Top Ten Tuesday

This weeks theme is Top Ten Books with X setting. I've chosen the five books that are set in my home country of England. And by England, I mean mostly London as that's where pretty much all of these books are set. Seriously, if you guys know of any books set in England but outside of London, I'd love to hear them!

1. City of Halves by Lucy Inglis - I adore this book. It very much reminds me of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series but it does put it's own unique twist on the plot and shows London in a great light.
2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - since I mentioned it, I figure I might as well include this series here. Set in Victorian London, Cassandra Clare brings us a series showing how the Herondales never really change, despite the era they live in!
3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - so, technically, this book travels the world, but we do get a few chapters set in London, so I'm going to throw it in.
4. Pan's Revenge by Anna Katmore - the second book in the duology, this book is largely set in London rather than in Neverland. Which means we get to see pirates braving the skies of the Smoke. Who wouldn't want to read about that?
5. The Glimpse by Claire Merle - this duology is set in a futuristic version of London and is one of my favourite dystopian series. It puts a really interesting spin on dystopian worlds and the characters are incredible.

So, those are my top 5 books that are set in England. If you have any of your own, I'd love to hear them!

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Breenan and Maureen Johnson

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Breenan and Maureen Johnson

Rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis: It is not easy being Magnus Bane. As a warlock, he's often called upon to fix the problems of others. His life has been long, and his loves have been many. And Magnus has a way of making sure he's in the right place at the right - or perhaps wrong - time. The French Revolution, Prohibition, the first great battle between Valentine and the New York Institute...Magnus was there, and usually in the middle of it. Magnus will never be able to tell all of his tales. No one would believe him. But these eleven stories shed a little light on his often inscrutable character. They are stories he probably wishes had never got out.

Review: This book is a collection of eleven short stories (all averaging around fifty pages or so), detailing some of the events of Magnus Bane's long life. Magnus Bane is a reoccurring character in both the Infernal Devices and, more prominently, in the Mortal Instruments series, both of which are by Cassandra Clare. I love both of these series and Magnus is one of my favourite characters. He's so sassy and sarcastic and is the most fashionable warlock I've ever heard of! I loved getting to learn more about him and how his life ended up tying in to the events of both the Infernal Devices and the Mortal Instruments.

I think my favourite story in this bind up is probably The Midnight Heir, where we get to see Tessa and Will and Jem once more, years after we left them in the Infernal Devices and we actually get our first real look at Will and Tessa's son, James which was really interesting. Dramatics definitely seem to run in the Herondale bloodline! Saving Raphael Santiago was another really interesting story and I loved how Magnus and Raphael's personalities just clashed together. I think that's one thing that Cassandra and Sarah Rees Brennan (who co-wrote this short story) are really good at, writing humorous and sarcastic characters. Of course, we couldn't read about Magnus' life without seeing Alec Lightwood as well. Their first date just sounds so hilarious and so typically Magnus.

As with all short story bind ups, I did enjoy some stories better than others but, overall, I did really love this collection. The only story I had a problem connecting with really, was The Rise of the Hotel Dumort, though I'm not really sure why. I think that one just felt a lot slower than the others and it was a bit more serious as well which, compared to the others which have a healthy dose of humour and sarcasm, I think that particular story lacked some of that which made it feel a bit slower.

I liked how certain characters made reappearances in some of the stories. Ragnor Fell and Catarina for example, pop up in several of the stories, and events that occurred in previous stories come up again and again. Ragnor Fell never got over the pirate escapade in Peru. And escapades are plenty, especially early on in this collection - Magnus always seems to know where the interesting things are going to happen. And, by interesting, I generally mean trouble!

If you enjoy the Shadowhunter world that Cassandra Clare has created, I would definitely recommend picking up this collection of short stories. You learn so much, not just about Magnus, but about other characters within the series and how they're living their lives or, as is the case with Alec and Magnus' first date, you get to see something that actually isn't included in the Mortal Instruments series because it's told from Clary's perspective. And, because they're only fifty pages long, you can pick which one you want to read, or just read one if you're short on time. Besides, why wouldn't you want to read about Magnus Bane's life?

