Stacking the Shelves July edition

So I kept all the books I bought for one big haul at the end of the month, and it's pretty much that now (I will not buy any more before August...honest) so here we are:

So if you have any difficulty seeing any, we have:

Paper Towns by John Green (which I read and really liked)
The Elite by Kiera Cass
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Ink and Bone - Rachel Caine
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Half-Blood - Jennifer L Armentrout
Bound by Sarah Bryant
Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings by Julia Stokneham
Warm bodies by Isaac Marion
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

So there we are, as you can probably see I have a rather large amount, but I read quite a bit this month so I will let myself off. I'd like to say I'll have a smaller haul for you next month but it's my birthday so I doubt I will.

Personal readathon

This week I only have 12 hours of work, so I am going to try and make a dent in my TBR by doing my own personal readathon. I've never done one before, but I figure now is as good a time as any to start one. I just hope my Netflix doesn't get in the way too much. I don't really have a TBR for the week though, I wrote them all down a week ago, so I am just going to get my fiance to pick a number then I will read the book that matches the number. I do have a couple of other commitments aside from work, but I'm sure I can make a dent.

Book fangirling award

I'm really grateful to say I was nominated for this award from Sinead. It amazes me, all thoe big fancy bogs are out there, and my little baby blog gets chosen, so thank you for that. I'm also glad to say any time I get nominated for anything I should be able to do it, as I finally have a laptop - no more frustrating iPad posts for me! Unless I'm away from my laptop and feeling lazy that is. Anyway, on with the questions!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

I find most of my friends tend to shut off or accuse me of shouting when I start to get really excited/annoyed about something happening in books, so I love blogging because then I can just vent all my feelings with the screen, and usually if someone is reading my post it's because they have similar feelings to me, so I can  have a nice chat with someone who is actually interested, and my friends don't have to listen to me going on and on about something they've never heard of. 

Which book series do you fangirl over the most?

This is probably the most stereotypical answer you could think of, but for me it has to be Harry Potter. I have been in love with the series since it first came out, and it will be there until I die. Other books may come and go, but this series will forever have a special place in my heart.

Who's your favourite person to fangirl with?

Probably the internet. The only person I really have that understands how enthusiastic I get is my fiance, but he's not read most of the books I have, so he doesn't really know what I'm going on about half the time. He is halfway through Clockwork Princess though, so that's a bonus.

What series got you into reading?

I honestly don't know. According to my mum I learnt to read when I was about 3, so it could be literally anything. First books I can remember are The Babysitters Club, Malory Towers, Famous Five, and basically anything by Jacqueline Wilson. Oh, and Animal Ark by Lucy Daniels, anyone remember them? I loved them! 

Which book character do you love to hate?

Hmm, there are a few, but I think my number one hated character would have to be Bella Swan from Twilight. You think of all the things that feminists used to have to do just to create the lives we have now, and she threatens it all by moping around because some guy she has literally met twice seems to hate her, then her existence seems to completely revolve around him. It's just not right.Even when she's not moping about him, there's something else wrong, usually the weather.

Questions

What is your favourite book to screen adaptation?

Who is your number one OTP?

Which series would you read if you were only ever allowed one?

Who is your favourite villain?

Which books are you most likely to hand down to your children?

Nominations

Cody-Leigh Duffy at Literary-ly Obsessed

Alex Ang at  The Book's Buzz

Unfortunately I can't think of anyone who hasn't already been nominated right now, so I will just leave it here for now. 

Rules:
1. Create a blog post to accept your award
2. Add the blog award button into your post and put it on the side of your blog as a widget
3. Answer the questions I have above
4. Nominate between 5-10 book bloggers who you think also deserve this award
5. Come up with your own 5 questions for your nominees
6. Link me to your answers so I can see your answers :)

Autobuy authors

So we all have those authors, we hear they have a new book out, and we rush out to buy it, without even knowing what the book is actually about. So here are a few of mine, in no particular order.

