Top Ten Tuesday: There isn't enough time in the world.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly book blogging meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where each week we have a new top ten to list. Because who doesn't love lists?! This is my first week doing this even though I've been wanting to for a while. 

And the topic is; Top Ten New Series I Want To Start.

Okay I am notoriously lazy and procrastinate way too much so this list was not at all hard for me to compile.

1. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken I have the first book in this series sitting on my kindle waiting to be read but I just haven't got round to it.

2. The Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray There's nothing about the sound of this series I don't like (except maybe the slightly low Goodreads score).

3. The Young Elites by Marie Lu I devoured the Legend series; I loved the simplicity of it and the plot was killer. This one sounds slightly similar but I still think I'll love it.

4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon This series seems to have popped up out of nowhere since the TV show started (yes I know it was published ages ago but it's new to me). It's set in the past, in Scotland (my Dad's Scottish so it feels like I have to read it) and everyone raves about it.

5. Thomas Cromwell series by Hilary Mantell I want to cry every time I remember I am yet to start reading this, it sounds perfect (again I know this is slightly older but I feel guilty about not reading this).

6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas My sister goes on and on about these all the time. Like for reals. I may just read them to shut her up; although they do sound good.

7. The Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo I've almost bought this book so many times. The cover is gorgeous and the plot sounds intriguing. Plus it's set in Russia (I think...) and I'm obsessed with Russia.

8. The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski I have a bit of an on/off relationship with forbidden love stories (I'm pretty sure this is what this book has) but the whole premise of this one sounds super cool and again the cover is to die for.

9. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins This is one of those books that I really want a physical copy of and it is so hard to find in England (I don't think it's released in paperback yet). So that's my excuse for not having bought it yet.

10. The Mortality Doctrine by James Dashner Just read that title and tell me it doens't sound cool. I'm a massive fan of The Maze Runner series but I haven't got round to this one yet although the plot once again sounds freaking awesome.

I find it really hard to keep up with series that aren't complete yet but I'm sure in the near future I will read these. And when I say near I mean like within 1-2 years.

Let's Talk About: Romance in YA Books

I'm not going to lie, I pretty much live for a good romance in an awesome YA series. Back when I started reading YA books (I must have been around ten and had no idea what YA meant) I didn't give much thought to the romantic relationship the main character had; I just saw it as another part of the plot. In fact it wasn't until around two years ago when I really got into YA that I paid attention to it. And then I realised. How bloody hard it is to get right. Seriously. more periods = more serious.

Here are a few issues I have with YA romance:

1. Instalove. You know what I'm talking about. Where our two love interests meet and bam! they're hopelessly, desperately in love. And they haven't said more than four sentences to each other. I get that it's more enjoyable if we get to see a relationship progress rather than most of the development having started before the book. And I know a lot of YA books happen over a short space of time. But god this annoys me. And people do get it right (somtimes), and unless it's horrendously instantaneous I can usually still enjoy and finish the book.
2. 'Love/Hate' relationships. Because let's face it; most of the time it's not. It's; 'wow I'm super attracted to you but I'm a jerk' or 'meaningless hatred than can turn to obsessive love in two seconds flat'. Admittedly I could never write a love/hate relationship because they're really difficult to portray, and usually you need a little background to get it going. Which could work, but right now good examples are severely lacking.
3. Creepy love interests. Okay so this is aimed at one book in particular; The 5th Wave. Nothing could possibly bring me to like Evan and Cassie relationship. Everything about him screams; stay away. There are other examples too; following protagonists around, overly aggressive behaviour, staring at them so intensely I feel uncomfortable, and refusing to let up when the protagonist clearly states she/he isn't interested. Obviously they're not written to be creepy. They just come across this way.

That isn't to say all YA books are like this. In fact there are several relationships in YA novels that I love. They're (nearly always) well paced, have great chemistry and involve two three dimensional characters who are not defined by said relationship.

Review: Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

About The Book:
Title: Blood of Olympus
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus
Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Age Range: 12+
Publication Date: 7th October 2014 (UK)
Pages: 528 pages (Hardcover)
Publisher: Puffin

Summary:

Though the Greek and Roman crew members of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen - all of them - and they're stronger than ever.
The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over...

