Tag: tag

ThursTag: The TBR tag

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Hello friends!

It’s Thursday, so that can only mean one thing: TAG DAY.

Today I’m taking on the TBR tag. Another one from my back log of tags, so if this is yours let me know and I’ll credit you! I’m not really a TBR creator… I’m more of a book collector and then read them when I fancy them kind of gal!

Saying that, let’s go!

How do you keep track of your TBR pile?

I have boxes of unread books at the foot of my bed and when I finish a book, I go to the boxes and choose the next book to read! I don’t have a list or anything: it’s just in my head/in those boxes!

Is your TBR mostly print or e-book?

Mostly physical copies of books. My kindle is dead unfortunately (RIP KINDLE).

A book that’s been on your TBR list the longest

I don’t know actually! There’s definitely some books a few years old on that list!

A book you recently added to your TBR

Image result for the shark caller zillah

If we’re talking a book I bought/acquired recently to add to my TBR, I’d have to say The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell. The brilliant humans of Usborne sent me a copy and I’m so excited to read it!

A book in your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover

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I’m gonna be honest here and say that I am a COVER MAGPIE. I love a sparkly cover or a beautiful cover. I know you shouldn’t judge books by their covers, but if it’s got a pretty cover I am SO MUCH MORE LIKELY to pick it up. A book that’s clearly only there for its cover is The Surface Breaks (I’m not a Little Mermaid fan particularly).

A book on your TBR that you never plan on reading

I mean I PLAN on reading all of the books on my TBR if we’re being honest… but some I’m going to get around to reading/am much more excited about reading than others.

An unpublished book on your TBR that you’re excited for

Here’s just a few of them… (this was the first 6 that popped into my head!)

A book on your TBR that basically everyone’s read but you

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There is only one answer for this… THUG.

A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you

Lol, see the answer above!

A book on your TBR that you’re dying to read

I have none of these books in my physical possession yet, but as soon as I do, you KNOW I’ll be reading them. *prays the postman brings me Hold Back The Tide soon*

How many books are on your Goodreads TBR shelf?

93 books on my ‘Want to Read’ shelf, but I don’t really use my ‘Want to Read’ shelf very well. I might actually go through and sort it out now!

And there we go! That was my TBR tag. As we have seen, I don’t have a physical TBR, but there are MANY books I want to read. I mostly haven’t read them yet because I don’t own them/don’t have time (god damn you work)

If you wanna have a go at this, feel free!

S x

ThursTAG: New Year’s Resolution Tag

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Hello friends, 

It is me, your Thursday Tag fairy! I’m here to do New Year’s Resolutions. 

Now, as a human, I’m not big on resolutions because I hate failure haha. Seriously though, that is deep and true. I don’t set them because I may fail doing them. I like them in theory, but I don’t tend to set them. *shrug*

But you’re not here to listen to me drivel on about my deepest darkest thoughts and innermost feelings. You’re here to read the tag. So let’s do it! 

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An author you’d like to read that you’ve never read:

V. E. Schwab. My friend Kelly bought me the Darker Shade of Magic trilogy for my birthday and I haven’t got round to reading them yet, so I really need to get round to that!

A book you’d like to read:

ALL OF THE BOOKS. 

A classic you’d like to read:

*shrug* What constitutes classic? Someone recommend me a classic they think I’ll enjoy please.

A book you’d like to reread:

I’m not a big rereader however I would like to reread 1984. And after reading it in such a greedy reading kind of way, I’d love to read The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski again. 

A book you’ve had for ages and want to read:

God. So many. However THUG probably needs to take that title. 

A big book you’d like to read:

Big books scare the life out of me. I do need to finish Priory of the Orange Tree though. Every time I look at it, it just sneers at me 

An author you’ve previously read and would like to read more of:

All of my favourites. Seriously they all need to just write more books thanks and get them to me ASAP THANKS (because I don’t have enough to read?)

A book you got for Christmas and would like to read:

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. My gorgeous friend Charlotte bought it for me.

A series you want to read from start to finish:

A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy (I think it’s a trilogy). I’ve heard amazing things about them AND I own them all, so I have no excuse really… right?

A series you want to finish that you’ve already started:

Most of the series I have started and not finished is because the rest of the books aren’t out yet. I’m a proper lover of a series and will DEVOUR the books when they come out. Gimme those character arcs and breadcrumbs of knowledge.

Do you set reading goals? If so, how many books do you want to read in 2020?

I do: I always set my Goodreasd challenge at 52 – that’s a book a week. Yes, I always beat it. Yes, it’s more than achieveable, but that’s what I do. I managed 138 books this year which I think is pretty good going. 

Any other reading goals?

Read more of what I enjoy and not feel like I have to read what everyone else is reading just because it’s what’s cool? 

