Bookish Resolutions!!!

I don't generally make resolutions but I have a lot of things I want to achieve in 2017 and it makes sense to me to have a set of goals I can check off! 

• Goodreads Challenge 390 books: This year I just about missed my goal of 360 books. 390 seems like a lot but before 2016 I was hitting 400 so I know it's achievable! I am not going to be too strict with myself on this one and I will re-evaluate it in the year if it becomes stressful!
• Book Buying Ban: I have a real book buying problem so I am officially putting myself on a ban. With a couple of allowances. Any book I already have pre-ordered I will leave so I will still be getting books but it won't be a lot. There is another exception which I will get to now.
• Go to YALC: This takes place in London in July and I've been wanting to go for a couple of years. I am pretty sure I will be able to go to this (along with Ann and my brother) and I am very excited for it! This will be a break in my book buying ban although I will still be aiming for restraint - though probably not hitting it!!
• Read a Classic a Month: This is something I used to do but didn't manage at all in 2016! I have quite a few unread Classics on my shelf and even more on my wishlist so I'd love to read one a month and get through some of them!
• Read the Books I Already Own: I finally compiled a list of my unread books and (not including review books) I have 222 to get through which is a silly amount! I definitely need to read these as many of them have been on my shelf for well over a year!

I am also thinking of joining in on a couple of challenges this year so if there are any you would recommend do please let me know! 

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading

Friday Reads 30th December 2016

Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice and Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader. The idea is to share a sentence or so from the first page and the 56th page of the book you are currently reading! 

Book Beginning:

"The day I met Mr Gellis, I had been walking in the rain."

Friday 56: 

"Despite Mr Gellis' assurances, I could hear the words as they came from my lips, and they sounded insane. I sounded like a delusional woman who has had a waking nightmare."

I am feeling a bit slumpy at the moment so I decided to put my currently reading books to one side for a second and dive into some re-reads. I first read The Haunting of Maddy Clare last October and loved it so I am interested to see if I love it as much the second time around.  

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading

January Releases!

I hadn't realised just how many of the books I am excited for in 2017 are being released in January! It's a busy month for book releases and here are some of the books I am most anticipating!

3rd January:

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken: I was just lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this via Netgalley so I know I will be reading it soon! Passenger was a good read and I am looking forward to Wayfarer.

Freeks by Amanda Hocking: I've never read anything by Amanda Hocking before but this involves a circus (which is book buying kryptonite for me). 

5th January:

Mafiosa by Catherine Doyle: I can't say too much about this without giving spoilers but basically I loved the first two books way more than I had anticipated. I think this is the last in the series so I am looking forward to everything being resolved!

The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman: I really like this cover. This is, again, a sequel so I can't say too much but the characters are kick-ass and I love the world Goodman has created. 

10th January:

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: I actually know nothing about this book but I am constantly hearing about how wonderful it is so I know it's one I want to check out. It's also recommended for fans of Uprooted and The Night Circus both of which I adore.

Frostblood by Elly Blake: I am actually a little hesitant about this one. It sounds like a lot of other Young Adult novels I've read. Advance praise has been good however so I may give it a chance. If you've read it let me know what you thought.

Windwitch by Susan Dennard: Yes I pre-ordered the first book and no I still haven't read it. I am a terrible person. But I loved her Something Strange trilogy. I am planning on reading Truthwitch and Windwitch together in 2017. It will happen.

Roseblood by A.G. Howard: I actually was not a fan of Splintered, but then I am very fussy with Alice in Wonderland retellings. I've heard amazing things about this one. And of course the idea of a Phantom of the Opera retelling intrigues me a lot - it's not something I've really seen before. 

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn: I love Deanna Raybourn, she is one of my favourite authors and I loved the first book, A Curious Beginning. Deanna is so good at writing characters who feel real and admirable and relatable all at once, I fell for Veronica last year and I can't wait to continue her story.