So first we have the beautiful, the magical J.K Rowling. I have never read a single book by her that I haven't liked, and her writing just captures me and steals me away. She is my number one all time favourite writer, and even if she one day publishes her shopping istt I would probably buy it. From the second Harry gets dropped off at the Dursley's doorstop, to everything she's written as Robert Galbraith I am in.

Next up we have Maggie Stiefvater. Her writing is incredibly poetic and absolutely beautiful, and she definitely knows how to intrigue a reader. She has a really quirky sense of humour, and I am yet to be disappointed by a book of hers. Ok, so The Raven King is taking about a zillion years to come out (come on, March 2016!) but I'm sure when it does come out it will be majestic.

Ok, girly moment first. I had no idea what Julie Kagawa looked like until I pulled up this picture, but her hair is absolutely amazing, and I love it. But onto her books, I started with The Iron Fey series, and have never looked back. I am actually yet to finish the series, but that's more due to lack of funds than anything. Her Blood of Eden trilogy was out of this world, and I am really enjoying her Talon series. Again, there is a good quirky humour behind her stories, and the plot and writing style make it such a quick and fun read.

My first foray into Cassandra Clare books was the wonder that is Clockwork Angel. I'd never heard of the series, but then my book club suggested it, I saw it in Waterstones a day or so later and thought why not, and from the first page I was hooked. From that I went straight onto The Mortal Instruments, and I am now (im)patiently waiting to get my teeth into Lady Midnight. I will still be lamenting the lack of Will Herondale, but am hoping there are other certain characters from The Infernal Devices in this series. 

Sarah J Maas is a new add to this list, what with the fact that she has 4 books out right now, but I will never not buy one of her books based on the fact that it was her writing it. Her characters are just so badass yet loveable, and her worlds are so easy to get lost in. I was so excited to buy and attend a signing for A Court Of Thorns And Roses without knowing a single thing about it, and my lovely signed copy is beautiful. I pre-ordered Queen of Shadows last week, and I am absolutely dying for it to come out! And, as you can see, she is absolutely gorgeous.

So there are a few of my autobuy authors. What are some of yours? Any books you are waiting for from any of your favourites?

Design confession

So you might have noticed that my blog has a pretty basic design, and there is just one reason for that. I'm not making a statement, this isn't one of those "it doesn't matter hat it looks like, as long as the content is good" kind of things. It's this... I am practically computer illiterate. I've looked at about a million tutorials on how to create a good design, and work through all the HTML and stuff, yet even the ones stated to be the easiest just make my brain go...

I get serious design envy too. There are some people I follow who have the most amazing looking blogs, full of pages upon pages of information about them, with gadgets and widgets I could only dream of having on mine. I know some people pay others to design theirs for them, but unfortunately I am also pretty skint most of the time, probably because any spare money tends to go on about a million books!

So is it just me, or does anyone else find even the idea of doing your own design make you want to live under a rock?

Tired reading slump

The last few days I've been really wanting to read, but every time I try my eyes and brain go all fuzzy and I give up after a few pages. I have 58 books to read, yet none of them are grasping my attention because also all I want to do is sleep. I'm still listening to Clockwork Princess on audiobook, but when I'm out, which is usually when I listen to audiobooks, my internet keeps dropping out, making it difficult, and frustrating me so much I give up and listen to music instead.
I have read I think already more than I did last month, but it still seems like barely anything. I wanted to get back to how much I used to read, but once again my work has been so busy that I haven't had time to eat or drink, let alone read. Only a couple of weeks left until I leave, really excited to start my new job soon!
So any recommendations for books to get me out of my slump? I really want to read something but I just don't know what!

The Selection review

Book: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Rating: 4*
Blurb: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

My Thoughts

I have to say, I was really pleasantly impressed by this book. Yeah, the dress on the cover is absolutely gorgeous, but aside from that it sounded really stupid. But then everyone started raving about the series, so I had to give it a try really, and when I found it cheap it seemed like a perfect time, then happened to coincide quite nicely with a reading challenge.