And there you go! My New Years Resolutions tag. Feel free to have a go at this yourself! 

How do you feel about resolutions?
What books are on your list?
Are you a lover of a series like me?

Talk to me in the comments, or I’ll see you over on Twitter! 

S x

2019 in books…

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Hola amigos!

It is time for my 2019 in books round up. Well, one of them! I’m literally just using THIS POST as inspiration and changing 2018 to 2019. Get yourself a cup of tea and get comfy! I know we technically haven’t finished 2019 yet… but I’m just getting in there early!

**2019 READING STATS**

NUMBER OF BOOKS YOU READ: 138
NUMBER OF RE-READS: 0
GENRE YOU READ THE MOST FROM: FANTASY?

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1. BEST BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

I REFUSE TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION. 

2. BOOK YOU WERE EXCITED ABOUT & THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO LOVE MORE BUT DIDN’T?

The Girls by Emma Cline. I just wanted a lot more from it. It was fine, but I didn’t LOVE it. (I’m always looking for cult books if anyone has a recommendation for me!)

3. MOST SURPRISING (IN A GOOD WAY OR BAD WAY) BOOK YOU READ? 

Sanctuary by V.V.James. I don’t read a lot of adult fantasy books because I generally find them quite hard going, but my god I DEVOURED this book. It is INCREDIBLE.

4. BOOK YOU “PUSHED” THE MOST PEOPLE TO READ (AND THEY DID)?

Lol, it would be a crime for me not to say Melinda Salisbury here because that is what I am MOST well known for, lets be real. I will forever shout about Mel’s books. Come at me.

5. BEST SERIES YOU STARTED IN 2019? BEST SEQUEL OF 2019? BEST SERIES ENDER OF 2019?

Best series I started? And Then I Turned Into A Mermaid – Laura Kirkpatrick
Best sequel? Patina – Jason Reynolds (I am ALL about this Run series, give me the new book INSTANTLY)
Best series ender? Maz Evans – Against All Gods (I am so so so deeply saddened this series is over)

6. FAVORITE NEW AUTHOR YOU DISCOVERED IN 2019?

I read quite a lot of books from new authors (either debuts or new to me) but I have to give this prize to Bethany Rutter. No Big Deal was a BIG DEAL to me this year and I just can’t wait to see what else she writes.

7. BEST BOOK FROM A GENRE YOU DON’T TYPICALLY READ/WAS OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

I find these questions really hard because I’m not a massively adventurous reader. I stick to what I know! Probably This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay though. That book needs to be read by every single person on this bloody planet because it is bloody brilliant.

8. MOST ACTION-PACKED/THRILLING/UNPUTDOWNABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR?

Now… action packed, thrilling and unputdownable are VERY DIFFERENT THINGS, but let me try and choose ONE book… Viper by Bex Hogan. That book definitely HAS A LOT going on. You should read it if you haven’t yet.

9. BOOK YOU READ IN 2019 THAT YOU WOULD BE MOST LIKELY TO RE-READ NEXT YEAR?

Now here we go again… everyone say it with me. I’m not much of a rereader. However I would be more than happy to reread a lot of the books I read in 2019. Mainly Song of Sorrow because I miss Luvian Fen so much.

10. FAVORITE COVER OF A BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

It would be criminal for me to say that Circe isn’t my favourite cover of last year. That cover is DISGUSTINGLY beautiful (yes, I appreciate a shiny cover)

11. MOST MEMORABLE CHARACTER OF 2019?

Luvian bloody Fen. That fella HAS TAKEN OVER MY LIFE.

12. MOST BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK READ IN 2019?

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. God guys. Just gosh.

13. MOST THOUGHT-PROVOKING/ LIFE-CHANGING BOOK OF 2019?

And The Stars Were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando. Excuse me. It’s not out til next year but you guys are IN FOR IT. This book is HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL.

14. BOOK YOU CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WAITED UNTIL 2019 TO FINALLY READ? 

I mean it only came out in 2019, but I read A Curse So Dark and Lonely A LONG TIME after everyone else did.

15. FAVORITE PASSAGE/QUOTE FROM A BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

GOD KNOWS. Like genuinely. Although the ending of Song of Sorrow is just what I needed and didn’t know I wanted.

16. SHORTEST & LONGEST BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

Shortest – Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell (80 pages)
Longest – The Toll by Neal Shusterman (640 pages)

17. BOOK THAT SHOCKED YOU THE MOST?

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G.Drews. I didn’t expect to fall in love with that book quite as much as I did.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (YOU WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP!)?

Sorrow and Luvian 4lyf. (Although, me and Luvian too) But I must also give a shout out to all of the ships I definitely shipped this year.

