Tag: 2019

My Favourite Book Covers of 2019

January 18, 2020

I know this one is late but, last year we were blessed with some really beautiful covers all of which were extremely detailed and colourful! This made it really difficult when I went shopping in Waterstones because I just wanted everything. Both my Amazon wish-list and bookshelves are full of stunning covers so I thought I’d share a few of my favourites.

Again but Better by Christine Riccio – There’s just something lighthearted and lovely about this cover and manages to capture the books theme of change and adventure well. Some contemporary covers can look quite cheesy and girly but this one thankfully doesn’t, instead it’s colour scheme is beautifully lighthearted and its been such a joy watching Christines writing videos and the whole process!

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson – I’m usually a bit hesitant when there’s a character’s profile on the cover but this cover successfully hits the mark. I instantly want to know more about this character because she looks like an epic and powerful heroine that I know I’ll love. This one is definitely on my TBR pile for 2020!

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones – The detail of the skull on this cover is stunning and its giving me some serious Black Sails vibes. I’ve never been a huge horror fan but the premise of this one has me hooked. Seventeen-year-old Ryn only cares about two things: her family, and her family’s graveyard. And right now, both are in dire straits.Since the death of their parents,  Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meagre existence as gravediggers. The problem with being a gravedigger in Colbren, though, is that the dead don’t always stay dead.

Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan – This cover is just adorable and never fails to make me smile with its cuteness. It’s fresh, it’s funny and the colour scheme of pink and purple is gorgeous.

Enchantee by Gita Trelease – Doesn’t this cover just ooze magic and eighteenth century  royalty? The entire cover is stunning and reminds me of Caraval and The Night Circus, both of which are some of my favourite reads, so I’m very excited to start reading this one.

Circe by Madeline Miller – This cover mirrors the scenes, colours and beauty of a Grecian urn which fits perfectly with books theme of mythology. This is one of my unexpected favourites of the year, I finally gave into the hype surrounding this book and let me say that everything said about this book is true. It is a wonderfully original and captivating read that explores the shadows of villainized women Greek Mythology and one that is also filled with thought-provoking and powerful quotes.

Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff – The UK editions are some of my all time favourite covers, the detail in the silhouette of Mr Kindly includes all the elements of Mia’s journey and manages to capture the books mystery and adventure.

My 2019 Favourites – Books, TV Shows and Films

January 2, 2020

My focus for 2019 was mainly my academic studies, so most of my time this year was spent writing lots of essays such as my dissertation and searching for a graduate scheme/job! This meant that my blogging and reading habits took a back seat because I found it too difficult to juggle everything. This year however I plan to make more time for it, as my schedule at this moment isn’t too chaotic. This year was also the year of endings, some of my favourite TV series and film franchises came to an end as did my university journey as I graduated in November, so lets hope that 2020 is the year of new beginnings! Anyway here’s a list of my favourite books, films and TV shows of 2019.

Books

The Nevernight Trilogy by Jay Kristoff – A mysteriously artful and exhilarating read that refused to be put down and one which has earned a place as one of my favourite reads of 2019. It is clear that the writing style is either a hit or miss with readers, but for me it was a beautifully crafted masterpiece filled with unique and descriptive metaphors that came to life on the page.

Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E Schwab – The entire series is a wonderfully captivating read that takes place in a unique and complex world crafted with the upmost perfection and thought. There is no limits or bounds to Schwabs imagination as she successfully transports us to a world of chaos and magic. If you haven’t yet picked up this series or Nevernight, then you are seriously missing out.

Circe by Madeline Miler – I finally gave into the hype surrounding this book and let me say that everything said about this book is true, it is a wonderfully original and captivating read that explores the shadows of villainized women Greek Mythology. A beautiful masterpiece filled with thought-provoking and powerful quotes, this book is a must read for all.

Films

Avengers: Endgame – Now this is how you end an epic franchise! The entire movie was incredible, I cried a lot and I swear I spent the entire film with my mouth open in awe! This was the first film that ever gave me a ‘film hangover’, it took me a while to come to terms with the fact that this cinematic journey was over.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too and it don’t get me started on that ending but nevertheless I enjoyed every moment because I love this franchise with all my heart! Poe Dameron please marry me!

