn't predicted them like I do when reading most novels and that proves just how great Marie Lu is. She knows how to twist and turn the story and weaves it into something completely different, new; something completely brilliant. And that ending had me on my knees begging for a copy of The Rose Society (Book 2), because there is know way I can't not know what happens. It's a must for me!

 

 

 

Buy the book (Waterstones) | Buy the book (Book Depository)

My 5 Most Disappointing Books of 2014

2014 was the year of extremely good books, but it was also the year for some terrible literature.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas - 3/5

I really liked the idea of this book, an Assassin who has to fight for the Prince to become the Kings Champion. However, I felt like this one was a little over-hyped for me. My goal for 2015 is to catch up with this series and read Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire.


The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey - 3/5

This sequel really angered me. The 5th Wave was one of my favourite books of 2013 and then this one came along and ruined it all. Despite being so short compared to the first book, this one was dragged out and extremely boring. Plus all the new characters felt like bad, annoying versions of Cassie and Evan.


Legend by Marie Lu - 3/5

There is no doubt that Marie Lu can write, but what she fails to do is create great relationships that make sense. Day and June's relationship was so forced that I just could not enjoy the book. It was also a little predictable and will not be continuing on with the Trilogy.


We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - 2/5

Everyone was talking about how amazing this book was, but I have zero idea what they're on about. The writing style was awful, the characters were bland and in no way realistic. I also guessed the "twist" after reading 5 pages.


Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira - 1/5

I thought I was going to be reading a good book, but what I got was a book filled with boring characters, an unrealistic lesbian friends with benefits situation and just plain awful writing. Ooh, and the blurb has BIASED written all over it. I seriously would not recommend this book to anyone.

 

 

 

What were your most disappointing reads of 2014?

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Penguin
Published: April 2013
Page Number: 305

Summary:

 

From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths...

Until June's brother is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect.

In a shocking turn of events, the two uncover what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths to which their country will go to keep its secrets.

 

Review:

 

I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed in this book. A lot of my friends have raved about it, so I thought that this would be amazing...but it wasn't. The writing is beautiful, some of the best I've read this year. The story captivated me and flowed like a movie, but there were a lot of flaws for me that just made my time reading it, boring.

 

June and Day are amazing characters to follow, because both of their lives are completely different. June has money, is way ahead of her age and is famous because of her perfect 1500 score. Day comes from the poor side and "failed" his Trial, only to be carted off and tested on.

 

When Day apparently kills June's brother, she swears to get vengeance. And I think that's where my problem lies. It's cliché, it's not original and it bored me. The forced relationship between these two was horrible and I just could not connect to them as a couple. June pretended to be someone else and within two or three days they were saying (to themselves) that they really liked each other, despite only having spoke once or twice. I know that everyone hates the relationship and I'm just another one to add to the list.

 

Another flaw for me was that it wasn't actually perfect. In June's POV (Point of View) Day's hat had fallen off and was left on the ground, but then in Day's POV he had it on. I can't see how that is possible and stood out like a sore thumb.

 

Despite these flaws, I did really like the idea. The writing was gorgeous and held my attention until the end. June and Day are great characters on their own and you can definitely connect with them, but I just wish that there was more to it. It was extremely short and not a lot happened in terms of action. Most Dystopians that I've read (Divergent, Slated) had the right amount of action and romance.

 

Overall, I didn't really love it. I did like it. My final rating was 3/5 Stars!