19. FAVORITE NON-ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP OF THE YEAR?

Emily and the relationship she has with her body in No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter. 

20. FAVORITE BOOK YOU READ IN 2019 FROM AN AUTHOR YOU’VE READ PREVIOUSLY?

LOTS OF THEM OK? I LOVE BOOKS.

21. BEST BOOK YOU READ IN 2019 THAT YOU READ BASED SOLELY ON A RECOMMENDATION FROM SOMEBODY ELSE/PEER PRESSURE/BOOKSTAGRAM, ETC.:

Circe by Madeleine Miller. Queen Mel kept recommending this, so obviously I read it.

22. NEWEST FICTIONAL CRUSH FROM A BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

Malachi from With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo. He just seems like the sweetest sweetheart.

23. BEST 2019 DEBUT YOU READ?

A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby, The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D.Lapinski or No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter. I read LOADS of amazing debuts this year!

24. BEST WORLDBUILDING/MOST VIVID SETTING YOU READ THIS YEAR?

Now while I could of course recommend Queen Mel here (the queen of world building), I’d also like to give a shout out to Sophie Anderson for her gorgeous settings in The Girl Who Speaks Bear. 

25. BOOK THAT PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE/WAS THE MOST FUN TO READ?

Boot by Shane Hegarty.

26. BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY OR NEARLY CRY IN 2019?

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL. See every book I read. Books that really broke my heart this year? Against all Gods, A Pocketful of Stars, They Both Die At The End, The Art of Being Normal, This Is Going To Hurt, And The Stars Were Burning Brightly.

27. HIDDEN GEM OF THE YEAR?

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer. I bought it on a whim because the kids at school love his other books and I just adored it.

28. BOOK THAT CRUSHED YOUR SOUL?

Lol, see my answers to Q26.

29. MOST UNIQUE BOOK YOU READ IN 2019?

High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson. The way it’s set out and written proper makes it stand out in my head!

30. BOOK THAT MADE YOU THE MOST MAD (DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN YOU DIDN’T LIKE IT)?

I Hold Your Heart by Karen Gregory. That book made me SO FUCKING cross. It’s well worth a read, but my god.

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1. NEW FAVORITE BOOK BLOG/BOOKSTAGRAM/YOUTUBE CHANNEL YOU DISCOVERED IN 2019?

I don’t watch a lot of booktube to be honest, so I will tell everyone who is still reading to go and subscribe to my boy George Lester.

2. FAVORITE POST YOU WROTE IN 2019?

OH MY GOSH. I can not choose. I have quite a few!

3. FAVORITE BOOKISH RELATED PHOTO YOU TOOK IN 2019?

I don’t take great photos haha! So I’m not sure!

4. BEST BOOKISH EVENT THAT YOU PARTICIPATED IN (AUTHOR SIGNINGS, FESTIVALS, VIRTUAL EVENTS, ETC.)?

YALC is always a great highlight. I get to spend a few days with my favourite people in the world and books, what’s not to love? Mel Salisbury’s book launch was also bloody magnificent.

5. BEST MOMENT OF BOOKISH/BLOGGING LIFE IN 2018?

Chairing events with some of the authors I love and respect the most in the world is always an incredibly mind blowing thing to do!

6. MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BLOGGING OR YOUR READING LIFE THIS YEAR?

Those times where my MH just doesn’t wanna play and therefore I don’t read/blog like I would love to be doing!

7. MOST POPULAR POST THIS YEAR ON YOUR BLOG (WHETHER IT BE BY COMMENTS OR VIEWS)?

Oooh. I’m not sure! Let me find out! THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY. My most viewed post is my #SixforSunday prompts post! YAY for #SixforSunday!

8. POST YOU WISHED GOT A LITTLE MORE LOVE?

Meh. I’m indifferent to this question. I don’t write things for people to like? I write things  want to write!

9. BEST BOOKISH DISCOVERY (BOOK RELATED SITES, BOOK STORES, ETC.)?

*shrug* I don’t know my pals. I do not know.

10.  DID YOU COMPLETE ANY READING CHALLENGES OR GOALS THAT YOU HAD SET FOR YOURSELF AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR?

I always set myself a Goodreads target and of course I smashed it!

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1. ONE BOOK YOU DIDN’T GET TO IN 2019 BUT WILL BE YOUR NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IN 2020?

Lol. So many. I’m not sorry either. I’ve still not read THUG. *shrug*

2. BOOK YOU ARE MOST ANTICIPATING FOR 2020 (NON-DEBUT)?

OH MY GOD. HOLD BACK THE TIDE. OMG. WHY IS IT NOT OUT YET?

3. 2020 DEBUT YOU ARE MOST ANTICIPATING?