Rating:

Review:

It's been five days since I finished this book and my brain still refuses to believe that this is over. I can't possibly comprehend that I will never read a Percy Jackson book again. This could take some time for me to come to terms with.

For the non-spoiler part of my review I am going to say that I didn't love this book with all of my being. In fact if this wasn't as Percy Jackson book and I didn't have a such an emotional connection to it I probably would've given it a lower score of maybe 3.5 stars. But alas! I couldn't do that. I just love the characters and the writing style too much to do that. It had the same exciting feel to it that all the other books did, and there were certain new parts that I loved to death but it didn't feel epic enough to be the last book in the series.

(SPOILERS AHEAD!)

And now where I get into the real details.

Number one; Reyna and Nico. They are officially my new brotp of this series. I loved having their POVs in the book too as they might possibly be my favourite characters after Percy and Annabeth. Their personalities meshed really well together and it was really nice that they both found someone they could confide in. Reyna's backstory was super interesting and I kind of wished we had got even some hint at the resolution of her prophecy. 

But with every good thing, there seemed to be a negative. I was pretty annoyed that there was no Percy or Annabeth chapters. The tagline to the book is; Percy Jackson's final battle begins. Yet we didn't get anything from him. Perhaps I'm biased as he is my favourite character but this did ruin it slightly for me. Although the scene in the cave was compensation slightly.

I really enjoyed the scene with Nike and the battle where all the demigods fought with their parents. The dialogue was hilarious, especially the Adidas line. And the whole idea of the seven fighting with their parents was great.

Although I was a little bummed no one died (weird I know, but it just seems unrealistic) and the final battle just seemed too smooth. I did enjoy it and I certainly didn't hate it. All of me just wishes there was more.

Buy the Book

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Movie Review: The Maze Runner

 About The Film:

 Title: The Maze Runner
 Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya  Scodelario, Will Poulter
 Director: Wes Ball
 Release Date: October 10th 2014  (UK)

Rating:

Review:

I feel like I've been waiting for this movie for far too long. And as I live in the UK I had to wait almost a month after (what seemed like) everyone else to see it. But finally! It was released! I went with three of my friends who had also read the books and I can happily (and with an air of relief) say that I wasn't disappointed.

I was fully prepared for changes - one of the few things I have learnt from watching many book adaptations - and there were a lot. But surprisingly; I hardly noticed. It was really well made, and I had that usual feeling of being absolutely submersed in the story; which is my favourite thing about films. I thought that, especially the first half, was really well paced and cut together. Wes didn't over do the visual effects and the maze looked really realistic. As I expected the acting really was great, especially Dylan in that certain scene towards the end of the film (*cough*youknowwhatimtalkingabout*cough*). Thomas Brodie Sangster as Newt really did my favourite character justice and I just wanted to squish Blake Cooper to death.

Of course, like most films, it was not perfect. I thought the second half of the film was a little too action-y. It was pretty full on and left little room for characters. Visually, it was really pleasing but story telling wise I didn't love it. I can also imagine that as someone who hadn't read the books the ending would be extremely unsatisfying. Leaving people wanting to know what happens next but in an annoyed way rather than an excited way. Even I was a little irritated and I know what happens next.

However overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and it really did do one of my favourite books justice. 

I love making up unoriginal content (this was meant to be a joke) and talking about myself (not so much a joke) so to appease my mind numbing boredom I stumbled across this tag and thought I would just give it a go. I haven't been tagged, nor am I tagging anyone else. So if you read this and want to have a go then by all means do so.

I found this tag here.

1. What are your top three book hates?

Hmm let's see.

Oh! I know;

1. When people use words that don't fit with the tone of the specific section (especially to do with body parts). This is a weird one for me to explain but I just cringe when this happens. It's like a writer pumps out this amazingly emotionally charged scene and right in the middle of it throw in the word 'ass' or 'pimple' (I ran out of examples). But you get my point right?

2. When books happen over a surprisingly short time scale, sometimes so well hidden you don't really realise how small, and by the end of it the two lovers are so madly, deeply in love with each other. And it's been what? A week? (yes I'm looking at you 'The Mortal Instruments').

