September Reads, Plans & Updates #4 | Hannah’s Reads

Hello fellow readers!

I did not post an update last week as I was reading the same books as the week before. My reading has slowed down greatly these past couple of weeks, as I am de-cluttering a lot of items in my home, which has kept me very busy. But reading to me is for fun, so it’s not about how much I’ve read to make a good reading session, it’s about my reading experience.

Anyway to my update….

Completed Reads

Crown of Midnight by Sarah. J. Maas

This book took me a long time to get through and complete. I think this may have been because there were many parts that were predictable and irrational that it left me with many mixed emotions.

Considering the high reviews and ratings for the book, I was expecting a better storyline and plot.

This book was a disappointing second book in a series (Click here to read my review on ‘Throne of Glass’), and not as good as the first book. I found the main character to act very irrationally and then to think later about the consequences, instead of behaving like a professionally trained assassin. Anyway I will be explaining my views more with a full review, which will be coming soon.

Crown of Midnight is a continuation from the book ‘Throne of Glass’ as it follows Celaena in her attempt to try and uncover the uncover the mysterious activities of the king.

Currently Reading

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

I read many reviews that called this series an epic fantasy, and they were correct.  I am 348 pages in (from writing this blog post) and it feels as if I have just crossed in the beginning of the middle section of the book. But don’t let this deter you away from reading it, because it feels as if I’ve been reading for only a short while. I have to put this down to George. R.R Martin’s amazing style of storytelling.

I’m enjoying this book tremendously and can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next. The book is told from multiple perspectives, which I am enjoying, although there are too many names for me to remember who everyone is. If any knows an available non-spoiler name guides for the first book, please point me in in the right direction as I keep forgetting the different names.

Anyway so far so good with this book, I hope it continues to amaze me.

Game of Thrones is about multiple families with power, and the challenges they encounter to maintain and achieve these powers. (A better synopsis, when I read more).

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

For some reason I haven’t been in the mood to commit myself to reading this book. This will be the 9th book in the Poirot series that I will be reading for the #yearofPoirot readathon, as this is the read for September (click here to find out more information on this).

I do wish there was an audio book available for me to listen to, so that I could fly through it, while doing other activities. I’ll just have to make a conscious effort to get through this. So far I have read two pages.

That is it for my weekly update.

What books could you recommend to read?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | BOOK REVIEW

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Published:

2009 (Originally 2007)

Gollancz

763 Pages

Paperback

(Mistborn #2)

Read from 18th June – 5th July 2015

Synopsis

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson is the second book in the Mistborn series. It continues on from the first book, ‘The Final Empire’, as the characters set out to seek information on the ancient legend of the Well of Ascension.

Review

This was an absolutely wonderful book to read and a great sequel to the series. Getting back into this world was not difficult as Sanderson was able to fill in the details, without over explaining things again.

The story went in a direction I was not expecting. Just like with ‘The Final Empire’, Sanderson was always a step ahead of me, so I was unable to predict what was going to happen.

The multiple perspectives were just as great to read. I especially liked the characters Sazed and OreSeur, they added a lot to the story. I found myself looking forward to when the story was told from their perspective or if they were in the scene with the current character perspective.

I listened to the audiobook at times. The reader at first sounded very boring, however as I continued to listen, he was able to capture the differences in the characters, making it a very enjoyable read.

I would definitely recommend starting or continuing this series, it is worth it.

I rated this book on Goodreads 5 stars out of 5.

Can you recommend any other Brandon Sanderson series?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

September Reads, Plans & Updates #2 | Hannah’s Reads

Hello fellow readers!

I hope you all have had an amazing week and managed to read some interesting books. This week for myself, I have come to have a realisation, that I have too much clutter in my life. For this reason, I will be getting rid of a lot of things that I do not need and do not use anymore. So my reading experience will become a lot slower, apart from me listening to audiobooks, as this is the perfect thing for me to do while I clear up.

Completed Reads

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

This was an extremely enjoyable read. I really enjoyed how the plot was carried out and where it went. It was different from the usual people in a room, ‘who did it’ style of murder mystery. Look out for my review about this later.

The ABC Murders is about a serial killer, who is killing people in alphabetical order. It is up to Poirot and the police to solve the case before another murder is committed.