Top Ten Tuesday

This weeks Top Ten Tuesday is a Rewind - so I've gone way back to 2010 for my prompt this week to tell you guys my Top Ten Fictional Couples in Books. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my favourite Top Ten Tuesday.

1. Feyre and Rhysand from the ACOTAR trilogy by Sarah J Maas. I love their relationship so much. How Rhys never tells Feyre what to do, simply lets her decide for herself and how they both support each other in the aftermath of Amarantha.
2. Daemon Black and Katy Swartz from the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If you hadn't guessed these two would make the list then you don't know this book blogger very well!
3. Ash and Meghan from the Iron Fey series. Again, it is no secret that I love this couple.
4. Blue and Gansey from the Raven Boys quartet by Maggie Stiefvater. I think this is the longest build up to a relationship that I have ever read. Four books and we've only really had hints. Regardless, I love them together.
5. Cath and Levi from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I loved this book and I loved this couple. They're so sweet!
6. Baz and Simon from Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. Following on from number 5, Baz and Simon should not work as a couple and yet they really do.  
7. Clare and Gabriel from Clarity by Kim Harrington. I love this duology and I love Clare and Gabriel's relationship. A psychic and a sceptic - it's a match made in heaven...
8. Will Herondale (and Jem Carstairs) and Tessa Grey from the Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare. Because you cannot pick between Will and Jem. You can't. So, they both go on to the list because, technically, they both end up with Tessa.  
9. Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta from the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I'm the first to admit, I was never openly bothered about the love triangle between Katniss and Peeta and Gale. I was always enamoured by Finnick and Annie. I would love to have a whole book just about them honestly....

So those are my top nine couples in fiction. What are yours?

Meeting Jennifer L. Armentrout!

So, a month ago today, I met one of my favourite authors of all time. If you have read this blog at all, you will know that I love Jennifer L Armentrout, specifically her Lux Series so, when I found out that she was coming to my town for a signing, I knew I had to go.

Now, I own the entire Lux series on my Kindle - but she couldn't sign a Kindle! So, I splurged on the bind up editions of the first four books of the series - Obsidian, Onyx, Opal and Origin. My family thought I was mental for buying books that I already owned but if I was going to get any books signed it had to be them. I also took my copy of Half Blood, which is the first book in her Covenant series.

This was my first ever author signing event so I had no idea what to expect or even how many people would show up, because she isn't really a well known author over here in the UK. I was really surprised and pleased that it was completely sold out and so many people had brought their copies of the Lux series as well. Lots of people to discuss Daemon Black with!!

Jennifer talked for about forty minutes about all of her books and their subsequent movie and TV deals, what inspired her to be an author and how she plots her books. One thing she said during her talk that rang true with me is that the first series of hers that you read tends to be your favourite. I read Lux first and then Half-Blood and Lux wins hands down for me. I thought it was an interesting point to make.

She was so nice to everyone there. You had a limit of five books (perfect for the Lux series) so the signing did take a while but everyone there was so friendly and you can't help but start talking to people about the series and your favourite parts and your favourite characters. I got a little (read a lot) excited about how she signed Lux:Beginnings.

The girl in front of me had all five Lux series books and I was a little jealous that her copy of Opal was signed with 'Want a Cookie?' but I got 'Hey Kitten' so I was happy. While we waited there were trivia questions being thrown out about Jennifer's various series and characters but, unfortunately, I didn't win anything there, but I did come out with two bookmarks that they were giving out. I'll give you three guesses which one I was most excited to get...

I had an absolutely amazing time doing something I honestly never thought I would get to do. It's an experience that is going to stay with me forever - and I'm now on the lookout for other signings to go to!