Is it cheating to say the one I’m most anticipating is one I’ve already read? Cause I don’t care for your rules.

4. SERIES ENDING/A SEQUEL YOU ARE MOST ANTICIPATING IN 2020?

I NEED the rest of the Run series by Jason Reynolds like now. I love that series.

5. ONE THING YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH OR DO IN YOUR READING/BLOGGING LIFE IN 2020?

Just keep enjoying it. That’s all I ever want. As soon as I’m not enjoying it, that’s when I’ll stop blogging.

6. A 2020 RELEASE YOU’VE ALREADY READ & RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE (IF APPLICABLE):

MG – The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D.Lapinski. Friends. It is EXCELLENT. I can’t wait for the world to experience it!
YA – And The Stars Were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando. It BROKE MY SOUL. Please read it when it comes out because it is going to break yours too.

TA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. You made it! Congratulations if you made it this far. Let me know in the comments if you made it this far and I might send you a little prize!

S x

Thursday Tag: Testing my memory!

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Hello friends!

It’s Thursday again… you know what that means: it’s Thursday Tag! 

Today I’m taking on another tag from my massive tag document… all about testing my memory (LOL). Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t have the BEST memory in the world! I mean, it’s fine, but my short term memory is NOT great. So this was a bit tricky!

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Name a book written by an author called Michael.

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It hurts me to admit that Morpurgo was the first author I thought of who was called Michael. Not that I have anything against his books, I’m just not the biggest fan!

Name a book with a dragon on the cover.

Image result for there's a dragon in the library
This counts right? It’s got the WORD dragon AND a dragon’s tail. (It’s the first one I thought of!)

Name a book about a character called George.

Image result for georges marvellous medicine

An iconic George, let’s be real!

Name a book written by an author with the surname Smith.

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I’m a MASSIVE Dan Smith fan. If you’ve not read his books… PLEASE DO. He’s brilliant AND he’s a proper lovely man too!

Name a book set in Australia.

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If my memory serves me right, this book is set in Australia?! (I checked… yes it is!)

Name a book with the name of a month in the title.

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This was a strange one for my brain to come up with because I’ve never read it!

Name a book with a knife on the cover.

Image result for the knife of never letting go

I’m so glad my brain came up with this straight away… otherwise that would have been embarassing! (I don’t know that I can think of another one after this mind!)

Name a book with the word ‘one’ in the title.

Image result for one sarah crossan

This one took me a while, but it came to me eventually. I remember reading this but I couldn’t remember if it was called Once or One, so I just picked it hoping!

Name a book with a eponymous title.

I’ll be honest, I had to look up what this word meant! And despite the fact I know what it now means, I can’t think of a book for this…

Name a book turned into a movie.

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Saw the film before I read the book. Loved them both. Would recommend whole heartedly.

And that’s it! 

If you fancy doing this tag, please feel free! 

ALSO. I’m looking for more tags to do for Thursday Tag. If you have one you’d like me to do/you think I’d like to do, let me know! I LOVE  a tag!

S x 

 

Thursday Tag: The Book Cake Tag

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Hello friends!

How are you all? It’s Thursday… YOU ALL KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. IT’S ALMOST FRIDAY, but more importantly, it’s tag day! Who doesn’t love a tag? I certainly do… if they’re not your jam, thanks for stopping by! Why don’t you check out one of my other posts from this week?!

Anyway… we are here for the Book Cake Tag. This is another one of those ones I’ve had in a massive word document titled “Tags to do”. Seriously, it’s just a massive document with a load of different pages of tags to do. Once I do one, I delete the tag from the document. It started with 100s of tag questions/prompts in and now it’s still got LOADS in, but there’s definitely fewer.

book cake

As always, if you fancy doing this, go for it! Here we have the ingredients for making the perfect book cake!

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Flour: A book that was slow to start off but picked up as it went along.

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I think the only reason this book came to mind was because you had to get to know and understand the characters before you could really get into the action. I really loved this book when I read it though.

Butter: A book that has a really “rich” and great plot.

(The temptation to recommend all the Mel books here is REAL guys)

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I read this back in January and GUYS. It is blooming excellent. Secrets, lies, royalty, betrayal, trust and friendship. Just delicious.

Eggs: A book that you thought was going to be bad, but turned out quite enjoyable.

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First off, I’m unlikely to pick a book that I think is going to be bad… HOWEVER, this book is “adult literary” and I don’t have a great track record with adult books. They’re just SO SLOW. This isn’t mega fast paced, but it is BLOODY BRILLIANT.

Sugar: A sugary/sweet book.

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This book is SAD, but it’s also really lovely. It’s a gorgeous story of compassion, love, working through adversaties and ultimately, living life. I read it on a recommendation from a friend and it was lovely!

