This book was heartbreaking, beautiful, powerful, addictive and so much more. The fact that Adam Silvera delivers a particularly effective title, evenThis book was heartbreaking, beautiful, powerful, addictive and so much more. The fact that Adam Silvera delivers a particularly effective title, even more so. However, I still could not have been ready for the journey that was to come, I loved every minute of it though and quickly found myself immersed in Matteo and Rufus' stories. I mean, knowing what was coming definitley made me ache, there were some scenes where I had to pause reading just to digest the foreshadowing, and yet, I still found myself holding out hope? Matteo and Rufus's story was such a precious one, it made me think a lot and value life's moments even more, and yet, if it weren't for the events that we hear of at the start of the book, they wouldn't have crossed paths.........more
Well, this was definitely an addictive read. I finished it in the space of an afternoon and evening, only stopping for my work shift and food. I enjoyWell, this was definitely an addictive read. I finished it in the space of an afternoon and evening, only stopping for my work shift and food. I enjoyed this even more than Albertalli’s “The Upside of Unrequited.” It was such an endearing and empowering read!
Firstly, I felt so sympathetic to Simon! He was an amazing narrator and I was instantly drawn into his world, his friends, his rehearsal of the school musical, his family and his emails with the mysterious Blue. Albertalli definitely wastes no time getting into the story and building her characters, for each of them goes through a fair bit of growth, namely Simon! Who doesn’t want to come out to his family or really his friends, he prefers his drama to be in the rehearsal room! But this made me feel sad at times because no one should be afraid to express who they are! Simon projects his thoughts and feelings via email to Blue, who he doesn’t know, for neither of them have actually met.
Or have they?
I can’t go into too much detail because of spoilers, but I loved how the book was split up into the chapters and then inside the chapters were the emails between the two characters. These scenes were so precious! It gave the reader such a great insight into both these wonderful humans, and how they think and feel; and gosh did they have some laughs too, and friendly banter. It was amazing! They bonded over a love of Oreos (might I add here that this book made me hungry) and honestly so much more than that. I was constantly dying throughout for them to meet, and I was definitely feeling angst when one said they didn’t want to exchange numbers. Also when someone pretends to be Simon on “the Tumblr” and posts something mean.
All the characterisation in this book was perfect. Actually, no, this whole book was perfect. I can’t fault it. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. It’s a contemporary full of feels, and I promise you’ll love it too! This book is definitely a perfect blend of friendship, family, love, and more!
I could keep ranting but no spoilers so I’ll leave it there. Until next time, happy reading!...more
So my first reaction when I was reading this was yay! Percy is back! I missed him in book 1 but his presence was definitely Let’s talk about the plot:
So my first reaction when I was reading this was yay! Percy is back! I missed him in book 1 but his presence was definitely felt in The Lost Hero! And that cliffhanger at the end of said book sort of promises us that we’d definitely see more from him in the next book.
And that we did! At first he doesn’t realise who he completely is or very little of his menories, but there’s that flicker to Annabeth, he knows she’s important to him.
When he meets Hazel and Frank, things slowly start to come together, slowly but surely. This book takes us to a whole other side of Camp, to the Roman camp in fact! And we meet new monsters which definitely keep our heroes on their toes.
Throughout the book I felt like I was there! Seeing everything as Percy, Hazel and Frank have and feeling their emotions. Rick Riordan’s writing is as amazing as I remember it and once again this book is full of gasps, happy and sad tears, excitement and foreshadowing!
Let’s talk about the characters:
Percy has matured so much across this book, I remember being in awe as I read how he grew up through the Lightning Thief series but his development here was even more impressive! Without being too spoilery he goes from not being fully aware of who he is to owning it! His character greatly transforms as he comes to realise the importance of himself and the role he plays in everything. As always, even when he’s not Percy, without his menories, he’s still sarcastic and fabulous and witty like we remember him to be. He always has hope and has faith in Frank and Hazel, both of whom I instantly fell in love with.