12th January:

The Vanishing by Sophia Tobin: Sophia Tobin is very swiftly becoming one of my favourite historical authors as well as a definite auto-buy author. This takes place on the Yorkshire Moors and is for "fans of Jane Eyre, Fingersmith and The Miniaturist" which is quite the combination.

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones: I am a fan of this genre but very rarely stick with a series to the end. This is the longest series I've followed I think and I know I will be there right to the end. I'm not sure how many books are planned but I always get excited for the next one!

17th January:

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera: I haven't read anything by Adam Silvera yet but I hugely admire him, and I've heard wonderful things about his books. This deals with a lot of issues (ie. Grief and OCD) and I am very intrigued by it.

24th January:

Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis: I discovered Jill Shalvis this year and I am now hooked. This is the third book in the Heartbreaker Bay series and I loved the first two books (reviews here and here). This one follows Elle and Archer, two of my favourite characters from the series so far.

26th January:

New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan: Sarah Morgan is another newly discovered author and I adore her books. This is the fourth book in the From Manhattan With Love series. All I know so far is that it involves dogs. 

31st January:

Caraval by Stephanie Garber: Oh how very excited I am for this book. This is probably my most anticipated debut of 2017. Everything I've heard about this so far has been positive and it's a premise that can't help but hook me! Also, there are four different UK covers and there's a huge part of me that just wants all of them.

Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer: This is Marissa Meyer's first graphic novel and follows Iko a much loved character from the Lunar Chronicles. 

Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder: Another favourite auto-buy author for me. The Poison Study series is one of my all time favourite fantasy series' and this continuation has been great so far. I adore Yelena and Valek and I will never say no to any book that follows them!

By Your Side by Kasie West: Somehow I haven't read anything by Kasie West yet. This is set in a library where the main characters are, I believe, locked in. Which is every book lovers dream I am sure!

Please let me know what books you are most excited for in January, or 2017 in general! And if you're lucky enough to have read any of these already I would love to know what you thought of them! 

I hope you all had a wonderful time over the Holiday and Wish you all a Happy New Year!!

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Wednesday Catch-Up 28th December

Every Wednesday we are linking up with WWW Wednesday. WWW Wednesday is hosted at Taking on a World of Words and asks 3 questions: What are you currently reading?, What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading:

I am about to start Deathcat Sally which I was sent by the author for review. It was one of the most exciting packages I've received - there was a full size art print, cat stickers, a toy cat and a bunch of other exciting things. The book sounds amazing and has some little illustrations in it which I am always excited for so I have some pretty high hopes!

Recently Finished:

Mince Pies and Mistletoe at The Christmas Market was the last of my Christmas reads this year and it was a good one to end on, it was cosy and festive and romantic and I really enjoyed it. I then read Game of Fear which I was sent by the author for review. I really enjoyed the mystery and liked most of the characters. I did solve the mystery well before the main character but it was still interesting to watch everything unfold. If you like Pretty Little Liars you would probably enjoy this.

Planning to Read Next:

Next up I am reading The Quest and Trapped in Wonderland both of which I received from the author. The Quest is a Sci-Fi novel which sounds amazing, I've been really wanting to read more Sci-Fi lately so this is exciting. And Trapped in Wonderland is set in Wonderland - I adore Alice in Wonderland and I always gravitate towards retellings or reimaginings of the world so I am thrilled to have this!

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Bout of Books 18 Sign Up

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

We are once again looking forward to participating in the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon! Ann will be studying for her exams during this week (which are scheduled for the 9th) but will try to get some reading done as well and I am planning to read a lot!

Ann's Goals: To read 2 books

Clare's Goals: To read 7-10 books and to participate in as many challenges as possible! 

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Top Ten Books of 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at The Broke & The Bookish. You can find a list of past and future topics here. I decided to go with my Top Ten favourites of all read this year, regardless of release date, but somehow they all wound up being 2016 releases anyway! These are in a tentative order except the first three which are jointly my absolute favourite - I love them all differently so it was too hard to choose!!

1) Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

This was my most anticipated book of this year and it definitely did not disappoint! I love the whole crew and there wasn't a single perspective I didn't enjoy - which is pretty rare for multiple POV novels! If you haven't already picked up Six of Crows then you definitely need to!

2) A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I was actually a little underwhelmed by A Court of Thorns and Roses, partly because I didn't like Tamlin at all. But in this book Rhysand gets a lot more focus and I love him so much! Plus the plot was a lot more engaging. A Court of Wings and Ruin is now my most anticipated book for 2017! 

3) The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

This book blew me away. It's not an easy book to read and I definitely would suggest caution for younger readers. But it was so, so important and relevant. I cried a lot after finishing this book.

4) The Rose & The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

I love this duology a lot, the characters are so compelling and the world is well created and seems believable to me. I preferred the plot of the first book but this was an excellent conclusion to the duology and I can't wait to see what Renee Ahdieh writes next!

5) Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Probably more action-packed than the first book. There were plenty of twists and surprises and a lot of science for me to wrap my brain around but I loved it! The third book is going to be amazing and I can't wait!

6) Imprudence by Gail Carriger

For some reason I thought this was a duology (it's not there are two more books planned) and I am very pleased that there will be more books with these characters who I have come to love. I love Rue and her friends and I love watching them get into (and then out of) trouble!

7) Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan's books just keep getting better and better. I love Percy and I always will (and I actually want to re-read his books soon) but I love this series and Magnus and all the side characters. Alex was the new addition in the book whom I fell in love with and I want more! 

8) The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

I can't believe how long it took me to read The Raven Boys but I am so, so glad that I now have. I just wish I owned the books so I could re-read them. Blue and her boys captured my heart and I was hooked right up to the last page. Maggie Stiefvater's writing is so beautiful.

9) Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

This is the first Ruta Sepetys book I've read but I hope it wont be the last because it was superb. She took an event that I knew nothing about and made me desperate to know more. I cared about the characters and I was heartbroken by all they had to go through.

10) Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

This was just so light and fun and sometimes that's all I want. I left this book with a huge smile on my face and even now I smile when I think about it! Cindy Anstey is an author I will be watching out for!

It was so tough to narrow this list down to ten - whatever else you can say about 2016, there were a lot of great books released this year and I am so glad for all the ones I managed to read! Next week's topic will be Top Ten 2017 Debuts I'm Excited For and I can already think of a few so I am looking forward to putting that list together! Please leave a link to your lists in the comments - I would love to check out some of the books I missed in 2016!

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Fairy Loot Unboxing December 2016

I was extremely pleased with November's Fairy Loot box, which was also my first box from them, so I was very excited for this month's to arrive. I was actually away whilst it arrived so I had to wait a few days to open it. The theme this month was Sci-Fi Adventure. Typically I prefer Sci-Fi films to books as I find it so hard to wrap my head around without the visuals but I have been getting more into Sci-Fi this year so was interested to give this box a try.

 What was in the Box?

• Flashfall by Jenny Moyer: This is a book I have been thinking about getting ever since it was released so I am glad to finally own it! It looks so interesting and exciting so I will definitely be reading this very soon! This also came with a signed bookplate, letter from the author and a bookmark which is always a nice touch!
• Star Wars Funko! Pop: Definitely my favourite item in this box. They sent out Yoda, Stormtroopers, Princess Leia, C-3PO and Rey. I got Rey and I was very happy with that! I already have a Princess Leia so Rey or C-3PO were my preferences. Rey is currently living on my DVD shelf!
• Kryptonite Bath Powder: This was created exclusively for the box by Geeky Clean. This smells so, so delicious. It smells like cupcakes (because naturally Superman's weakness would be a crystal that smells like cupcakes?) and I am so excited to use this.
• Galaxy Socks: These were created by Fairy Loot for this box, I really like them. I am not sure what material they are but they seem warm which is good for winter!
• Watercolour Bookmark: The quote on this is from the Starbound Trilogy which is one of my favourites and it says "We Are and Will Always Be What We Choose". I am currently using this bookmark and it is so beautiful. This was created by Lexy Olivia
• Art Print and Buttons: Designed for this box by Taratjah. The art print is of the Lunar Chronicles guys and the buttons are of Darrow and Sevro from Red Rising which I haven't actually read yet but really want to!
• Bonus Items: Way Down Dark sampler (we actually got sent this book from the publisher so I passed the sampler on to my brother), Red Rising Art Print and The Long Way to A Small, Angry Planet art print both of which make me want to read their books a lot.