Icing: A book that covered every single element that you enjoy of a book.

THIS IS SO HARD. SO SO HARD. I can’t choose just one, so ha.

If you’re gonna ask me to describe my perfect book, IT ALL DEPENDS if I’m reading kids or YA. Things I love in books: fantasy, magic, a bit of danger, friendship, wit, a message, emotional turmoil (ha) and a ship that is worth shipping. 

(Also, I’ve just spotted what the final prompt says and dear God help me)

Sprinkles: A book series that you turn to when you’re feeling down.

 

OOOH. This is interesting because I’m not a rereader, but if I were and I wanted a series to reread, it would be the Sorrow duology because LUVIAN FEN THO. 

Cherry on Top: Your favourite book this year so far.

 

ABSOLUTELY NOT. You can have a smattering of some of my favourite books so far. (Not pictured: many many others)

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That was a lot of fun. As you can tell, I am indecisive and am not up to committing to “favourite books” yet… although, I probably need to start thinking about my “favourite books of the year” post soon…

S x

Thursday Tag:Winter Wonderland Book Tag

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Happy Thursday friends!

How are you all? We are here again. Thursday. You know what that means. It’s a tag day.

How do you all feel about tags? Do you like doing them? Do you like reading them? Have you got a good one that you want me to do? I need more tags in my life!

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Today, I’m taking on the Winter Wonderland Tag. I know it’s not TECHNICALLY winter yet, but here, in my world, it is. It’s cold and dark all the time and my body knows that it’s winter… (as usual, I’m not sure where I found this tag as I’ve just saved the questions, so if it’s your tag, shout at me because I’d love to credit you!)

One: What book is so happy and so sweet that it just warms your heart?

Image result for unconventional maggie harcourt"Unconventional – Maggie Harcourt
I remember reading this book and just SMILING. It was such a lovely book and it’s nice every now and again to come across books which are great at just making you smile.

Two: What’s your favorite book with a white cover?

Image result for scars like wings cover"Scars Like Wings (proof edition) – Erin Stewart
I don’t know if this is cheating because it’s the proof cover, but I just think it’s so simple, yet so effective.

Three: You’re sitting in a nice, comfortable chair with a cup of hot chocolate. What monster book are you reading?

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The Toll – Neal Shusterman
This book was A MAMMOTH READ. 630 pages of absolute stress. 630 pages of not knowing what was going to happen next. I think I need to be able to read it again as I know what’s coming to enjoy it. Can not recommend enough though. PROPERLY BLOODY GREAT.

Four: Its snowing outside and you decide you want to have a snowball fight. What fictional character do you want to have this snowball fight with?

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Song of Sorrow – Melinda Salisbury
Luvian Fen. I need say no more. You guys know I love him.

Five: Sadly, your campfire is dying. What last few chapters of a book would you throw in the fire to revive it and keep yourself warm?

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A Curse So Dark and Lonely – Brigid Kemmerer
I have NO doubt this will be a very unpopular opinion, but my god I hated the “twist” at the end about the relationship between two of the characters. I finished this book at the beginning of the year and I am STILL annoyed about how it ended. Sorry like. I loved the book though… I just couldn’t get away with the ONE thing at the end.

Six: What book do you love so much that you would buy another copy of it to give to someone as a Christmas gift (or any gift really) to inspire them to start reading?

LOL ALL OF THE BOOKS. Seriously? Nope. I can’t choose just one, soz. I might make this question into an actual blog post though…

Seven: Who do you tag?

You. Her. Him. Them. Anyone. All of you. None of you (if you don’t want to).

And there you go! My attempt at the Winter Wonderland book tag. It was somewhat successful! If you’d like to have a go, feel free!

S x

Thursday Tag: Library Loves

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Hello friends! How are you all?

Like I excitingly announced last week, I’m one of the cohosts for #LibraryLoves, a month long celebration of libraries big, small and everything in between! Today I’m coming at you with the blog book tag that Jess came up with and tomorrow I am sharing with you all what the library in school looks like (both in my classroom and our ACTUAL library! I can’t wait to show you all!)

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1. When did you first go to the library/get a library card?

I don’t remember when I FIRST went to the library because for me it’s always been a thing in my life. When I was growing up, there was a library maybe a 10 minute walk away from my hosue, so I was always there on a weekend. I was very lucky to grow up so close to the library and that I had a bunch of friends (and a brother) who didn’t mind coming to the library with me. Sadly, I don’t think the building is used as a library anymore!

Fun fact: I had my first kiss in the little playground out the back of that library! It was under the slide. 

2. How often do you use your library?

I use our school library ALL THE TIME. The fact I’m the lady in charge of the library should tell you something! I’m not very good at using the public library in Newcastle that much if I’m honest… however it is an incredible library and I love going to see what they have on offer. I’m particularly a fan of seeing the books they have for sale because there’s sometimes absolute gems for as little as 25p!