Frank and Hazel are our other two narrators, both have had such sad pasts and we come to know how sad as we read on about them! Both these characters had such little faith in themselves throughout but I was rooting for them all the way! I loved their friendship with Percy, and they were a couple that I instantly shipped! Both saw a Confidante in one another and knew that they weren’t alone, through the work of the monsters, the characters were all put through trials of their own where they had to face their inner demons and I love how we got to read about their flashbacks as we went, it definitely aided us in knowing them more and feeling their inner torment!
Let’s talk about the writing:
Rick Riordan wrote this book in my favourite style of writing; multiple POV’s! Multiple chapters from Percy to start, then some Hazel and then some Frank; I love how he did this because it allows us to connect with the characters and get into their minds more!
The writing was never boring, epic is definitely the word for this series, it’s going on my favourites list and everyone needs to read these books! They are fun, full of fascinating trivia, so atmospheric and utterly magical! This was such an amazing adventure I loved being a part of every moment! There were scenes within the last few chapters that had me so emotional and with goosebumps that I was so lost for words as I read on! And it’s something I know will stay with me for a long time! and that concludes my review, thank you for reading,
**spoiler alert** Do not be put off by the size of this book, yes it's small but it's so good! I just read it in one sitting and from the first page I**spoiler alert** Do not be put off by the size of this book, yes it's small but it's so good! I just read it in one sitting and from the first page I was once again transfixed in Murakami's beautiful, haunting words. Instantly shredded in a shroud of mystery and intrigue, I had no idea what to expect and I loved every minute! It was so unique with its characters (who are frankly stuck in my mind!) and the fabulous illustrations dotted throughout the book. Yet another stellar Murakami that I'll read many more times.
Updated Review:
So I really have been meaning to re read this wicked book, so what with tomorrow being the day I record small book reviews for work, I thought what better time to re read this! Honestly, I read it again in one sitting. This is such a bizarre story, so unique and insane. I was picturing everything, once again, and feeling the emotions I felt during my first read. Words really cannot do this book justice; like any Murakami, it’s so unique and leaves it open for the reader to think ‘what might have been’ or ‘what did I just read?’ And the visuals that accompanied this book! It was perfect, it all wove together to create something epic! ...more
I didn't want this trilogy to end! Lara Jean is definitley such a relatable character: and this trilogy gave me all the fluffy and fuzzy feelings! I hI didn't want this trilogy to end! Lara Jean is definitley such a relatable character: and this trilogy gave me all the fluffy and fuzzy feelings! I honestly went through all of the emotions whilst reading this series, and this last installment especially!
This book was such a fitting and emotional ending to such a fabulous trilogy! From the very start of this book it felt so bittersweet: I didn’t want to say goodbye to Lara Jean Song Covey; it felt like, throughout the trilogy, that I was welcomed into her family and her day to day life; she is actually one of the most relatable characters, to me, so I tried to hold on to this even more but it was so addictive, and fast paced and emotional: I definitely couldn’t put it down!
Everything in this book was flawless, there were some moments in this book that made me so emotional: I want infinite books about Lara Jean, Kitty too! In this book, we find out that Dr Covey is sending his daughters to Korea for a month, I’d love to read about that! And see Peter K and Lara Jean being all cute over Skype or FaceTime; I can totally imagine it!
But, back to this book at hand: every moment was utterly precious! All the characters had matured so much, especially Lara Jean! Throughout this book, choices are made and things are realised: and it was even more emotional to see the outcomes of these; and then how things are set in motion from these choices! I tried to sacour this, but I needed to see how it would end! And I definitley wanted more! Every character in this book is utterly precious; and I felt the way they all did, like, Jenny Han writes these characters: Margot’s sadness about feeling left out, Kitty wanting to be included in everything, to Lara Jean’s uncertainty and slight fear about the future and change.
Lara Jean and Peter K aside, I couldn’t get enough of Dr Covey and Katrina, or Tree, as Kitty calls her. I loved her interactions with each sister, it definitley warmed my heart and was so endearing!!
All this and so much more made such a fitting finale for this trilogy; I’m definitley going to miss these characters! But I will think back to them for sure, “I wonder if Margot found those red glasses she’s always wanted in Korea?” And more!
