Rating: 3.5 STARS Genre: YA/Romance Standalone/Series: Standalone How I got this book: Library Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind? This book should come with a trigger warning.
Yes, it's YA, and for the most-part, it's a lighthearted quirky story with smatterings of romance. But, it also deals with some pretty heavy issues i.e. mental health, abandonment issues and alcoholism. I read this book off the back of Carry On to see if it would help me to understand that book a little better. I'm pleased to report that it did actually, and I'd highly recommend that people read Fangirl before reading Carry On. It gave me a much better understanding and appreciation for Simon and Baz that I just didn't have before. I think it's hard for some authors to write a writer as their main character, they can easily come across as pretentious and all knowing, but I think Rainbow Rowell does this perfectly with Cath. Cath is instantly likeable and relatable and she remains down-to-earth throughout the whole book, something I love about her. I think every avid read, aspiring writer and self-confessed book nerd will find something of themselves in Cath's introverted nature. Personally, I loved Cath, despite some of her crying and self-doubt sessions that reminded me so much of myself that I wanted to shake her. Levi is undeniably good. It's clear from the beginning that he's the perfect match for Cath and it's lovely to see their relationship evolve. I can't lie, I hated Wren for almost the entirety of the book and I wouldn't spit on her mum if she was on fire, but it worked well for the story and made Cath, and her dad, even more lovable. I really enjoyed this sweet, college story about a shy girl who has to learn to make her own way in life. It also made me really want to get back into reading fan-fiction, and I would if not for the fear of losing myself in it for hours like I used to! 3.5 sweet, shy stars. Do you have a favourite fan fiction? YAY! I just received a new arc via NetGalley, this time it's The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green, provided by the lovely Penguin Random House UK Children’s. There was a little note from the author included in the email I just received that I wanted to share: Dear Reader, It’s been an amazing few years since my debut trilogy, Half Bad, was published. I’d like to thank you, the readers, for your support and enthusiasm. I wouldn’t be here without you. The Smoke Thieves is the first book in my new fantasy series, which is out in May 2018. I’m incredibly excited about this new story and world. It’s a journey, in more ways than one, for five protagonists from different countries—Tash, a young demon hunter; Edyon, a compulsive and impulsive young student; March, a radicalized young servant from a country destroyed by war; Ambrose, the handsome, idealistic soldier whose values are at odds with his government; and Catherine, a princess with an imminent arranged marriage—all of whom are driven by fate, ambition, and desperation, as their paths come together over an illegal bottle of demon smoke. The Smoke Thieves began with a number of character ideas, but it was Catherine that pulled the story together. There's a lot of talk about strong female characters in YA fiction, and I wanted to write a character that used her brains, initiative and, anything else at her disposal to take power. Unfortunately, intelligent and ambitious females usually end up being the baddies. There is still an implication that brains and hard work are somehow unattractive and women should be kind and thoughtful (as if these traits are mutually exclusive). I'm frustrated that we (women) have made so little progress in the world of business and politics since my teenage years, in the seventies. I hope that by creating lead characters like Catherine, I can help influence girls and young women in how they perceive they can control their own destiny. Sally Green Now I want to read this book even more!!! I am all about badass, intelligent, cunning, determined leading ladies and fingers crossed, that's what we're going to get. Is it just me also or does anyone else get a sort of Six of Crows feeling about this book from the letter above and the blurb below?? A princess, a traitor, a hunter and a thief. Four teenagers with the fate of the world in their hands. Four nations destined for conflict.
In Brigant, Princess Catherine prepares for a loveless political marriage arranged by her brutal and ambitious father. In Calidor, downtrodden servant March seeks revenge on the prince who betrayed his people. In Pitoria, feckless Edyon steals cheap baubles for cheaper thrills as he drifts from town to town. And in the barren northern territories, thirteen-year-old Tash is running for her life as she plays bait for the gruff demon hunter Gravell. As alliances shift and shatter, and old certainties are overturned, our four heroes find their past lives transformed and their futures inextricably linked by the unpredictable tides of magic and war. Who will rise and who will fall? And who will claim the ultimate prize? Rating: 3 STARS Genre: YA/Fantasy/LGBT Standalone/Series: Standalone (I think - see review for more info) How I got this book: Bought Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen. That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right. Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up. Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters. Please don't hate me!! I KNOW that this book is super highly rated and everyone seems to love it. Hell, that's the very reason I decided to pick it up.