Current Reads

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I’ve continued to read this book from last week, however I feel that I will be finished the same day this blog post will be posted. I am so close to the end that I know I will get there. This is a very enjoyable read mainly because the opinions in the book about race and culture relates what I have been thinking and feeling about for a while. It is refreshing for me to read a book with these ideas and thoughts.

Americanah deals with finding identity in a new country, different from a person’s own. It is follows characters as they try to fit into a new place without the barriers that get in their way.

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

It has taken me over a year, but I have started to read this book. I was very underwhelmed when I finished the previous book ‘Throne of Glass’, that I did not have the drive to pick it up the next book in the series. However I made it a conscious effort to pick it up, as I did a bit of research that told me the second book in the series was a lot better. I decided to give it a go, as previously I have been in a situation where I felt a book was not going to be an amazing read. Only to be shocked in it becoming one of my favourite reads. So far unfortunately, I’m finding it hard to flow into the reading of this book, that it is taking me ages to get through one page. I’ve already done a few eye rolls*, which is not good considering I’m only over 100 pages, from the time this blog post has been written.

*Eye rolls= anything that I find exaggerated, unrealistic, silly, annoying (and more).

That’s it for my weekly update.

What books have you wanted to read for ages and then finally started?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

August Reads, Plans, Updates & BookTube-a-thon wrap up #2 | Hannah’s Reads

Hello fellow readers!

The BookTube-a-thon finished a couple of days, so I thought now was the time to share all the books that I had read throughout that week, and the challenges I was able to complete. This is going to be a brief wrap up as I will be writing full reviews on all these books.

BookTube-a-thon Wrap up

Day 1

Read a book by an author who shares the same first letter of your last name

I finished Butter by Erin Lange which I rated 3 stars out of 5 on Goodreads. It was an enjoyable read, but there were a few problems that I had with the story and characters.

Read a book with blue on the cover

This was another book that I finished on the first day. It was an interesting read about different tales from the wizarding world of Harry Potter, but it did not wow me as much as the Harry Potter books. I therefore considered this book a 3 star read out of 5.

Day 3

Read someone else’s favourite book

I took my time reading Saga volume 1 by Brain K. Vaughan, and I found it very entertaining (especially when I added my own voices to the characters). It has interested me enough to continue reading the series, but I think I will borrowing the remaining comics from the library. I rated the first comic 3 stars out of 5.

Day 4

Read a book you really want to read

Day 4, I stayed up to the early hours and finished this read. It was fantastic. The story, characters, and writing. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely need to read more writings from J. California Cooper.

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These were all the books that I was able to finish during the readathon. I’m very pleased with myself as I don’t believe I have ever read 4 books within 1 week. I was not racing to complete them but was just focused on reading.

I’m also pleased with this number because I was away on a little vacation and could only read at night or early morning.

Completed reads

A day outside of the BookTube-a-thon I finished The Martian, which was for the challenge, to read the last book you acquired.

I did not enjoy this book as much as others did, however I can clearly understand why it has been receiving high reviews. The quality of the book is good.

My review will explain more of my thoughts towards this book very soon.

Current reads

Right now I am on page 156 and I am really enjoying this story. This is a coming of age story about a boy, who travels with his mother to find a place for them to settle. However once they do, it is not always the best and what they hoped for.

Not a very good synopsis but I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I’ll work on a better one for my review post for this book.

I absolutely love coming of age stories, and this one is ticking the boxes so far. I’ve seen the film, so I know what’s going to happen, but I don’t fully know as I’m sure we all know, the films can go in a different direction from the original books. I hope to finish this one today.

Yes that’s right, I am finally reading this book, after years of considering it. I’m listening to the audiobook with this one, as it’s nice to listen to a book during times when it’s not possible to always read.

So far I am on page 56, and have gone past the troll section (if you’ve read or seen the films). To be honest I was surprised that it was so soon.

I’m really enjoying this, and will be heading back to it, once I finish writing this blog post.

How was your reading experience during the BookTube-a- thon?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

August Reads, Plans, Updates & BookTube-a-thon #1 | Hannah’s Reads

Hello fellow readers!