3. Have you ever had a late or lost library book?

Oh, yes. A few years ago I came across a book that was from the library I went to as a child so it must have been YEARS overdue (I’m 30 now), but as that library no longer exists, I’m not sure what to do with it. I rang the big library in Newcastle and they told me they had no record of it… so it’s currently just sat on my shelf!

4. What’s your favourite thing about your library?

Gosh, that’s a loaded question. I think one of the best things about a library is that it’s free access to this exceptional collection of different worlds, characters and feelings. You don’t have to pay to go on an adventure with Morrigan Crow, or travel to Tallith, or to learn about the life of a doctor. You’ve got a magical card which allows you to learn all of these wonderful things.

5. Are you a browser or do you plan what you’re taking out?

Definitely more of a browser. However, I’ve definitely borrowed my fair share of books in my life!

6. Name a book you took a chance on from the library.

Ooooh. As a child, I remember being TERRIFIED of Goosebumps (I’m easily scared, shush now) and being told that they weren’t that scary. I got one of the books out and then was OBSESSED. I don’t know what it was about the books but I went through that series QUICKLY once I’d read one.

7. What is best book you read from the library?

All of them? Ha! I genuinely don’t think I could answer that! There’s so many brilliant books I’ve borrowed from the library – particularly our school library – that it would be hard to say one of the best ones.

8. Have you ever taken the same book out multiple times?

I’m not a re-reader, so it’s unlikely. But I imagine childhood me read Matilda many times from the library. That book is ingrained in my memory.

9. Have you read a good book set in a library?

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman is EXCEPTIONAL. Magic, librarians and adventure. PLEASE READ IT.

10. Have you used your library’s ebook and audiobook options?

I didn’t even know this was a thing until about a year ago, but I still haven’t indulged in this service yet! I shall need to get onto it though!

11. Which is the best library you’ve been to?

I haven’t actually visited that many libraries in the world to know which the best one is. I’d love to go to more libraries in the world. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about so many different libraries in the world. I can’t praise Newcastle City Library enough though – it’s a beautiful building and it is JAM PACKED with exceptional books. 

12. What would make you use your local library more?

100%. I’m so guilty of just buying books I want to read because I can them pass them on to friends/our school library, but it’s so important that we keep libraries open that I need to start using our library more.

And that’s it!

If you’d like to join in the library love and do this tag, please feel free! This was a lot of fun!

S x

 

The Lover Book Tag

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Hello!

Massive welcome to my Thursday Tag! This week I’m taking on something a little different. My wonderful friend Andrew did this tag, which was created by the wonderful Vicky over at Vicky’s Reads, and he has challenged me to take it on. So here I am taking on… (if you’d like to see Andrew’s answers, check out his post here on Vicky’s blog!)

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Before I get started on this mammoth tag, there are just a few rules if you want to take part in this tag!

  1. Give credit to the creator (that would be ME!)
  2. Tag 5 friends
  3. HAVE FUN!

Now… I’m not the biggest Taylow Swift fan, but she has some banging songs… so let’s get on with this!

I Forgot That You Existed
A book on your TBR that you’d completely forgotten about

So so many! Nothing really springs to my mind, but having had a look, The Matilda Effect is on that list! It sounds like a book right up my street, so I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet (because you forgot about it Steph, duh!)

Cruel Summer
A Perfect Summer Read

I hate this question so much. I’m not great with “summer reads” or even winter reads. I just wanna read all the books all the time. I even in my notes haven’t answered this question…

Lover
Your Favourite Book/Series

It would be criminal of me not to say The Sin Eater’s Daughter because that series truly is one of the best series I’ve ever read. I miss Twylla so much. As a MASSIVE series reader (I’d rather get invested in series than only read standalones), I have SO SO MANY series that could go on this list. As for MG books, you can not get any better than Who Let The Gods Out? series by Maz Evans. They’re just bloody brilliant.

The Man
An Amazing Female Character

A character I’ve fallen massively for this year is Emily from No Big Deal. Emily is me at 17. I read that book very much with a “omg this is me” kind of thing. It’s weird being seen and heard in a book, so I massively appreciated coming across Emily. If you’ve not read No Big Deal yet, please do. It’s such an incredibly important message and it’s proper good. (Plus Bethany Rutter is a BABE)

The Archer
A book from your childhood because you never grew up

This is another one I could’ve had many many answers for because I have ALWAYS been a reader. I don’t know anything but how to be a reader. I loved Matilda, Charlotte’s Web, The Secret Garden, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as a kid. I think I’d love to relive these stories again and again.

I Think He Knows
A book everyone knows you love!

