Tag: book blog

Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review6 Comments

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Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world. 

This book broke my heart. And it made me feel so whole. I love that this is a duology, even though I adored these characters and the world and I didn’t want to leave them, it just kind of works. And as excited as I am to hear about King of Scars, this duology is just perfect as it is. Yay for duologies.

I’ve always said the hardest books to review are the ones you loved the most, and I am completely standing by that sentence right now. This book was set in a magical world, with beautiful words and in depth characters. I just can’t match up to that.

“She smiled then, her cheeks red, her cheeks scattered with some kind of dust.”

Just going to give a little shoutout to Emma, who inspires me so much and who wrote a review I love. I wish I could be that good with words!

I’m shocked at how much I enjoyed this book compared to Six of Crows. I’m not saying it was bad – far from it – but I just enjoyed this book so much more. Maybe it’s because I now class myself as a fantasy reader, and with every fantasy book I love I find the gateway to the genre open a little more.

Maybe I enjoyed it more because we explored much more of the world in Crooked Kingdom, and I love how the book followed a number of locations. And can we just talk for a minute about character development. Hell, I have never seen an author define their characters so well. I felt so close to each of the 6 POV, and I think that’s so rare in YA, to know exactly how each character is feeling in relation to the whole story and each separate character. To see the differences and definition in each beautiful soul and exactly how they work together like clockwork is so impressive.

“It was a smile he thought he might die to earn again.”

I might not be the best with words in these situations, but I do want to say something. This book shines. It is a rarity. It is 3D in a world of 2D. It is a, simply, an absolute gem. And if you love fantasy, please, I beg you, go and read this series.

★★★★★

5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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You may also enjoy: Six of Crows review

Review: The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review4 Comments

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In Alaska, 1970, being a teenager here isn’t like being a teenager anywhere else. Ruth has a secret that she can’t hide forever. Dora wonders if she can ever truly escape where she comes from, even when good luck strikes. Alyce is trying to reconcile her desire to dance, with the life she’s always known on her family’s fishing boat. Hank and his brothers decide it’s safer to run away than to stay home—until one of them ends up in terrible danger.
Four very different lives are about to become entangled.

The last time I saw my friend and co-blogger Pete, he gave me a book! It’s also one I’ve wanted to read for a long time – especially since his great review back in September.

I adore how unique this book is, and I felt it’s honesty. I felt the genuine, heartfelt location of 1970s Alaska so insightful and interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite the same, involving such a different set of characters and locations. Much like other books with more than one POV, I did find it hard to get into each character and their individual stories, but I ended up liking the differences.

“I’ll never understand how certain things that happen to us can climb under our skin and make us someone new. Big things can do it — like Sam going missing.”

This book strikes me as important. It tackles subjects I’ve never read about before in such detail, such as the statehood and problems Alaska and it’s people faced. It talks about growing up with abusive parents and not knowing your own family. It faces teenage pregnancy and the struggles of growing up.

I love how each character meant a lot, even the families and parents. Too many YA books focus entirely on romance, but this book felt like so much more. It talked about the relationships we have with our families and friends, and how we as people help and support those we love. It wasn’t just relationships or friendships, it was about everyone.

“Small things can do it, too, like having a stranger fall to pieces in front of you. I’m beginning to think that everything changes us to some extent.”

The focus of this book is how our lives intertwine and combine, no matter what. It talks about how we all work together, even though we have different backgrounds and interests. It talks about togetherness and the respect we should have for one another. I felt this book is so important, and definitely one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

★★★★★
4.5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood… life before she became a vampire.
All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don’t draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn’t know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.
Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

Ugh. It was difficult enough to get through the cheese fest books that are Twilight, but in the end, the hopeless romantic inside me still loved them. But this book was one constant cringe. For a start, I don’t even know who this Bree girl is. Isn’t she in like a tiny scene of the third Twilight book? And she is never introduced as a character in her own right, she’s just this random young vampire. And I know she’s young, but BFF clubs? Ninja clubs? What the hell? They’re adults and teenagers, not little kids in spy club.

“It was shockingly weird to touch another person after a whole life – because the last three months were my whole life – of avoiding any kind of contact.”

Maybe I would have enjoyed this book more if I’d read it just after Eclipse or even just after the series, but a year on, I was not in the mindset for this book. As great as parts of this book might be simply for the mind-building, it was just nothing in it’s own right. It was flat, 2nd characters and a lot of pointless stuff I really didn’t understand.

“Like touching a sparking downed power line, only to find out that it felt nice.”

I have to say though, this book wasn’t unreadable. Like, it was vaguely okay even if I didn’t really enjoy it. It had some kind of slightly interesting parts and characters, like Fred, for example. But I can’t get over the fact that I just didn’t connect with any of them, or really care. In the end, Bree didn’t seem to care much about herself either. It all just seemed really rather pointless.