Top Ten Tuesday

It seems like ages since I last did a Top Ten Tuesday! This week's topic from The Broke and the Bookish is a dream for me (and for any book lover) - Ten Books You'd Buy Right This Second if Someone Handed You a Fully Loaded Gift Card. So, in no particular order...

1. A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston - I'm currently rereading A Court of Mist and Fury for the millionth time and it will probably influence a few of the books on this list. This book sounds magical to me and I'd love to pick it up.
2. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - This follows the same kind of theme as A Thousand Nights but so many people have said this series is amazing and I'd love to see if the rumours are true.
3. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - so many people love this series but I've not started it yet. With the film coming out soon, maybe I will...
4. Covenant Series by Jennifer L Armentrout - I already own Half Blood and, actually wasn't too keen on it. It reminded me of Vampire Academy and, because of that, never picked up the rest of the series. But, last month I met Jennifer (which was so amazing!) and actually, I want to see where this series goes.
5. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen - I really enjoyed the Queen of the Tearling when I read it but I haven't got round to picking up this second book yet. Book 3 is coming out later this year as well and I really want to know what happens...
6. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas - Throne of Glass is on my Kindle begging to be read (and I'm slowly getting there) and, if it's anything like the ACOTAR series, I know I'm going to want to pick up the rest of the books in the series ASAP, especially with Empire of Storms coming out so soon, I need to get round to this series.
7. Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley - this blurb of this book kind of gives me Peter Pan vibes and I love reading books that are either retellings of Peter Pan or just remind me of that story.
8. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by JK Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne - this book dropped at the weekend and, when I first heard about it, I wasn't sure whether I would want to buy it because it's actually a script of the play. But I flicked through a copy while I was away and I think I've changed my mind. Besides, it's not everyday that Harry Potter fever grips the world again so I think it's worthy of a place on this list for that alone.
9. The Giver by Lowis Lowry - I'd never heard of this book series until the film came out. I think it's more popular in America but here in the UK, we don't study it at school BUT since the film came out, I've wanted to pick up the books.
10. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab - these books sound so amazing, I'd love to start them.

So, those are the ten-ish books that I would buy if someone gave me a fully loaded gift card right now. Looking at this list, I think it would need to have a large amount of money on it! What books would you buy?

Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick

Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis: Stella Gordon's life is a lie. She does not belong in Thunder Basin, Nebraska. As the key witness in a murder trial, Stella is under witness protection, living a life she doesn't want. No one can know who she really is. Not even Chet Falconer, her hot, enigmatic neighbour. But against her better judgement, Stella finds herself falling under Chet's spell...
A storm is brewing. Is Stella really safe in Thunder Basin? And will Chet be her shelter, or her downfall?

Review: Here's the thing. I always leave Becca Fitzpatrick's books unsure whether or not I liked what I just read. The Hush Hush series grew on me as the books went on and I ended up really enjoying it. Black Ice I didn't enjoy and now we have Dangerous Lies and again I'm not sure whether I liked it. I'm kind of swinging towards no, and I think the reason for this is because of the characters. I didn't relate to any of the characters.

Lets start with Stella. From page one she annoyed me. Her general attitude towards the people saving her life wound me up. She was cold, arrogant and rude for the first half of the book and then, all of a sudden, she was fine with all the characters she'd just spent X amount of time hating for just existing. I just could not connect with her at all. Chet was sweet and I enjoyed spending time with his character but, again, he was almost needy especially towards the end. He put his life on hold to look out for his younger brother Dusty which I admire but, he seemed a bit lack luster, especially towards the end of the book when his 'relationship' with Stella was starting to hit off. I couldn't help but compare him to Damon Black from the Lux series - he looks out for his younger sister Dee through everything. That never gets pushed to the side when Katy comes into the picture. I think that was what I wanted from Chet - was for him to stop yelling at Dusty and to just talk to him calmly. Like a grown up. And to stop putting Stella before his brother which I kind of felt he was doing.