Booksmart – This film was just fabulously mad and I loved it. It was the characters in this film that made it for me, and their friendship is one which I can easily relate to.

TV Shows

The Witcher – This fills the void in my life that Game of Thrones left, and I’m living for everything about this series. I hope to start reading the books before the next season comes out because I need more.

Fleabag – I finally jumped on the bandwagon with this series at the beginning of the year and instantly fell in love. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a legend and has created such a unique and wonderful series that needed more seasons!

The Mandalorian – Baby Yoda. That’s all I have to say about this series.

His Dark Materials – A wonderfully magical adaptation of Phillip Pullmans most acclaimed series. This is so much better than the film adaptation and is the perfect fantasy adventure for all ages.

Derry Girls – If you’re looking for a laugh then this series is for you. Filled with endearing characters and cracking moments, this series follows the lives of a group of friends living in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 1990’s as they try to navigate the highs and lows of being a teenager.

January Wrap Up and February TBR 2019

February 5, 2019

I had every intention of reading loads this month but I forgot about all my looming deadlines for the end of the month so my reading completely stopped. But before all my essay writing I got a fair bit of reading done and I managed to maintain a nice balance of reading for university and reading for pleasure and this month I want to read more books that I want to read. I recently got approved on Net Galley for some really exciting reads so my aim this month is to also boost my score as that’s looking pretty low!

January Wrap Up 

The Priory of the Orange Tree Early Extract – OMG, I am beyond excited for this book but I’ve shot myself in the foot by reading an early extract as I really want more and I was gutted when it ended. The end of February can’t come soon enough. If you’re wandering how I got my hands on an early extract then I recommend you jump onto Net Galley as its available to read now!

The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford – I knew I was going to love this book as its all about love, class and relationships but I wasn’t expecting to love it this much! I flew through this book and I loved it so much so that I also binge watched the TV show and have ordered more of her books. I’m a bit of a mess!

To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf – I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book but I’m sad to say that I didn’t love it as much as everyone else. After reading it the first time I was so confused but after analysing it and digging deeper into its symbols, motifs and characters I’ve been able to find a new appreciation for it.

The Handmaids Tale by Margret Atwood – I loved this, it definitely lived up to the hype and I managed to read this all in one sitting! I’m looking forward now to starting the TV show and seeing how they’ve adapted it for the big screen.

February TBR 2019

Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford – Like I’ve said previously Nancy Mitford has stolen my heart with her wonderfully awkward characters and storylines so it was only right that I read more of her books! The nice thing about this book that although its further reading for university it is also a book that I know I’ll enjoy and fly through.

Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott – I’m so glad that I’ve got my hands on this book as I was only watching the trailer for the film adaptation the other week. I’m already fully invested in these characters and their storyline which tells the story of two people who meet whilst receiving treatment for Cystic Fibrosis where physical contact could transmit fatal disease. This book is available for request on Net Galley if there are any other readers out there like me who wanted to read it before the film is released later in the year.

Enchantee by Gita Trelease – It was the cover which instantly drew my attention to this book and the fact that it got a lovely review off Stephanie Garber, author of the Caraval series. I’m super excited to read this book as not only is it set in Paris but the storyline sounds mysterious and magical! Again this is another book on Net Galley which is available for request and I thinks its pretty clear that my aim for this month is to boost my current feedback percentage.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik – In all fairness I don’t know much about this book but I found it on WhatBook and it sounded like something I’d love. It’s no surprise that this book is a high fantasy and this year I’m all about discovering new fantasy authors and series. If you’ve read this book then let me know what you thought about it in the comments!

Most Anticipated YA Adaptations 2019

January 15, 2019

There aren’t many YA adaptations being released this year but nevertheless, I’m excited about all the ones on this list and even when researching I’ve discovered a few which I had forgotten about! When adapting books to movies there’s always the worry that the writers and directors are going to change everything and miss important and much-loved parts from the films but I’m quietly optimistic for this year’s releases. Most of the book to movie adaptations I’ve seen recently have all been really good and the elements they’ve changed and added I felt have been beneficial, my favorite of last year is still To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. If you haven’t seen it yet then you are seriously missing out!