"It's like gay Harry Potter." - SOLD to the chick with a seriously disturbing Harry/Malfoy obsession. That fandom is probably the basis for my entire 'enemies to lovers' trope craze. Upon first reading, I honestly wondered what all the fuss was about. It sort of read like a really obvious Harry Potter parody/fan fiction that was determined to poke fun at that series. After speaking to my good friend Lia the Book Bat, (don't forget to check out her awesome new book blog), I found out that this was probably intentional. Remember my note above about thinking that this was a standalone read? Well, now I'm not too sure. Lia kindly let me know that there's another book by Rainbow Rowell called Fangirl which basically centers around a girl who writes fanfiction for Simon Snow (who is the MC in Carry On). Now that I know this, I get it a bit more and it kinda makes sense. Although, can someone please tell Goodreads that this is the case because it seems to think the books aren't connected at all. Surely they should be listed as part of a series??? So, once I found that out, I tried to look at it with a new perspective and admit that I did enjoy it much more. Simon Snow is funny. He's the all-round typical Chosen One in that he's courageous, brave and loyal but on the flip side, he's sweet, charming and utterly clueless. He literally has no idea what he's doing romantically or otherwise. Baz is a bad-ass vampire and Simon's arch nemesis, but at the beginning of the book he's missing, something which drives Simon very much insane. I did enjoy the bond and the camaraderie between Baz and Simon, but what I wasn't too keen on is that it takes so long for Baz to make an appearance and that even when he does there isn't quite as much romance as I'd been led to believe. The story, being a fan-fiction/parody style story was fairly predictable and I felt the saving grace of the book was Simon and Baz's changing relationship, which should (in my opinion) have taken center stage. This I think became more apparent as the other characters in the book began to have POV chapters which I really wasn't a fan of. I didn't particularly like or connect with any of the other characters and just wish that the book had been solely from Baz and Simon's perspectives. It was Baz who kept me reading when things got a little 'slow' for me. Overall, I enjoyed the story, there were plenty of fun moments, and a few tender ones. I just personally felt that the romance was somewhat underplayed since that's what sold me on the book in the first place. As an after note, I will definitely be checking out Fangirl as soon as possible because I feel like there's a lot to offer from this author and I wonder if maybe I struggled to enjoy this book because I hadn't read that one. We shall see :) What did you think of Carry On? I'd love to know your thoughts! Rating: 5 STARS! Genre: YA/LGBT Standalone/Series: Standalone How I got this book: Bought Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day. On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day. They Both Die at the End is one of the first books I've ever read where I literally knew what was going to happen at the end but I still wasn't prepared!!