I've never really been into reality TV, but it was made to be such a fun and enjoyable book that the time flew by while I was reading it. I wanted to know who was leaving, and even found myself cheering along for certain characters, and really despising others. Maxon himself was a really interesting character, but then I also really love Aspen, so I really don't know who I want her to end up with, even though it's already pretty obvious who she will marry.

America herself was a complete surprise. I've spent all the time since this book came out hearing from everyone how selfish and annoying she is, but I found her to be the complete opposite. Everything she does is for her family, and in the beginning Aspen, and yes, sometimes she does and says the wrong thing, but on the whole, she was selfless, kind and a real loveable, down to earth character and I really liked her.

I will definitely be reading on in this series, the titles themselves are slight spoilers, but I want to know how everything gets to the point. 

Confessions of a bookaholic

1. I have bought 11 books in the last 10 days
2. I have 58 books on my TBR case
3. It's not uncommon for me to forget about eating when I get caught in a good book
4. I have about 2 friends because all I ever do is stay at home, reading
5. The name Jonathon still makes me want to cry
6. I refuse to watch a film based on a book unless I read the book first
7. I have rejected guys in the past on the grounds that they don't read
8. Some of the most devastating deaths in my life have been fictional
9. I have books in literally every room in my house
10. The best present anyone could ever give me would be Belle's library from Beauty and the Beast

Waiting On Wednesday - Queen of Shadows

So, my premiere WoW, will be, the wonderful, the lovely...

                                           

So here's the blurb: Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. 

Thoughts

Ok, how fricking awesome does that souund?? I am absolutely in love with this series, and the anticipation is slightly killing me. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah J Maas at a signing for A Court of Thorns and Roses, and she was absolutely lovely. I swear anything she puts on paper just has a way of being magically transformed into something absolutely beautiful, and I adore her. The cover is, as well, absolutely gorgeous. This series would probably be in some of my top book covers for how lovely they are (you never know, one day I might share a few of my favourites with you). 

This book is out September 1st by the way, and it looks like it's gonna be a biggie!

So what books are you waiting for? Do you have a nice quick wait, or an agonising torturous one? I have a mixture of both, so I will see you with another WoW this time next week!

Rereads

I'm being very naughty right now. I have a tonne of books to read, and yet here I am listening to the audiobooks for The Infernal Devices, making this my third read to the series. On a side note there is a woman about 2 seats down reading City of Heavenly Fire, exciting stuff.

So why the reread? I'm nt really overly sure. I wanted a good audiobook to read on my walks to and from work, bus journeys and when I want to both read and play video games. I tend to struggle with focusing on the story with audiobooks, so I am going to start using them for rereads, and let's face it, The Infernal Devices are one of the best trilogies out there. Plus, any time spent with Will Herondale is fine by me.

I usually do a reread of a book as well if I am about to start a sequel, and have forgotten what happened in the previous books, something that happens quite often with my memory being as shocking as it is. I feel a few rereads for this reason coming quite soon in my future. I've had to do a reread for every book in the Iron Fey series, and as I am yet to read the final book guess which series I will be reading again when I buy it?

Then of course we have the rereads just for purely how much I adore the books. Winner for most rereads for this reason goes to (shock horror) Harry Potter. I will take any reason to read this book; boredom, bad weather, good weather, bad mood, good mood, feeling ill, being alive, you get the picture. I'm not going to say these were the books that I first loved, that honour probably goes to a Roald Dahl book, but it is definitely my most loved. I am actually without copies of the books right now because mine all fell apart due to all the reading, and I haven't managed to afford to rebuy them, and it's really hard to get the original copies now.

Do you tend to reread a lot or are you a one read then put it on the shelf kind of person? Which books have you read the most?

Deep Blue review

Name: Deep Blue
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Rating: 4*
Description:Serefina, daughter of Isabella, Queen of Miromara, has been raised with the expectation - and burden - that she will someday become ruler of the oldest civilization of the merfolk. On the eve of the Dokimí ceremony, which will determine if she is worthy of the crown, Sera is haunted by a strange dream that foretells the return of an ancient evil. But her nightmare is forgotten the next day as she diligently practices her songspell; eagerly anticipates a reunion with her best friend, Neela; and anxiously worries about Mahdi, the crown prince of Matali, and whether his feelings toward her and their future betrothal have changed. Most of all, she worries about not living up to her mother's hopes.