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (May 2019) – This book was such a powerful and impactful read for me so I’m really hoping that they don’t mess this one up and that the book’s message comes through in the film. I was really disappointed by the adaptation of Everything, Everything so I’ve got all my fingers crossed for this film! The film is about two teens, Daniel, the son of Korean shopkeepers, and Natasha, the daughter of undocumented Jamaican immigrants who cross paths in New York City and slowly fall in love.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Dec 2019) – The cast for this film is literally out of this world and the fact that Greta Gerwig is directing it makes this film one of my most anticipated films of the year, the only downside is that we’ve got to wait till December to see it! Starring Emma Watson, Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, and many many others, this film is guaranteed to be a perfect watch! I really enjoyed Ladybird directed by Greta Gerwig so I’ve got high expectations for this adaptation!

Chaos Walking: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness – I totally forgot about this film and I can’t think why because it has such a good cast! Starring Tom Holland AND Daisy Ridley this film already looks epic and we haven’t even got a trailer yet! I will admit I haven’t read these books yet but it’s definitely on my TBR list (along with lots of other series! Todd Hewitt has been raised to believe that a viral germ has killed all women and unleashed Noise, the special ability to read people’s and animals’ minds through a stream of images, words, and sounds. After discovering a patch of silence, free of Noise, Todd is forced to flee his town. Alone, he must face a planet erupting in war—that is, until he meets Viola, the source of the silence.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven – Netflix is seriously killing it at some of its YA adaptations so I’m quietly confident that they’re going to do a good job at adapting this powerful read!

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott – I hadn’t heard of this book until I watched the trailer and now I’m fully invested in this story and its characters! Starring Cole Sprouse, this film tells the story of two people who meet whilst receiving treatment for Cystic Fibrosis where physical contact could transmit fatal disease.

Series I Want to Start in 2019

January 12, 2019

There are so many series that I want to start this year and I feel like I’m missing out as I keep hearing good things about all of these books! I’ve been really slacking on my reading and for once I want to reach my Goodreads goal, so hopefully by making a list of series I want to start will give me a clear indication of what to read! Most of these books I’ve either had in my Amazon basket for a while or are books I keep seeing across the book blogging community. I’m always looking for a new book series so if you’ve got any recommendations then please let me know in the comments!

And I Darken by Kristen White – I’ve been meaning to read this series for a while now as I’m a real sucker for a complex and powerful fantasy read! From reading the synopsis I already know that this is going to be an intense and memorable read which is perfect as I’m always looking for some more fantasy worlds to explore!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black – After putting this on my Christmas Book Haul I’ve heard nothing but praise for this book and I’m beyond excited to finally start reading this!

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff – I have to thank Piera over on Booktube for recommending this series to me! She’s constantly going on about these books and its characters so I finally gave the synopsis a read and now I’m fully invested! I’ve already got the ebook on my phone and read the first couple of pages all of which I’ve really enjoyed so I look forward to reading this very soon!

The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab – Years ago I tried to read The Archived by V.E Schwab and I just didn’t click with the writing or the story however I really want to give her another go with this series! Not only are these covers stunning but its storyline sounds something that I know I’m going to fall in love with! Plus I keep hearing so many amazing things about these books and I want to get involved.

His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin Lafevers – This series isn’t particularly high on my TBR list after hearing a lot of mixed reviews but nevertheless I’m really intrigued by the whole concept and premise of this series! The first book in the series follows Ismae who after escaping an arranged marriage is trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. That sounds pretty kickass, doesn’t it?

The Arc of the Scythe by Neal Shusterman – This is another book that I keep seeing around and hearing good things about so I might as well find out for myself what all the hype is about. The world in which the book is set sounds fascinating and I look forward to exploring it more soon.