I’ll leave it there; these books are definitley among my favourite contemporaries! I can’t recommend them enough....more
I love this second to last instalment in The Mortal Instruments so much - namely I love how it's so dark and angsty, but how much my bae Simon is invoI love this second to last instalment in The Mortal Instruments so much - namely I love how it's so dark and angsty, but how much my bae Simon is involved! He's such a precious dork, and as always his scenes with Izzy give me life! And Malec, Clace, that seethingly wickedly evil Sebastian - Chairman Meow- Brother Zachariah- there's nothing not to love about these books and I'm truly cherishing my re reads because it feels like I'm with friends 😍...more
**spoiler alert** So much darkness in this book, I felt like everything was leading up to something so foreboding. This book felt so different to the **spoiler alert** So much darkness in this book, I felt like everything was leading up to something so foreboding. This book felt so different to the previous 3 that made up the first volume of the Mortal Instruments, and it was definitely exciting coming back to this book world after jumping into the past with Clockwork Angel! I chose intentionally to follow Clare’s publication order, and reading both series together is amazing! This book definitely had me feeling and in fact it gave me nightmares, especially as I reached the last three chapters.
For many reasons, this book felt different to its predecessors; there was so much angst and anguish, I could feel Jace’s torment throughout the book, and I felt so sad for him, considering what he’d been through in City of Glass, I felt sad for Clary because of how he was treating her; their love is so powerful but honestly I’m scared for what will come next. I had a feeling what might happen with Jace in this book, yet it didn’t make it any less terrifying.
I loved also the reference to The Infernal Devices, and how those characters, well one in particular, is connected to Magnus and how said character (Will), definitely impacted the warlock. This made for some Magnus and Alec angst, which I loved, I adore Malec, and I was swooning when they had their scenes. They’re so precious!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book is how it was quite Simon focused, from the start, Simon had become one of my favourite characters and I loved seeing things from his perspective, albeit he definitely had a fair share of torment too. Though there was one thing about him in this book that initially annoyed me, but it was okay when Maia and Izzy sort of banded together for a bit. I ship Simon and Izzy, they had some close scenes at the end that I really enjoyed.
Surrounding new characters and old, this book definitely had a lot of mystery and suspense to it, I definitely didn’t want it to end! Cassandra Clare has definitely cemented her place as one of my favourite authors, ever, and this book and it’s events will definitely stay in my mind for some time!...more
I loved book two even more than book one! I was constantly on the edge of my seat through the 411 pages! I knew after reading book 1 that I finally waI loved book two even more than book one! I was constantly on the edge of my seat through the 411 pages! I knew after reading book 1 that I finally was happy to be reading these books, but I didn’t know I’d become so obsessed with the characters and the Shadowhunter world! I didn’t want this book to end, so much happened and even though I tried to draw out the suspense, I couldn’t put the book down. Cassandra Clare has definitely become one of my a time favourite authors and I’m so grateful for what she has created. The book was non stop excitement, ‘BAM’ all the way through. Let’s talk about the characters: Clary is honestly so relatable and frankly I’m proud of how she handled everything! She’s awesome and loyal and fierce but she sure does have a stubborn streak which I love! Izzy is another favourite of mine, as she was in book 1. So fierce and loyal and protective, I love her bond with her brothers Alec and Max who I also adore! I love how much Alec developed! I had lots of questions regarding him in book 1, and I definitely love him even more in book 2! Same with Magnus, who could honestly give Izzy a run for her sass. An honourable mention to Luke, who remains amazing as ever, and Valentine the ruthless scum. He’s one villain! Oh Jace you precious bean, you went through so much and I really felt for you throughout. He’s amazing! And I was cheering and feeling for him throughout! And Simon too! Simon is one of my favourite characters throughout. Let’s talk about the writing: Cassie Clare writes so beautifully, she pulls you in from the first page and her writing is so atmospheric and magical! Can’t wait to read book 3! And that concludes my review, thanks for reading: Brooklyn 😀
after just completing my re read, I just love love love the Shadowhunter novels so much and all these characters! The emotions, going back and reading these books again were utterly fabulous and i couldn't get enough! these books are just perfection and i can't wait to continue my re read!...more
**spoiler alert** Once again I’m amazed with the characters and the plot of this bookworld! Cassandra Clare has well and truly cemented her place as o**spoiler alert** Once again I’m amazed with the characters and the plot of this bookworld! Cassandra Clare has well and truly cemented her place as one of my all time favourite authors and the Shadowhunter world is one of my favourite fandoms!