It is officially August and the first day of the BookTube-a-thon. Click here to read my post to find out more information about the readathon and the books I have planned to read throughout the week.

So far Monday hasn’t been a bad day for me, I did feel slightly ill earlier, so that hindered the amount I read, but overall I’m pleased with my progress so far. Although, from reflecting, I could’ve done a lot more reading.

Current Reads

So far I am just under half way into reading these short stories by J.K. Rowling, they are very quick to flow through and interesting to read. I plan to finish the remainder tonight, so that I can move on to my next choice soon.

At first I planned for this comic to be read throughout the week of the readathon, as I did not want to rush it. But since I’d been reading this on and off throughout today, I’ve made my way through it faster then I expected. It’s weird how that happened because I wasn’t at first, but then I decided to add character voices, as a way to make it more interesting. Which it did and boosted my reading experience a lot.

So far I am, I believe 70 something pages in, and for now it’s only been 3 stars read for me. I don’t think my star rating will be raised higher, because I’m nearly finished, but we’ll see.

The Martian has been very interesting and not how I expected the book to be written. I’m listening to the audiobook, which has been very handy as it makes tasks I need to do a lot more interesting.

So far I am 92 pages in and looking forward to reading more.

Completed Reads

I am very happy to say that I finished reading Butter by Erin Lange, it was an enjoyable read, but comparing the book to Dead Ends by Erin Lange, I would say that that was a much more enjoyable read. There’s more I would like to say about Butter, so I’ll add that to the list of books that I’ll be reviewing soon.

I also finished the Hero of Ages (before the BookTube-a-thon started), which left me feeling incomplete. I still don’t know what to fully say about the final book to the trilogy, but I will try and gather words together to create a useful book review.

I hope I haven’t gone on for far too long as I wanted this post to be quick update.

How has your reading experinece been so far in the BookTube-a-thon?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson| BOOK REVIEW

The FInal Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Published:

2009 (Originally 2006)

Gollanncz

647 Pages

Paperback

Read from 23rd February – 8th March 2015

Synopsis

The Final Empire, which is the first book in the Mistborn trilogy/series by Brandon Sanderson, follows two characters called Vin and Kelsier, who live in a world where allomancy (a power to use metals) is meant only for the noble. It is this that they must use in order to overthrow the lord ruler, who is a dominating tyrant in the empire.

Review

For a long time now, I had wanted to start this book, as the plot to the story always intrigued me, but I let other books get in the way of me reading it. However I am glad that I eventually did, as this was an amazing read.

Throughout my reading experience, I found it difficult to predict what would happen. I had my predictions, but they were never right and that’s what I love about this book. I believed it to go one way, but then it ends up taking me on an unexpected route that blew my mind. That’s what I love in writers, when they have the skills in order to always be one step ahead of their readers.

I did feel that the book could have been shortened in parts, but due to my enjoyment of the book, it does not take much away from the whole reading experience.

The romance was good as it did not over shadow and take control of the book. There are books, which have done this that I have read in the past, and I have not enjoyed these books as much. There’s something about the writing and the way it’s carried out that does not work for me.

The characters were interesting that I did not find myself wishing to read more from the perspective of Kelsier for example.

I wish that I had written this review when the book was fresher in my mind, and not blurred with my feelings of the Well of Ascension, which is the 2nd book in the series (review coming soon).

I rate this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

What did you think of the first book in the Mistborn series?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

BOOK haul extravaganza | February BOOKS

This feels like a Brandon Sanderson Book haul, but I’ve wanted these books for ages and I finally found them at a great price.

I got the Mistborn books as a boxset, which includes The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension and The Hero of Ages. I’m into fantasy books right now, so I know that they’re going to be amazing. Hopefully I’ll be able to read The Final Empire, this month.

The Final Empire (Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson

The Well of Ascension (Book 2) by Brandon Sanderson

The Hero of Ages (Book 3) by Brandon Sanderson

_________________________________

Words of Radiance (Book 2) by Brandon Sanderson

The next book that I brought was Words of Radiance, which is the second book in the Stormlight Achieve. I know I don’t have to first book, The Way of Kings, but I found this book, new as a hard back for under £10. Amazing! I hope to buy the first book soon, but I’m not in any rush as I want to read the Mistborn series first.