★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review7 Comments

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When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shrivelled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a Death Eater amongst them. Harry will need powerful magic and true friends as he explores Voldemort’s darkest secrets, and Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny…

The crying as begun! I’ve always been told the last book is really sad, but I didn’t know it started early. So I’m leaving this book as a complete emotional wreck and I just hope I can get across in this review how the book made me feel.

I’m definitely back to loving these books again – they do improve again after the 5th book! Not back to the standard of the 3rd or 4th, but still, I really enjoyed this one. As I had already been told, they do continue to get darker, and I found the plot a lot more complex! But I really enjoyed that, as there is a lot of progression as the book goes on.

“It was, he thought, the difference between being dragged into the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into the arena with your head held high.”

As well as maturity in story, I’m enjoying seeing Harry progress too. Seeing his friendships and relationships grow is a pleasure, and I loved his lessons with Dumbledore. For such a complex story, I really applaud how Rowling still managed to include Harry’s feelings, especially as he grows and matures.

However, I have to say that even though this book does progress, I found most of it kind of…relaxed. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but the pace was definitely slower until it sped up at the end of the book. It didn’t make it boring – it just made it comfortable.

“Some people, perhaps, would say that there was little to choose between the two ways, but Dumbledore knew – and so do I, thought Harry, with a rush of fierce pride, and so did my parents – that there was all the difference in the world.”

I’m really excited for the last book and to finish this series – but I’m going to miss the world of Hogwarts so much. It’s a story I haven’t stopped loving and I don’t think I ever will. Bring on the tears. Bring on the emotion. Bring on Deathly Hallows.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors’ attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord’s return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort’s savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time…

I have such mixed feelings about this book right now. Well, something must be right because it only took me a week to read! I tried to force myself to read 100 pages a day so I could get through it quick, but I can’t believe it actually worked. That has to say something about how the book did make me want to read more.

We have to face facts here. And of course, this book is mega long. 800 pages long. And in so, so many ways, it really felt like it. Another fact we have to face is this – not much happens. At all. In parts, I would go as far to say I got pretty comfortable, with how slow it was. For so much of this book, I was setteled far into my seat rather than perched on the edge of it.

“The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure.”

I also have to admit something. Harry kind of got on my nerves. He just becomes a little…ungrateful, especially of his friends. I know he has his reasons and his difficulties, but some of the outbursts he had at Hermione and Ron were so unnessecary.

But I have to say, I did still really enjoy this book for many reasons. Yes, it was a lot slower in pace than the first four, but it’s just different. I also felt that it was a lot easier to get into than the fourth, just because it was more of a flow from the fourth to the fifth book than from the third to the fourth.

And I can’t ignore that Rowling did do something pretty clever, whether she meant to or not. She left us wondering, dropping hints, clues and situations throughout the book, and led up to this massive thing at the end. She used 600 pages to make 200 pages of awesomeness.

“Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing.”

I’m so torn about this book, because it’s definitely the first HP book I’ve had real issues with. But it’s also one I’ve found easy to read and I can’t deny, enjoyable. There were just so many layers within this massive story that impressed me. And I loved that. So although I really felt, before I started writing this review, that this book would be a four-star…I just have to give it a 5. Because no matter what niggles, this book is pulled back by an amazing ending that really won me over.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review9 Comments

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The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter – but that doesn’t stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe’en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through – alive!

Wow, this book is so complicated, dark and incredible. Again, I loved it. It may have taken me 3 weeks to finally finish, but I still loved it.

So before we start, why did it take me so long?! Of course, I am really busy as usual. But also…this book has text half the size of the first 3! And I got so frustrated when I had to completely change my pace because of the font size.

 “It matters not what someone is born,”

Anyway, let’s get on to the book itself! The first thing I noticed is this one is completely different. There is a definite switch between the first 3 books and this darker one. But does that mean it’s my favourite? Well, that’s a real struggle to decide. I didn’t fall in love with this one as much as I did the third, and it didn’t quite capture my heart as much. However, I don’t think it’s not as good. I just love it in a completely different way.

I have to say, I adore how different every book is. We have Privet Drive, Hogwarts, then introduce Hogsmeade, different teachers, Quidditch, and now other magical schools and the Triwizard Tournament! There is so much depth to the magical world and I absolutely adore it!

“but what they grow to be.”

So I’ve never realised that books could mature, but these truly do. Harry changes, his thought processes develop, and the themes get so much darker! It’s so complicated but it’s awesome.

I’m definitely still loving this world. It might be changing but the development is something I love and admire. Now I’m off to carry on reading the Order of the Phoenix!

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review3 Comments

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When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it’s the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run – and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry’s tea leaves… But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss…

I loved this book! In fact, I think I’d say it’s my favourite HP book so far. I didn’t think the first or second books could be topped, but I actually preferred this one.

Why? Becuase I found this book the most character heavy so far and I loved that. Instead of the action being all about chasing and capturing and killing, it felt like more. It felt like emotions and connections between these beautiful characters.

“‘I’m not going to be murdered,’ Harry said out loud.”