This book was definitely my favourite of the series! The intensity, actions and feels were just so many steps above the rest! From the first page I was hooked, and I was loving every moment! I instantly knew this book would be thegame changer of the series, we met some new characters and I knew they’d defence set the foundation of what was to come in the book.
And what was to come?
Pain. Fear. Anticipation. Feels.
Oh my gosh the feels. This book was full of angst as far as Jace and Clary are concerned but oh gosh it was exquisite. And there were some super feely Malec moments too!
Shipping feelings aside, there was one scene in this book, a characters’ death, that had my heart in pieces. Now a fair bit of this was anticipation and agony, we don’t actually read about said death, but I wondered what had happened and it was heartbreaking to find out.
Clare’s characters ALL feel so real, they leap off the page, in fact, the reader is transported into this bookworld. It just develops so much and it’s amazing learning more about the world of the Shadowhunters and everything to do with it!
This book and its characters made me feel so many emotions! It was just perfection all the way through and there were times throughout when I was internally shrieking in both anger and happiness throughout various scenes. Throughout this book I was kept on the edge of my seat, I had no idea what would come next but I couldn’t wait to find out!...more
I'm speechless. That was utterly breathtakingly perfect. I feel like no words will ever do this beautiful book justice, I mean, how is my soul meant tI'm speechless. That was utterly breathtakingly perfect. I feel like no words will ever do this beautiful book justice, I mean, how is my soul meant to function now?! Flawless. Everything I needed, wanted, and more.
I'm not even sure where to begin - this book is freaking phenomenal! It needs to be compulsory reading. Honestly. This book will make you think all thI'm not even sure where to begin - this book is freaking phenomenal! It needs to be compulsory reading. Honestly. This book will make you think all the things and you'll fall in love with Marukami's work. I now want to read all his books! His writing style is unlike any other! This book is packed full of creepy and amazing characters and it'll stay with you long after you close it! For that reason it will go on my favourites shelf!
This was such a cute read, I loved how passionate each character is about their fandoms, and fandom life in general so that’s definitely something I cThis was such a cute read, I loved how passionate each character is about their fandoms, and fandom life in general so that’s definitely something I could relate to on all the levels. And I love that both Charlie and Taylor learn to speak up for themselves too, both female characters went on a great growth journey through the book.
It was told in split points of views, from both Taylor and Charlie’s perspectives, and that was great because I felt like I was feeling all their emotions and thinking what they were thinking. On a personal level, Taylor is one of the most relatable characters ever, not just for her geekiness, but for her social anxiety and her constant overthinking. Throughout her chapters, she internally vocalises her thoughts, fears and feels, and that’s something I definitely understand. I was so proud of her as she learnt to accept herself and see herself ad the amazing girl she is, and she once posted the most uplifting messages to everyone on Tumblr after she was bullied.
Charlie herself was a great character too! It was amazing to have a diverse character that is just so open and comfortable in herself. Whilst trying to escape her ex boyfriend, Charlie runs into her vlogger idol and it was amazing to see what happened next.
There were two sets of romance in this book, and it was so cute seeing both develop. There’s something in this book for everyone, and it is something I’d definitely read again! It was definitely refreshing and will become a bit of a comfort read! I found Alyssa and Charlie’s conversations to be empowering, and these characters felt like friends! I also loved the banter between the trio of Charlie, Jamie and Taylor, they have such a beautiful friendship and they’re definitely there for one another through it all.
Updated Review:
This was a re read, I read this book earlier in the year, but I really needed to re visit it, it’s one of my all time favourites. It’s geeky, fun, fabulous and packed full of fandom references and feels!