If you're a big ol' softy like yours truly, be sure to have a box of tissues handy to catch all those bittersweet tears. I love the concept of Death-Cast, as terrifying as it is, that you get notice on the day you're supposed to die (I think a minimum of 24 hours notice would be nice, otherwise that kinda sucks even more), so that you can do things you never thought to do or spend time saying goodbye. No, I would not actually want this service. I think counting down the time until you die is probably worse than not expecting it, but then I guess, for the people you're leaving behind, Death-Cast would be better for them....since it involves death it's pretty much a no-win situation all round. Anyway, I digress. I really, really enjoyed the storytelling in this book, I loved the format and that we are able to connect with Mateo and Rufus through their first person POV chapters whilst also getting snippets from other characters who are all connected to, and impact, Mateo and Rufus's last day. Mateo is sweet, completely innocent and so wrapped in bubble wrap that it's lovely to see him finally break out of his comfort zone thanks to Rufus. Rufus is a bad boy with a soft center who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, is struggling with loss and yet is still willing to make sure Mateo (a complete stranger when they meet) has the best last day of his life. The friendship that blooms between these two characters is real, genuine and beautiful. Together they are sweet, they push each other's limits and they both grow into new people. The whole time reading, and getting to know Mateo and Rufus (and falling for them both), I just wanted to skip to the end and find out what happens...well, how it happens at least. Warning: It was a shock and it really threw me - *tissues at the ready* One thing I love, really love about this book is that their respective sexualities aren't made into a huge deal. It's nice that they're just who they are and that's it. No explanation needed. Throughout this heartbreaking story of friendship, love, missed opportunities, second chances, loss and regret is a positive message that we should all do everything we can to live each day like it's our last. To not be afraid to do the things that scare us, to meet new people, experience new things and above all, live. There's a line in this book that really, really made me laugh. First, a bit of background: Did you know that there's a company that when you die, will turn your ashes into a bio urn, which when planted, grows a tree. I know right!! How amazing is that? Well, when I first saw this a while back I thought it was a great environmentally friendly idea and I will be a tree when I die! Maybe even one day I'll be turned into books which would be surreal. Although, I hope not for a while, we need oxygen guys!! So, back on track, this whole concept is discussed briefly in the books and Rufus (I think) delivers my favourite line, "You can't go around telling people you wanna be a tree and expect them to take you seriously." I guess no one's going to take me seriously from now on! I'm wrapping this review up with a solid 5 bittersweet stars! I can't wait for Adam Silvera's next book with Becky Albertalli - What If It's Us!! Rating: 4.5 STARS Genre: YA/Fantasy Standalone/Series: Legacy of Orisha How I got this book: Bought Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy. Children of Blood and Bone promised an epic YA, fantasy adventure filled with magic, revenge, and anger, and it did not disappoint.
But, be warned, you will need to prepare yourself for a monster cliffhanger at the end of this book that had me wanting to tear out my own hair! I absolutely loved the cultural insight that this book provides. The writing made me feel completely immersed in Orïsha, and in the lives of Zélie, Tzain, Amari and Inan. We're first introduced to Zélie, a strong-willed, short-tempered young woman who has suffered great loss at the hands of the King of Orïsha. We learn at the book's outset that she is strong, she is outspoken, she is fiery and passionate and that she is grieving for what has been ripped from her life. Her struggle with her brother Tzain is beautiful. Their constant battle to take care of each other and then dealing with the emotional fallout when something goes wrong is perfectly illustrated and only makes their bond stronger. I love them both equally, and especially love how Zélie continues to challenge the dynamic of their relationship, not allowing her bigger, stronger older brother to always be the protector. On the flip side, we have Princess Amari who upon our first meeting is demure, unwilling to speak out for herself, and always follows orders. She's almost the complete opposite of Zélie in every way, and her relationship with her brother Prince Inan (heir to the Orïsha throne) is nothing like that of Tzain and Zélie. All four characters change momentously during their journey. Through each experience, the characters develop, draw closer, push apart and learn who they truly are, and it's fantastic to see. The world-building in this book was stunning, from the small fishing village, to the temple, the campsite, the arena, the palace. Every scene captured me, immersing me in a new world and place until I didn't want to pull away. I felt that there were a lot of comparisons to The Hunger Games that could be drawn in this book, some similar themes and occurrences that I think work particularly well. On a side note, the creatures in this book are extremely cool - I wish they were real! The magic is brilliant, it's fantastic, unusual and intriguing, as are the battle scenes and I can't wait to find out more in book two. I also particularly loved the imagery in the dreamscape scenes, the way they worked was just beautiful. The romance in this book was a pleasant surprise, I like how naturally it seems to grow, although in one particular case there are two characters I really don't 'ship' and