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – This book has been sitting in my Amazon basket for such a long time and I’ve only ever heard good things! I really love all things sci-fi but I haven’t read anything from that genre in a while, so maybe its time to take a break from all my fantasy worlds and dive into something different. The books unique format is also something that I really intrigued by!

The Poppy War by R.F Kuang – I’ve heard a lot of people call this ‘the best fantasy read of 2018’ so its only right that I see what all the hype is about! I’m already getting serious Ember in the Ashes vibes from the synopsis as it involves a military school and a rich world based on Chinese history. I’m terrible at reading books that focus on different cultures so this year I want to broaden my reading with more world literature.

Series I Want to Finish in 2019

January 9, 2019

The majority of my TBR pile are unfinished book series and one of my goals this year was to make a big dent in my TBR pile, to make room for more anticipated reads! A lot of these series I started reading last year and I’ve just fallen in love with them but others on this list, however, have sadly been forgotten about!

Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – I wish I’d started this series sooner as I’m obsessed with these characters and this storyline, Sabaa Tahir is very good at keeping readers on the edge of their seat throughout the entire novel! I have the second book ready and waiting on my shelf I just need to find time now to start reading it!

Eragon by Christopher Paolini – I love dragons and despite what people say I really enjoy the film. I know its completely different from the books but I want to start reading the books and seeing where the story goes after the events of the film. Plus I’m a little bit in love with Garrett Hedlund who plays Murtagh in the films and a lot of people praise his casting so I look forward to exploring more of his character.

Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen – I have to thank Emma Watson for recommending this series to me and although the world building and politics are quite intense it is a good fantasy read! I picked the series up again this summer and realized how much I’d missed this world and its characters!

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson – My favourite book of 2019 and I can’t wait to continue the series in the New Year! I’m in love with Sanderson writing so I’m looking forward to delving into more of his series, any recommendations would be wonderful!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber – What I loved about this book was the magic and mystery that dominated the storyline and I loved being transported into its wonderful world! The only reason I haven’t started reading this book is because I want it in paperback which isn’t released until late February!

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake – I don’t remember loving the first book in this series but since then I’ve heard a lot of really good things about this series, which gives me the hope that it gets better! I really loved the concept and I think it was the writing style that I didn’t really click with nevertheless I want to give this series another go.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – I remember absolutely adoring these books and I can’t for the life of me figure out why I stopped reading them? I think this is going to be one of those series that I’ll just have to read again as I can only remember little bits and hopefully I’ll love them as much as I did the first time around.

Most Anticipated Reads of 2019

January 6, 2019

Before writing this posts I only had a couple of books on my most anticipated list so I jumped onto to Goodreads to see what else was coming out in 2019 and now that list has tripled in size! 2019 sounds like an amazing year for any YA fantasy and contemporary lover so I for one am buzzing with excitement! Let me know in the comments what books you’re looking forward to the most!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo – My most anticipated book of 2019, because not only am I in love with Leigh Bardugo and the wonderful world she has created but I’m also in love with the young and mysterious Nikolai Lantsov who is one of my bookish husbands! loved him in the Shadow and Bone trilogy so the fact that he’s got an entire book dedicated to him is a dream come true!

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan – What instantly drew me to this book was the cover and then after the synopsis, it made its way on to my evergrowing TBR list!

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light! 

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio – I’ve been watching Christine on Booktube for a couple of years now I always get excited when a Booktuber I follow fulfills their dream of writing a book! I love the concept of this story and I look forward to seeing if it lives up to expectations!

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte – Another cover and synopsis that has me eagerly awaiting this books release date! After reading the reviews on Goodreads I’m positive that I’m going to love this book and that it’s going to be one heck of an adventure.

A divided nation. Four Queens. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – I’ve seen this book everywhere and 2019 is seriously killing it at the cover game as all the books I’ve mentioned so far are stunning, but this one is easily my favourite and I need it on my shelves asap! By the sounds of it, this is going to be an epic fantasy that I’m guaranteed to love!

A world divided.
A queendom without an heir.
An ancient enemy awakens.