What books did you buy this month?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

Books I Want to Read | February TBR

I’m really excited about the books I’ve planed to read this month, especially a new release of February. I hope I’m able to read all these books, but I have an essay due in the middle of the month that’s going to take up my time.

 

Half the World by Joe Abercrombie

This is the second book in the Shattered World series, the first book being Half A king. It’s being released this month, so I plan to buy and also read it straight away.

Click here if you would like to read my review on Half a King.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

If you haven’t read my reading goals post for this year, I plan to read a Poirot novel every month. I am calling it #yearofpoirot and the first book I am starting with is The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

Click here to find out more about the Agatha Christie books I plan to read.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I’ve wanted to start this book for sometime, so hopefully if I have enough time at the end of the month, I will start this one. I know that I will love it.

What books do you plan to read in February?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

 

Half a King by Joe Abercrombie | BOOK REVIEW

Half A King by Joe Abercrombie 

Published:

2014

Harper Voyager

373 Pages

Hardback

Synopsis

Half a King by Joe Abercrombie is a fantasy novel that follows a one handed prince called Yarvi, who is considered half a king due to this. Yarvi, has no desire to be king, however he is forced into it when both his father the king and his brother is killed. This does not go to plan as Yarvi expects, and soon he travels around the Shattered Sea trying to work out ways to survive.

Review

I didn’t know what I expected from this book, which is the first book in the Shattered Sea series. I was glad that it turned out to be really good. As I was reading, I kept thinking about what this book would be like as a film, and I believe that it would work really well. I hope that in the future they consider this, as it was entertaining.

Yarvi was interesting to follow as a protagonist, and to experience his emotions. The scenes were written really well that it all fitted together properly. Joe Abercrombie, takes us on an adventure that excites, thrills, and creates tension to the readers.

I can’t wait to read on to experience more adventures on the Shattered Sea. This is a great start to a new series.

A brilliant 5 star read.

What fantasy novels do you enjoy, I need some more recommendations?

Happy Reading!

Hannah

 

 

Wrap ups | September READS

How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran

This book surprised me when I read it. It was the complete opposite of what I expected, so it wasn’t a disappointment because it was interesting to read. However, although the character is young, this is a more mature book.

I rated it 4 stars out of 5.

How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran is a coming of age novel that follows a 14-year-old girl called Johanna, as she attempts to re-create herself after being embarrassed publicly on national television.

Click on the image above to read my full review.

Throne of Glass by Sarah. J. Maas

This book was amazing. I was interested throughout. It is my first assassin book that I’ve read, and I’m glad I chose this one to introduce me into that theme.

I rated this book 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Throne of Glass by Sarah. J. Maas is the first book in the fantasy series. This book follows an assassin called Celeana who is released from a life sentence in a salt mines in order to enter into a tournament to become the king’s champion.

Click the image to be directed to my full review

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I picked this book up, because I have read other Rainbow Rowell books, and I wanted to read this to see what it was about. I really enjoyed this. It was so sweet.

I rated it 4. 5 stars

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a novel about the experiences of young love from two different people.

Click the image of the book, to read the review I’ve written for this book.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

I’m so glad that I read this book, I ordered the hardback version, because I knew it was going to be a good read. I was right, it was spectacular!

I rated it 5 out of 5 Stars.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown is the first book in a new dystopian series. This book follows Darrow who is a Red, which is the lowest in the hierarchy of colour groups that live on Mars. Gold are the highest, strongest and ruling colour. It is the Red’s job to prepare Mars for the remaining inhabitants who are dying on Earth.

However everything is not as it seems, and Darrow encounters those wishing to rebel. To do this, he will have to become a gold and battle through an elite institution tournament in order to rise to the top.

Click the image to be directed to a full review of the book.

Azzi in Between by Sarah Garland

I read this children’s graphic novel in my children literature class. The book was really good and dealt with a girl called Azzi who has to leave her homeland, and become a refugee in a western country.

I rated this 4 stars out of 5.

Rose Blanche by Roberto Innocenti

This is another book that I read in my children literature class. This book was about a German girl’s experience of the Second World War.

I rate it 3 stars out of 5.

These are all the books that I read this month. What books did you read?

Happy Reading!

Hannah