Overall I really liked everything I got in this box. I think I did love November's box a bit more but that was partly because there was a tote bag and a mug and both of those are my weaknesses! Next month's theme is Mystery and Mischief and you can check it out here if you'd like more information! I have an inkling of what next month's book will be and it makes me very excited plus the description mentions the circus which is my favourite thing in the world!  

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Sunday Post 25th December 2016

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer, it's a chance to post a recap on the past week, show the books we have received and share what we plan for the coming week. Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and the aim is to show our newest books and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops or downloaded on to their e-reader. As always you can click on any of the pictures to be taken to the Goodreads page for that book if you're interested in finding out more about it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you are all having a wonderful day! 

Last Week on the Blog:

• Clare Reviews: Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan
• Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under my Tree
• Wednesday Catch-Up
• Top 5 Fictional Items I'd Give as Gifts
• Ann Reviews: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
• Friday Reads
• Twas the Night Before Christmas Book Tag

Books We Got This Week:

This is a pre-Christmas haul! I am sure we will get more books today (I hope!) but we will be adding them to next Sunday's post!

Flashfall by Jenny Moyer: This is one I have been curious about for a while, mostly I wont lie because of the cover! I am glad I finally have it and it does look so impressive.

Trapped in Wonderland by Dani Hoots: Thank you so much to Dani for sending me a signed ARC of this book. I will be doing a review for this in February and I am very excited to read this soon especially as I always love anything relating to Alice in Wonderland.

The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes: I am planning/hoping to do Bout of Books in January so I am collecting some quick reads which will hopefully kick off my year in a good way. This looks like a great historical romance. I don't think I've read anything by Grace Burrowes before but I've heard some good things. 

Reading Update:

Clare:

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan: 4.5 stars, I loved this, so funny and exciting and I loved Alex, the new character. I can't wait for book 3 now!
A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin: 3 stars, I did enjoy this but there were points where I kind of wanted to skip ahead. It's spread out across the year and the last section - Winter was definitely my favourite.
Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan: 4 stars, Loved this as well, the characters were great and it felt so very festive which I loved.
The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver: 3 stars, Not my favourite Jenny Oliver book but overall I did really enjoy it!
Mince Pies and Mistletoe at The Christmas Market by Heidi Swain: 3.5 stars, Really charming and fun and I really liked the romance. It was a great final Christmas read!

Next Week on the Blog:

• Fairy Loot Unboxing
• Top Ten Books of 2016
• Wednesday Catch-Up
• Top 5 Characters I'd Invite to My New Years Eve Party
• January Releases We're Excited About
• Friday Reads
• Bookish Resolutions

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.

Twas the Night Before Christmas Book Tag

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already!!! I am not sure who created this tag (so please do let me know) but it seemed such a perfect fit for Christmas Eve so I hope you enjoy it!

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;The children were nestled all snug in their beds;While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,"

Name a Book that Made You Fall Asleep
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff is the only one I can think of right now. I didn't fall asleep reading it but it took me over a week to read.

 "When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter."

A Book That Made Your Heart Race
Illuminae and Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I love these books so much. And they are so exciting - especially Gemina.

"Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.When what to my wondering eyes did appear,But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,"

Name a Magical Book
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling. At Christmas especially I always seem to find myself coming back to Harry Potter. And I can't think of any books more magical than these.