And it’s also got one of the most honest portrayals of anxiety, ever; Tay, who lives with social anxiety, is one of the most ‘real’, characters I’ve ever come across; the book is told in both her and her best friend, Charlie’s POV; both characters are honestly so strong and admirable, and they go through a lot of character growth, which I love. Charlie, whilst trying to overcome a slightly brash ex boyfriend, comes face to face with a crush of hers, and honestly their scenes gave me all the feels! Also, Charlie handles her bisexuality really strongly, and I definitely admire how both her and Tay are so comfortable in their own skin; it really just shows and reminds me that everyone should be proud of who they are! (I must add, both characters make me proud to be a nerd, hah) I love reading books with geeky fandom characters, it’s a lot of fun; and this has to be a favourite! The pacing to this book is exciting as always, and re reading this book made me feel like I was once again among friends....more
This was definitely an unexpected pleasure of a book, I didn't know what to expect but it was such an addictive read, I couldn't put it down! The writThis was definitely an unexpected pleasure of a book, I didn't know what to expect but it was such an addictive read, I couldn't put it down! The writing was utterly lovely, it was so visual, I felt like I could clearly see everything that I was reading about, and feel Isobel's emotions, and think her thoughts. Isobel was such a fabulous narrator, I loved her so much and definitely admired her throughout! She was so fierce and didn't back down! Rook was such a great male lead character, and both he and Isobel had such amazing scenes together, and I adored Rook's wit, which Imogen just gave him a fun for his money! The story was so unique, I had no idea what would come next, and the ending, the build up (as well) to the ending filled me with chills! As well as being beautifully visual, the writing and the story, had everything you could ask for, there was mystery, intrigue, romance, suspense, comedy and a hell of a lot of shape shifting! It was pure fantastical magic! Definitely recommend to all!! ...more
To be honest, I haven’t the faintest idea where to start. I am actually in proper shock, for so many reasons; but this book was nothing short of phenoTo be honest, I haven’t the faintest idea where to start. I am actually in proper shock, for so many reasons; but this book was nothing short of phenomenal and more than a worthy successor to Nevernight.
Kristoff joins few authors, in m opinion, that craft such a majestic book world, take readers along in said stellar world, set us up with the characters, get us to know everything and think we know what the score is…
Before totally flipping everything on it’s head!
(The other authors that do this are of course Agatha Christie, JK Rowling, Cassandra Clare and Sarah J Maas!) but honestly I cannot rave enough about everything in this book. And I’m purposely being vague, for the Nevernight Chronicle reading experience ought to be experienced without knowing any great detail! I feel!
Everything in Godsgrave was just flawless! The pacing was fast and addictive, the writing vivid, Kristoff’s wit still prevalent, and the shocks a plenty. When I learnt many a things, I was gasping, and even when I tried to savour the book, I was left wanting more! So I could definitely not put it down, and oh my god the characters! There was so much angst and it left me hungry for more! There were times when I was laughing, giddy, screaming, teary; this book definitely messed up my emotions and I need to know what happens next! That ending, these characters and this whole book definitely joins my favourites list! And I know I’ll re read them long before book 3 is upon us!
This book is perfection! easily my new favourite retelling! it is addictive and fast paced, Yeva is an amazing character - her love for her sisters, fThis book is perfection! easily my new favourite retelling! it is addictive and fast paced, Yeva is an amazing character - her love for her sisters, father and Doe- Eyes, is all so precious! I was with her every step of the way and as I was reading this book, I felt like I was sharing her thoughts and feelings - so much angst and conflict, head or heart? I started this book one evening and finished it the next, I found myself thinking about this book and the characters when I wasn't reading it, I needed to know what would happen! And I loved those breaks between chapters which were written from The Beast's point of view - they were so chilling! There was so much magic to this story, I didn't want it to end, I cannot fault it!...more
This was nothing short of phenomenal! It was utterly amazing! Being obsessed with Tudor England, I have read many a fiction and non fiction book depicThis was nothing short of phenomenal! It was utterly amazing! Being obsessed with Tudor England, I have read many a fiction and non fiction book depicting this maniac and will read many a more! But this one definitely goes in a league of its own! The writing was EXCEPTIONAL! If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought I was reading Henry’s true life memoirs. The way he thought about each one of his wives, from his brother’s intended, Katherine of Aragon (I mean he really thought in the end that his first marriage was an abomination in the eyes of God?! Please!) to his lust for Anne Boleyn and Kitty Howard, to…oh okay, I’ll stop. But anyway, this book was emotionally exhausting but freaking amazing! It’s definitely become a favourite and I doubt I’ll read anything so convincing again! But I know they say ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ so we will see!
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