But even though this book was very character heavy, I also loved the plot. J.K. Rowling has such skill in making you believe something is going to happen and then completely turning the tables. There were so many ‘ohhh’ moments in this book. So many realisations.

And to make it even better, there were funny moments too! As showed in this quote and many others, there are just chuckle-able moments throughout this gorgeous read. I’m so happy.

“‘That’s the spirit, dear,’ said his mirror sleepily.””

Again, I loved so much about these books. I also adored the further wizarding world and the visits to Hogsmeade.

So what can I say. These books and this world has still managed to completely capture my heart. I’m stuck in Hogwarts and loving it, still. And even though the next book is, um, 800 pages long and the text is half the size of the first 3, I still can’t wait to start it.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review5 Comments

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Harry Potter’s summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors – and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone… Dobby’s sinister predictions seem to be coming true.

I am well and truly infatuated with Hogwarts and magic. Going into the second book felt so comforting and friendly. I felt like I was being welcomed.

I think this book is the perfect sequel. On one hand, I still find these books daunting. I have 5 more and one of them is 800 pages long. I’m going to be trapped in Hogwarts for a while yet! But on the other hand, my eagerness is definitely still there for this series, and I don’t want to leave anytime yet.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are…”

This book might feel comforting and like being welcomed by an old friend, but it also includes a lot of newness, and I hope this continues with the next books. It includes so many scenes that contained so much fun! I love the collection of new characters we meet and the chemistry between the familiar and brand new.

Can I also talk about Harry? I love his thought processes! That might seem like a very strange thing to say, but he actually battles with his own inner demons in this book and I think it’s great that that is discussed in a book aimed at children.

“…far more than our abilities.”

I feel like I’m bursting with so many more thoughts, but I’m going to have to wrap up and tell you guys that I read this book in like, 3 days?! I feel like I’ve been reading pretty slowly recently so it’s really exciting that I’m managing to get through these so quickly. I think it proves how much I enjoyed this book!

Why did I read it so quickly? Well, this book kept me so on edge! I really wanted to know what was about to happen to these characters I now hold so close to my heart. The mystery is intense and exciting, what can I say.

I’m going to force myself to stop rambling now, and rate this book a well deserved…

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review10 Comments

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Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal they are swiftly confiscated by his grisley aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
An incredible adventure is about to begin!

I can’t believe I’ve actually finally got around to reading these books. So, you may or may not know…but I am 18 years of age and this is my first time reading Harry Potter. And no, I have not watched the movies.

I felt a lot of pressure going into these books, which is probably why I am so, so happy right now. I could have so easily been disappointed after years of hearing this franchise being talked about, and I expected so much. I tried to make sure I went into this book with no expectations, but it’s hard with something like Harry-freaking-Potter.

“”The truth.” Dumbledore sighed.”

How on earth am I now going to explain exactly why I loved this book? I don’t think words could do this magical world justice. Rowling has achieved something incredible. This book can be enjoyed by everyone. I’ve heard that said so many times about Harry Potter, but now it’s hit me just how true it is. I’m so impressed right now, because of how true that actually is. This book is well-explained enough to be loved by children, and just purely lovable enough to be enjoyed by everyone else. What kind of amazing feat is that?

“”It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.””

I think everyone knows enough about Hogwarts for me to not have to go through everything about this book. But for the sake of being a book blogger, Hogwarts is great. The characters are awesome. The plot is detailed and fun. This book is an absolutely magical adventure.

So, I will leave you all, lovely readers, by saying one thing. Harry Potter has captured so many hearts all over the world. I am so happy to say this book has captured mine, too.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review4 Comments

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Smaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out on to the floor when he caught a sudden thin ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug’s left eye. He was only pretending to be asleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance…
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag End by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

This is a book I couldn’t help but adore. My boyfriend has been slowly introducing me to the world of Middle Earth, and when I saw a boxed set of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings for just £5, I couldn’t resist but pick them up. It’s taken me wayyy too long to get round to this famous adventure, but I’m so glad I got there in the end.

The best way to describe this story is an absolute adventure. It is the best love letter to fantasy. It is incredible. It is timeless.

I didn’t honestly know when this book was published, and to find out it’s published so many years ago blew me away. How can a book be so important, so consuming and still be amazing so many years on? What Tolkien has achieved has impressed me so much. It is the perfect example of something that can be enjoyed by all ages.

“”Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!””

It’s strange to think this was a children’s book, actually. This book reads, more than anything, like a fable. And once I realised that, I knew I would fall in love with it. I fell in love with the world, more than anything. It is something so well built and described, I felt like I was inside it.

I adored Bilbo. His story is so extraordinary and unique, as he actually changes with his surroundings. He adapts, he matures, and we follow him. We join him in this journey of true self-discovery and learning, and it stands out more in The Hobbit than in any other book I’ve ever read.

“So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.””

I can’t find the words to describe this story. It is something I will probably hold in my heart for a long time. It is a true example of an amazing novel, and it is something every author should aspire to.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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