The plot definitely had grounds to be interesting and I did enjoy that aspect of it. Seeing what it's like for young people in witness protection was really interesting and, while Stella did annoy me, you can understand why she might be prickly to begin with if she has to leave everything and everyone she's ever known behind. (I just wish she'd gotten over herself)! I really didn't like the twist at the end. I saw Reed's involvement in the whole thing early on, though I never guessed at his actual role in everything. Stella's big reveal at the end of the book just made it seem like a waste of time. I've spent 300 pages reading about how awful this Danny is and how he's a murderer and he's the reason Stella has had to go into hiding...all to find out that, actually, that's not entirely true. I was so annoyed with this moment because it just felt like I'd wasted my time.
Speaking of the ending, the whole final fight then lost it's punch to me and actually ended up just confusing me a little bit. Stella spent the whole book blaming her mom for bringing this situation into her life when, actually, if she'd told the truth, Stella would probably have been fine. I was never worried for Stella or Chet during the final fight scene and I think it's because what little empathy I had for Stella had just disappeared. I didn't really care and I knew they'd get out okay.

The second half of this book is definitely better than the first half, but I still think that Hush Hush is Becca's best work. I relate more to those characters than any of her others and I think it's because we had four books to get to know them. I think that's where Becca works best, in series, where she can draw out the characters and we get to learn more about them. Her stand alone novels just aren't the same for me. Dangerous Lies for me is better than Black Ice but I don't think I'll be picking it up again in a hurry.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Rating: 5 stars

Synopsis: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it...it is simply there, when yesterday it was not

Review: I loved this book. It's different to books that I usually read as it is incredibly descriptive - it reminded me almost of how classic novels are written, and I usually find it very difficult to read and enjoy those books, but Erin really nailed it for me in this book.

Don't get me wrong, you definitely have to be awake to read this book as we jump around a lot in the book through different time periods and see things from multiple characters perspectives, and with the mass description it's not a book you can speed read! To really enjoy this book and understand it, you have to take your time with it.

I thought the plot was really interesting. The concept of this challenge intrigued me from the first moment it was mentioned and I really liked how no one really knew what the rules of the game were which meant it was all up to interpretation. The idea of the Circus being built and created almost specifically for the purpose of this challenge (even if it's creator didn't truly know it at the time) makes it even more interesting because anything really can happen in this venue. On the flip side, the plot is quite slow moving. If you think about classic books, this does tend to be the case because the heavy description slows everything down and I know that the fact that the plot in this book is quite slow has turned a lot of people off reading this but, I actually liked that it was slow. It meant we got to spend time with the multitude of characters and spend as much time within the Circus as possible. Like I said, this book isn't a book you can speed read so it's something to bear in mind.

Speaking of the Circus, I kind of want to live there. It's just a place full of magic of all kinds and everything from the lighting of the bonfire, to the different tents full of crazy, wonderful acts to that incredibly awesome custom made clock just drew me in and made me want to stay in these tents. Having the Circus only open at night, and disappear and appear at whim just made it all the more magical and mysterious.

There are so many characters in this book, but I thought Erin handled them all beautifully. She keeps you guessing even with the characters because we hear from a character once and, in most books, that character will have played their role within the story and we wouldn't hear from them again. But, actually, those characters that were mentioned in passing, ended up becoming integral to the story and the characters that you thought you'd hear from over and over again in the story, were actually minor players. It kept me hooked and guessing because you never knew exactly what a character was going to do next.

I did like all the characters that we heard from in the story - they all brought something different to the story and they all had secrets of some kind so that mysterious nature of the Circus itself was replicated in the people involved in it. Saying that though, I fell in love with Poppet and Widget, the twins of the Circus. Their characters just came alive to me in a way that the others didn't and I loved reading about them.

This book is full of twists and turns and lots of magic and I absolutely loved every second of it. If you're looking for a book to relax with this summer, then I'd definitely recommend The Night Circus!