Lol, I think this is OBVIOUSLY going to be Mel or Maz. Any of the Mel books, any of the Maz books. I love them both.

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince
A book that makes you so sad, you could paint the town blue

Again… there’s so so so many. However, I can not get this question and not mention Countless by Karen Gregory. I read this book maybe a year and a half ago and still now thinking about it makes me emotional.

Paper Rings
Your favourite OTP

Man. Another thing I love reading for. If you give me a series I love and a ship I can truly ship, you’ve got a series I would die for. Sorrow/Luvian, Kaz/Inej and Amani/Jin are my faves.

Cornelia Street
A book that lived up to the hype

Had I not had everyone shouting at me about Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom, I never would have read it… and let me tell you that was WORTH EVERY BLOODY SECOND and every second after. Just an amazing duology.

Death by a Thousand Cuts
A book that saying goodbye to is death by a thousand cuts, so you just have to re-read it again

My series loving heart has found a few series REALLY BLOODY hard to say goodbye to. Saying goodbye to WLTGO was a THING. Saying goodbye to Amani and Jin broke my heart, but I really think that saying goodbye to Twylla will always be one of the hardest things. I would LOVE an update on how she’s doing. I love her so.

London Boy
A book based in London

I’ve not got round to reading them, but I own the A Darker Shade of Magic trilogy, which is set in numerous Londons!

Soon You’ll Get Better
A book that brightens up your sky

God, there’s so much MG that just makes my heart so happy. I have to give a massive shout out to Anna James and her Pages and Co series though. I’m part way through book 2 and I just think it is one of the most beautiful and wonderful things in the world.

False God
A book that you could reread over again because it still does it for you, babe 

I’m not a massive rereader (as people who are long time readers of this blog will know), but I have reread Matilda numerous times. I just worry that the second time I read it I won’t love it as much as I did the first time!

You Need to Calm Down
An LGBTQ+ book you’d GLAADly recommend

Lol, this prompt is so clever. Good work friends. Simon vs The Homosapiens Agenda is the first thing that jumps to my head for this… it’s an obvious choice, but it’s lush. I saw the film before I read the book, but that didn’t spoil it for me at all!

Afterglow
It’s Not the Book, It’s Me (A book that wasn’t for you)

Freshers. I just couldn’t get away with it. It made me more mad than anything. I don’t talk about it often. Loads of people loved it, but I just… yeah.

ME!
A Character You Relate To

I’ve already mentioned one character I relate to massively, Emily from No Big Deal. But I’d also like to give a shout out to Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron. It was so lovely to read about a similar situation that I had experienced… a character who had to live a “secret” relationship.

It’s Nice to Have a Friend
A Character You’d Love to be Friends With

LOL. This is going to be another predictable answer if you know me. But Izzy O’Neill is my gal. I wanna be her, I wanna be her girlfriend, I wanna be her friend so much.

Daylight
A book that you weren’t sure of at first but turned out to be amazing!

The Smoke Thieves. It’s slow initially, but it’s really good. I read the second one earlier this year and I really enjoyed it!

Bonus: Favourite Taylor Swift Album

I don’t really have one? Im not a big enough fan to have a favourite album. Sorry to the TSwift fans out there!

And there you go! Phew… what a mammoth task that was!

I’m not going to tag anyone, but if you wish to have a go, please do!

S x

Back to School Book Tag

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THURSDAY TAG DAY IS UPON US ONCE MORE.

I’m taking on the Back to School Book Tag today. I KNOW I KNOW. I’m late. Please forgive me. I saw this on my friend Amy’s blog recently and thought I needed to take that on… so here we go!

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English – Name your favourite author’s (or book’s) writing style

I don’t wish to be predictable in this here tag (lol, lbr, I’m predictable af), but I can’t beat Melinda Salisbury’s writing style. It’s just gorgeous. She is the QUEEN of worldbuilding in my eyes. PLUS… she gave the world the god that is Luvian Fen, so who am I to complain?

Maths – A book that made you frustrated

This again might be one that you might all guess that I’d say, but Caraval. EVERYONE was like “It’s going to be the next Night Circus” (and I LOVED that book) and then it just wasn’t. I’ve put off reading the rest of the series because book 1 frustrated me so much… I just wanted more!

Science – A book that made you think

This was a hard one because I think there’s a lot of books that I read which make me think. However, I’m punting for They Both Die At The End and Scythe because of their dealing with the issues of death. I read both of those books and they left me thinking “What would I do in those situations?” Knowing I was going to die, what would I do with my time? Who would I spend it with? That’s one of those eternal thinking points for me from these books and I don’t think I have an answer for myself yet!