can really see someone else in that particular dynamic (but, we'll see). The cliffhanger ending really threw me. I actually didn't realise that this was the first book in a series whilst reading and so the ending was more than a little frustrating - I want answers, and I want them now! I feel like the author has perfectly captured this world of segregation, prejudice, hate and fear, and delivered it in such a way that not only do we get a fantastical adventure full of complex, stereotype-defiant, rich characters, we also get a very strong, poignant message that reflects the state of our society, of the real world and hopefully, with more books like this one, this message will resonate with our young adult readers, our future, who can work to make this real world that we live in much brighter for everyone. Side note: Mama Agba is a badass and I love her. So, a quick thing about me - I lurve me some love. Romance is my thing, especially when it's diverse, with a great plot, real, quirky characters and some serious chemistry! Which is why I've put together a list of some of my favourite LGBT reads so far: Noah Can't Even by Simon James Powell This book shook me up. I grew up in the British public school system and this book transported me back to my own personal nightmare. I'm not sure if it was the bullying, identity crises, popularity (or the lack of), or peer pressure, but this book really nailed how I personally found school back in the 90's. I love how realistic the characters are in this book from geeky and confused Noah (who can blame him with that crazy family?) to cool, confident Harry. The supporting characters Jess, Noah's mum, particularly his gran are fantastic and I love them to bits. This story was funny, sweet and Noah was adorably naive. This was a lovely, realistic coming-out story. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli No LGBT list would be complete without the phenomenon that is Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda. To say that I'm excited for the UK movie release would be the understatement of the year! I love Simon so much!! He's cute, funny, innocent and sweet. And completely clueless which is probably why I figured out who Blue was a long time before Simon did. This story is great but what really takes it over the edge are the complex intertwining characters, the drama, the mystery and above all the 'can't stop smiling' love between these two! Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday Anyta Sunday is one of my favourite adult romance authors. Her LGBT romances vary from comedy to drama and I haven't read a bad one yet. The entire Signs of Love series is adorable and features (so far) 3 gorgeous friends to lovers romances. This story features a completely clueless guy and a lot of witty banter. What I love most about this series is that it's not all about sex. It centers around the relationships and the growth of these beautiful characters. Clean by Juno Dawson Whilst an LGBT relationship isn't at the forefront of this YA book, it does have great representation. This story is gritty, harsh, dramatic and full of triggers. It's a real and brutal account of teenage addiction but the author works it perfectly through genuine, diverse characters and relatable humour. Check out my full review here. Rock by Anyta Sunday Unlike the Anyta Sunday romantic comedy series I mentioned above, this story is much more hard-hitting. It contains some seriously tricky subject matter but in my opinion is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. I went through so many emotions in this book, and truly fell head over heels in love with these two characters. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli I don't even know where to begin with this incredible book. You can check out my full review here. This book moved me to tears. I love Molly and I love the LGBT support in this book. Becky Albertalli is just amazing!! Caught! by J.L. Merrow Caught! was a completely surprising story. The protagonist is funny, sweet and unflinchingly British. All I could picture was Jack Whitehall the entire time I was reading. This book features a slow burn gay/bi adult romance and a beautifully sweet friendship. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee Feel free to check out my full review of this glorious historical YA adventure romance here. I love that this book has both gay and bi characters. I love that it's a historical romance but also a romping adventure of epic proportions. The friendship in this story is fantastic, the romance (or almost romance) is frustrating at times but so sweet and Felicity is the best! Heartstopper by Alice Oseman Heartstopper is an ongoing webcomic. I've never successfully read a comic before but Hearstopper is so sweet it just dragged me in. The illustrations are cute, and the writing is sweet and funny. I love these characters, and their journey together. If you have any awesome LGBT recommendations (YA or adult), send them my way :)
Here are some of the LGBT books on my TBR: - Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli - The Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera - What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera - Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - Noah Could Never by Simon James Green |
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About Kay (She/Her)
Book addict, film mad, music lover, business owner, writer and mum (not necessarily in that order), living in the UK. About Sophie (She/Her)
Sophie loves books (obviously). She has a passion for photography and spotting wildlife, and is interested in anything made with passion and creativity. THIS BLOG IS SPOILER FREE!
Rating system: 5 Stars - AMAZING!! 4.5 Stars - Almost perfect! 4 Stars - I really loved it 3.5 Stars - I liked it alot 3 Stars - I liked it (I don't typically review books that I rate below 3 stars)
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