3. Creepy love interests. These pop up way to much for my liking, especially in YA books. Why would anyone who's sane want to date someone who's been following them around? Or tall dark, mysterious lovers who have a weird habit of threatening them or being unnecessarily violent/aggressive. Mmm yeah, really romantic.

2. Describe your perfect reading spot.

I like reading in bed actually, with just my lamp on. Dark and quiet. I just like having very limited distractions so I can really get lost in the book. Sometimes that's why I prefer reading on my kindle, because I only have one small light on. I can read like in the car and in public, but I just prefer it that way.

3. Tell us three book confessions.

Rereading is something I love to do. Like really love to do. Especially with my favourites. I just adore reliving something I've enjoyed so much. I think I must have read each Harry Potter book maybe twenty plus times each (I almost wish I was exaggerating here).

4. When was the last time you cried at a book?

Definitely The Boleyn Reckoning by Laura Andersen. I was a mess. In some weird, twisted way I enjoy books that make me cry.

5. How many books are on your bedside table?

None. That's a habit I never picked up as a child; I used to share a room with my sister when I was younger and I had the top bunk so there was no where for me to put my book apart from on the bookshelf. Generally after I finish reading for the night I'll just put it back in its place on my shelf. Also I use my bedside table for ornaments and precious things (it's a large beside table; well technically it s a chest of drawers that's beside my bed and happens to be bed height) so knowing me I'd probably break them all if I put books down.

6. What is your favourite snack while you're reading?

I don't generally eat while I'm reading. Like I said before I usually read in bed so I've usually brushed my teeth and it's late so I don't want to eat. Also sticky fingers + paper = no fun.

7.Name three books you'd recommend to everyone.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I could talk about that book forever.

Legend by Marie Lu. I think this would appeal to literally everyone.

The Harry Potter series. If they haven't read it they can come back when they have.

8. Show us a picture of your favourite shelf on your bookcase.

I'm too lazy for that and my shelf is pretty ugly.

9. Write how much books mean to you in three words.

Far too much.

10. What is your biggest reading secret?

I dunno. I would never really consider any of my reading habits secrets. 

Review: A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow by George R R Martin

About The Book:
Title: A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow
Author: George R R Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Medieval, Adult
Age Range: 16+
Publication Date: 2nd June 2011
Pages: 688 pages (paperback)
Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary:

Winter approaches Westeros like an angry beast. The Seven Kingdoms are divided by revolt and blood feud. In the northern wastes, a horde of hungry, savage people steeped in the dark magic of the wilderness is poised to invade the Kingdom of the North where Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown. And Robb’s defences are ranged against the South, the land of the cunning and cruel Lannisters, who have his younger sisters in their power. Throughout Westeros, the war for the Iron Throne rages more fiercely than ever, but if the Wall is breached, no king will live to claim it.

Rating:

Review:

I think epic fantasy is now listed as one of my new favourite genres, purely off the back of this series and even though I probably won't be able to read any other ones without comparing them to A Song of Ice and Fire.
I feel like, honestly, if I compare this book to others on my bookshelf this deserves five stars for sure. But somehow because I already know the plot (okay, okay there are a few deviations, but pretty much!) there is a certain element I don't experience and therefore I can't give it top marks. But in all other respects I adored this so much. I was actually surprised at certain ways they changed this book when they made it into a show.
(SPOILERS AHEAD!) 
Since this book is pretty much all of season 3 I was expecting the Red Wedding in this book, but it became apparent that it wouldn't be. And it was a lot closer to the Purple Wedding than I thought it was, which I think to readers it would've been an even bigger shock factor than watchers of the show.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Jaime's POV in this book; he's quickly become one of my favourite characters, his dynamics with everyone are just great and I'm really hoping we get some of his POV when he's interacting with Cersei and Tyrion later on. Arya's storyline in this book was actually really good, especially compared to the show (don't hate me but I think she's only going to get interesting in season 5). But the highlight for me had to be the Queen of Thorns or Olenna Redwyne/Tyrell, although we only really saw her properly in one chapter, she was god damn amazing! I really hope we see a little more of her soon.
For me it was this book where the story really started to pick up and spread out in its many directions and depths. I think for the most part Martin has completed the majority of his world building and can really pull out all the stops in terms of his plot.

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