The Dokimí proceeds, a dazzling display of majesty and might, until a shocking turn of events interrupts it: an assassin's arrow wounds Isabella. The realm falls into chaos, and Serafina's darkest premonitions are confirmed. Now she and Neela must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the mer nations. Their search will lead them to other mermaid heriones scattered across the six seas. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence.

My thoughts

I will admit, hands up, the only reason I bought this book was because the cover is absolutely beautiful and the writing is blue. I expected a really simple, fluffy book about mermaids. Turns out the only part of my assumptions was the mermaids. The storyline had so much depth (haha, get it?) to the point of maps and a glossary. There were also lots of different languages used and lots of Mermish phrases were used, hence the glossary. Parts of the story were actually quite dark, and despite the betrothal talk there was next to no romance, which is something I haven't actually found in a book in a long time. I'm not sure yet if that is a good thing or not. 

The characters were mostly likeable and fun, and I really love Neela. Their stories were all pretty believable, although I do think finding the other mermaids was a bit too easy, I would have liked more than them just bumping into everyone they needed to find.

On the whole, this is a good, easy read and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I will probably get the sequel soon because I have to know what happens!

Buying online or in store?

I've been doing lots of thinking about this recently. It seems like most people I know tend to buy online without a second thought and hardly ever go into the shops. If they want a book pre ordered they will just go straight to Amazon, when you can do the same at the shop, and the chances are that you will get it sooner.

I tend to sometimes buy online if I am wanting to do a bulk buy of books, just to make it a bit cheaper, or if I want books that are only published in America. I did last month get 6 books for about £30, which I was pretty chuffed with. The only problem is that you don't always get the cover you wanted. My Vampire Academy books are all different and I got them all off Amazon. Some are really gorgeous red covers, and the rest are the ugly covers with the creepy looking people on them. I sometimes find myself doing a quick shop online as well if it gets to about the middle of the night and I can't sleep.

Then we have the shops. I absolutely love book shops, they are my main destination if I am going into town. They might be a bit more expensive, but I tend to find there are more good offers. Waterstones and Smiths tend to do buy one get one half price offers, and The Works usually have some good books in their 3 for £5 section. I found Half-Blood by Jennifer L Armentrout in there the other day. I grab a loyalty card for any shops that do them too, and can nearly afford a new book on one of them. I love being able to support the shops and get to know the staff. Waterstones will always be my number one choice for if there is a book I really want.

Which do you prefer? Are you an online person or do you love the feeling of going in a shop and leaving with a book?

June wrap up

I had such a busy month what with work and Glastonbury, but there are a few books I can put in a wrap up, and I will try and have a bigger one for you at the end of July.

Starcrossed, Dreamless and Goddess by Josephine Angelini.
I really enjoyed this trilogy. I put a review of the first book up, and really enjoyed the whole trilogy. They kind of had a Romeo and Juliet feel mixed with Greek mythology and a hint of The Mortal Instruments. I love all three of these so I was hooked.

The Girl At Midnight - Melissa Grey.
I was actually kind of disappointed with this book. It sounded so good, but at times I found the storyline kind of confusing and rushed, but I don't know if that was because of work. I found some of the romance cute, and will probably read on the series.

Remember Me - Sophie Kinsella.
This book was actually a reread. I absolutely love this writer, and this is one of my favourite books by her, and it fortunately happened to fall in with a reading challenge this month. Definitely a book to read if you want something light and fluffy.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before and PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han.
This was my first foray into Jenny Han, and I have to say I really liked it. They were both incredibly sweet books, and I found myself really connecting with the characters, and I'm hoping there will be another book in the series!

That's it, all my books from this month. Now I just need to buy lots for a book haul for you guys, I already have a little pile from yesterday. So have you read any of these books? Any you would want to read?