The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons – I was instantly drawn to this book after it was said to have the world building of Brandon Sanderson, an author I discovered this year and who I’m absolutely in love with, so no pressure Jenn! After reading the synopsis and a few Goodreads reviews its clear that this book has a lot of action and interesting characters so now I’m intrigued to see if it lives up to the hype.

Uniting the worldbuilding of a Brandon Sanderson with the storytelling verve of a Patrick Rothfuss, debut author Jenn Lyons delivers an entirely new and captivating fantasy epic. Prepare to meet the genre’s next star.

December Wrap Up and January 2019 TBR

January 3, 2019

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year, I know I did! One of my blogging goals for 2019 is to have a better schedule so hopefully by completing monthly TBR’s and reading reviews will improve this and give my blog some much-needed structure! Most of the books I plan to read this month are heavily university-based but another reading resolution was to make time to read books for my own enjoyment so I’m currently in the process of finding that balance! I want to start the year off with some success so I’m trying to make this TBR realistic and achievable!

The Handmaids Tale by Margret Attwood – The nice thing about this book is although I have to read it for university its one of those books that I’ve been dying to read for a while now. I’ve also purposely put off the TV show as I want to binge it after I’ve read the book and compare both of them. I’m honestly really excited not only to read this but to also analyze all the clothes and gender roles!

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf – A classic that everyone but me has read! I really enjoyed Orlando so I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll enjoy this one too!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black – I wasn’t expecting to receive this book for Christmas but its managed to make its way to the top of my TBR after hearing so many good things about it! I’m really craving a new fantasy series and after reading this book’s synopsis I know for a fact that I’m going to love it!

The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford – What a better way to start the new year than by reading a book all about love and romance! Like many, I’m a sucker for a good romance and so far I’ve loved all the books on my Fashioning Fiction module so I have high expectations!

July’s People by Nadine Gordimer – This is a book I have to read for my South African literature module and I’m really enjoying learning more about the history and people of South Africa so I already know this is going to be a quick read.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – I want to read something a little different this month and again this is another book I know I’m going to fly through as I’ll want to solve the mystery asap!

Reading and Blogging Goals for 2019 – 12 Days of Blogmas

December 24, 2018

I am terrible for sticking to New Year’s Resolutions but I’ve reached the point now where it’s frustrating me so much that this year I really really want to achieve them and prove to myself that they are worth making. Reading and blogging have both taken a back seat this year and that’s something I want to change in the New Year as they’re two things I really enjoy doing. So I’ve decided to set myself an array of different goals some of which are realistic and some which are more challenging…

Reading

  • Read a book a week – Something that I already have to do for university but on those weeks where my reading is a little less I want to start making time to read books for my own personal enjoyment, something that I haven’t had time for this year.
  • Clear out bookshelves – This is an easy one and something I’ve been meaning to do for a very long time! I’ve seen so many people on Booktube doing book un-hauls and I know if I want to make room for new books on my shelves then I’ll need to donate some either to different charities or even children hospitals. I want to pass on the joy I had from reading these book onto someone else.
  • Tackle at least half of my TBR list – Like many my TBR list is huge and it just keeps getting longer and longer! I think I’m going to write a post in the New Year with a list of series and books I want to finish in 2019.
  • Read more adult fantasy – I’m very late to the party with this one but I discovered Brandon Sanderson this year and fell completely and utterly in love with him, so next year not only do I want to read more of his books but more adult fantasy.
  • Try and give War and Peace a go? – This is a beast of a book but one I really do want to read whether it be next year or not. I’m not too fussed if I don’t complete this one but I’ll be very impressed with myself if I do!

Blogging

  • Post at least once a week – Like I’ve said blogging took a back seat last year and is something I do enjoy doing. I love sharing my opinions on books and films and also reading other peoples posts and discovering new books.
  • Work on my Net Galley score – I haven’t even checked it but I know its bad!
  • Change up my layout and scheduling – I’ve been thinking about changing my layout for a while now as I’ve had the same one for a long time, so the plan is to start the New Year with a new look.
  • Keep Updating my WhatBook Profile – I heard about WhatBook through Booktube and I wanted a place aside from Goodreads where I could record what I’ve read and leave short reviews.