Social studies/History – Your favourite book from a different time period

I am a MASSIVE fan of a book from World War 2. You don’t get many YA books (well, that I know of) from that time period, but there’s a good chunk of MG books out there from that time period and I am ALL ABOUT THEM. Shout outs to Hitler’s Canary and Letters From the Lighthouse though – loved both of these!

Art – Your favourite book with pictures

ALL OF THE PICTURE BOOKS. Gotta love a David Litchfield illustration, or, of course, an Oliver Jeffers illustration.

Drama – A book you would love to turn into a movie

SO MANY and yet SO FEW at the same time. I don’t want what I know and think about a book RUINED because it is poorly made into a film. However, I would love The Sin Eater’s Daughter trilogy to be made into a series of films. I bloody love Twylla.

Music – name a character you think (or know) would have the same musical taste as you

This is another one that’s hard because I don’t really know. However, I think Emily from No Big Deal might be the one I go for. She’s got a very diverse music style and I like to think that I do too. So maybe her?

Lunch – A food you would love to try

All of the yummy food that’s mentioned in the Sam Wu books. I ALWAYS read them and want to try the foods straight away.

Bus ride home – A book or author that is relaxing

LOL. I don’t know that I read books that are relaxing. However, I’d go with something that I can get lost in and instantly Kiran Milwood Hargrave and Sophie Anderson’s books jump into my mind. PLEASE. Oh, and Alice Broadway. A story I can get lost in is relaxation to me.

Extra credit – A book someone else told you to read and you ended up enjoying

I think if everyone hadn’t shouted about and made me read Six of Crows, I wouldn’t have known how much I bloody love Kaz Brekker and his crew… so thanks everyone!

And there we go! If you’d like to have a go at this, please do!

Speak to you tomorrow!

S x

 

The OsemanVerse Book Tag

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Hello pals!

It’s a Thursday tag day. What a joy. I have a great tag to come to you today. This tag was invented by the Brilliant Layla (Kaz Brekker to those of you who know her) and it’s centred all around Alice Oseman characters. Now, I’m a BIG Alice Oseman fan so I knew I’d have to take this one on! All graphics are from the original post!

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Jimmy Kaga-Ricci: A character that overcame something huge

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Ooooh. Steffi from A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard. I love her. She has to overcome a BIG thing in her life. I love that she’s so afraid but she manages in the end. I miss Steffi and Rhys.

Rowan Omondi: Favourite protective character

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Aw man. Cosmo from I, Cosmo was the first character that came to mind. He just wants to look after his little family and make sure that they are all OK. I love Cosmo and all of you should too. He’s such a good doggo.

Lister Bird: Character that oozes charm

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Lol. I can’t answer this question and NOT be predictable. You say the word charming and I think Luvian Fen (Sorrow-verse) and Jin (Rebel-verse). Those two have my proper heart.

Angel Rahimi: Book you’re the most passionate about

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Can I say ALL OF THEM? Let’s be honest, there’s a whole chunk of books that I am forever shouting about. Who Let The Gods Out? series, The Sin Eaters Daughter series, The Paper Magician series. But most recently, I want everyone to know that I have an undying passion for No Big Deal by Bethany Rutter and Jemima Small versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter. Those two books need to be read by everyone ever. Please.

Charlie Spring: Favourite bookish OTP

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Again, this is a question that I can have 30438 answers to because MAN I LOVE A SHIP. If there’s a ship worth shipping in a book, I probably ship it with all that I am and all that I can be! However, two ships that I will go down with are Amani/Jin (Rebel-verse) and Sorrow/Luvian (Sorrow-verse). Just the best.

Nick Nelson: Favourite book that brings you joy

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I love a joyful book. They’re the best. We all know that I love a good cry, but a book that makes my heart happy is one that I am there for. There’s quite a few. If I can cheat and mention two series here… I’m going to go for the Sam Wu series by Katie and Kevin Tsang and the Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson. These two series just make me chuckle a lot!

Nellie: Favourite book to snuggle up with

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Whenever the phrase “snuggle up with” comes up in a prompt, I imagine snuggling up with my twiglets and reading a story to them, so it’d have to be a picture book and you can’t get any better than The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield. I bloody love the Bear, and David Litchfield is a bloody brilliant illustrator!

Aled Last: A book that helped you through a rough time

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It’s gotta be Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig. That book is just incredible.

Frances Janvier: A character with tons of determination

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She’s in my head because I just recently finished the trilogy and I’m so sad that it’s over, but Violet from the Perfect series is one determined little girl. She saves the place she lives over and over, and she is constantly trying to help her friend Boy.

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That was SO FUN. Massive congrats to Layla for coming up with this tag. If you’d like to see her answers, go check out her post (link at the top of this post) and if you’d like to have a go, go for it! I love a tag!

See you tomorrow!

S x