 "With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick."

Choose a Twinkle Eyed Book Character That Made You Happy
Eva from Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan. She was so positive and happy despite everything and I just adored her so much.

"So up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—"

A Book That Made You Fly to Another Land
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. I was so immersed in this book and it's world. Everything about it felt real to me.

 "And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof. The prancing and pawing of each little hoof."

Name a Book Creature You Love
I am going with the Fantastic Beasts screenplay here and saying every single magical creature. The "Fantastic Beasts" were just amazing and took on such real characters of their own.

"He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;"

A Character That Proves to be More Than Their First Impressions
Warner from the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. I can't think of any other character who had such hidden depths. 

 "He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly."

A Book That Made You Laugh

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan. All of Riordan's books make me laugh - this was just the most recent of his that I read and I loved it!

 "A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread."

A Book That Makes You Feel Safe
Any of my favourite Childrens classics work for this (eg. Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna or What Katy Did) but also, any Georgette Heyer novel. I just love them.

"He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, And fillled all the stockings then turned with a jerk."

A Book You Felt You Really Needed to Concentrate On
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. This book took me forever to read because I wanted to make sure I was taking everything in and fully understanding it. And because it's such a long book that took a lot of concentration.

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Choose a Book with a Magnificent Ending

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis. It was a tough ending to read but it's one I will always, always remember and that makes it magnificent!

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading

Friday Reads 23rd December 2016

Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice and Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader. The idea is to share a sentence or so from the first page and the 56th page of the book you are currently reading! 

Book Beginning:

"As I stood in the chilly kitchen of the poky student flat I had called home for the last three years, waiting for the kettle to boil, I couldn't help wishing I had dropped out of university before the temperature had plummeted from autumnal to arctic."

Friday 56:

"The strands of battery-operated fairy warm white fairy lights I had threaded and draped between the stock and around Lizzie's eye-catching Makes and Bakes banner stood out a treat, and with the cafe's trademark bunting in place, the overall effect was extremely pretty."

This will probably be my last Christmas read of the year (only 2 more days till Christmas!!!) and it's looking like it will be a good one to end on. I am only just starting this so I am not sure if she actually dropped out of Uni or if she just wishes she had (although dropping out after three years seems a bit silly). But it feels very festive - with all the fairy lights and the gorgeous cover so I am excited! 

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading

Ann Reviews: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Title: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Series: Dash and Lily #1
Source: Purchased
Pages: 260
Rating: 4/5
Blurb: "I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please."
Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favourite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

This year I decided that I would read some Christmas books so I asked Clare for some recommendations and this was one that I really wanted to read and I really enjoyed it! The plot sounded amazing and I loved the idea of it. I also really loved how excited for Christmas the book made me feel because I really love Christmas.

The two main characters Dash and Lily were great characters but in different ways. However I thought that in the beginning of the book the two authors were trying to make both the characters seem very different to the readers by their views and beliefs about things. However as I read on in the story I think that the authors began to work better together and I began to forget that the book was written by two authors and not one. Overall I thought that all the characters were incredible and I loved that they had characters that all had different personalities and they weren't all similar. 

I thought that the plot of this was incredible and really loved how it was not only about the romance but it was also about how both Dash and Lily developed too. Although I was a little bit annoyed about the ending because I am now curious about what happened afterwards and I am very excited to read The Twelve Days Of Dash And Lily, which I will be reading soon. However although I loved the story and the beginning of the book I did think that it was a bit unrealistic but there was a small possibility that it could have actually happened.

I have never been to New York but I thought that the descriptions of all of the places sounded beautiful and I could picture them very easily in my head as if I had been there before and I wish I could have. I think that it is very hard to make scenes in books realistic but I think that they did it very well in this book, which was impressive.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend that you read it if you love Christmas books or you are intrigued by the blurb because it really is am amazing book and I loved it!

You can also find us on Goodreads (Ann and Clare) to keep up with what we are reading.