Merry (Late) Christmas!

Merry late Christmas everyone! It has been a while since I have posted. I have been really busy with a lot of things and then I began to become lazy over Christmas. I also got very stressed out from taking on too many books and putting pressure on myself to read them all.

I have decided to take it one book at a time and to only post on certain days of the week. I have begun reading Divergent. Ever since I began Book Blogging I have heard a lot of great things about this book, so now that I got rid of the clutter I am going to try and read it, and then hopefully the whole trilogy.

Also, I will begin posting again next week. I hope to do mini posts in between each of my book posts as I don't plan on having a lot of book reviews through the week, probably one or two book reviews a week. 

Gifts For A Book Blogger

As it is coming up to Christmas, I have decided to make a gift post. Most of the items are Book Blogger related and can be bought on basically any occasion. All of the items listed are things I have or things I am getting for Christmas. 

1. Kindle Paperwhite (Amazon)

This would be a great for anyone who want's all of their books in one place and don't want to get off the couch to go and buy one, but I would ask before buying as some people would prefer a paperback.

2. A Mug (Zazzle)

Every Book Blogger needs a great mug to drink their tea or coffee out of.

3. A Chair (Ikea)

For the Book Bloggers who are sitting at a desk all day, a chair would be perfect.

4. A Notebook (VikingDirect)

I would recommend this for a Book Blogger because I always find taking notes on any book or post to be more fun in a notebook, not sure why.

5. Amazon Gift Voucher (Amazon)

This would be great if you were not sure what type of books the person likes. Obviously if you are buying the Kindle this would be perfect to match it.

6. Sticky Notes (VikingDirect)

Sticky notes are fast and easy ways of taking quick notes, which most Book Bloggers need.

Think I missed something? Let me know in the comments below!

The Winter Wonderland Book Tag

1. What book is so happy and sweet that it warms your heart?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's not exactly a romantic book, but President Snow reminds me of Christmas, haha.

2. What is your favourite book with a white cover?

Papertowns by John Green

3. You're sitting in a nice comfy chair, wearing a onesie, with a lovely warm hot chocolate but what MONSTER read are you reading?

I don't tend to read those type of books.

4. It started snowing you decided to have a snowball fight! What fictional character would you love to have the snowball fight with?

President Snow from The Hunger Games. I am not sure what my obsession with this character is, haha.

5. Sadly, your fire is beginning to go out. So what book would you tear the last few chapters out to throw into the fire?

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I never actually finished the first book, mainly because I kept getting bored. I could never get into these books even though I like the movies/films. I might try reading the full book sometime next year.

6. What book is so close to your heart that you would gift to someone this Christmas who hasn't read before but wants to get into reading?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I think this book could get anyone to read.

Thank you to Michelle from Tales Of Yesterday for tagging me. I tag anyone that wants to do this tag!

Christmas 2014 GIVEAWAY

For my Christmas Giveaway I have decided to choose an Amazon gift voucher worth £20. With it you will be able to buy anything on Amazon.co.uk or the Kindle Store, that is the main reason I chose it. The other reason is not everyone would have be interested in the book I would have picked.

Open To:

This Giveaway is open to the UK and Ireland only.

Giveaway: 

£20 Amazon.co.uk Gift Voucher.

(Please know that the Gift Voucher will be sent through Email, no personal details will be required.)

Requirements/Rules:

You must be a follower of this Blog (Found on the sidebar)

You must be living in the UK or Ireland.

You must have an Email address.

When a winner has been picked, an Email will go out to him/her. If you do not reply to this Email within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

You must comment below telling me what you want for Christmas :)

Please make sure you have read all of the above before entering. If you are missing any of the requirements your entry will not be counted.

[Update] The winner of the gift card is: Amy Shrewsbury. A lot of the entries did not do everything I asked, I did however take entries that followed me on Google Plus or commented on one of my Google Plus posts.

The Giveaway will close on the 12th of December at 12am. The winner will be announced in the following days. Enter below :) 

Good Luck!! 

True Calling By Siobhan Davis

Title: True Calling
Author: Siobhan Davis
Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction
Publication: July 28th 2014
Pages: 410
Source: Copy From The Author Via Netgalley
Rating: 5/5

~Author Site~

Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana's plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.

As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana becomes increasingly alarmed at the authorities' apparent preoccupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.

Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced e-pageant, 'The Calling', gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.

When I first came across this book I automatically wanted it. The cover is one of the best I have ever seen, mainly because I love science fiction. What made me want it even more was the synopsis of the book. The storyline is something I've never quite seen before. Many science fiction books I have read tend to revolve around the top selling ones, but not this one. Before reading the book I had my thoughts and ideas on what the book would be like, but after reading it, it was even better than I thought. 

Although the book is science fiction, it also included romance. I don't generally like it when authors include romance in science fiction, but it really does work in this book. The book takes a twist on your average love story, which is what I liked most about it.

One of my favourite parts in the book was The Calling. The Calling is basically a T.V show in which all 17 year old's on Novo take part in. The government, along with the public, vote on who they want you to marry. I think the reason I liked it so much is because parts of it remind me of shows on earth. I think The Calling could be a real show if our governments were mad enough.

I really liked how Novo was described. A world that resembles earth but is advanced in technology, sounds like my dream word. That was until I read further and seen what the word is really like. If it were a social network, it would have no privacy settings.

My favourite character was Ariana. She was so well developed, at times I felt like I knew her. Ariana's character is a bit different from the rest on planet Novo. When I say different, I mean she could remember a boy from earth, Zane. She also had a good knowledge of how Novo isn't what it seems. In the book she mentions how Novo looks too perfect.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is by far one of the best books I have ever read. From the moment I got it, I couldn't stop reading it. I would recommend you read this book as soon as possible. I really do think it is going to be huge. I think I will be adding Siobhan Davis to my list of favourite authors. I really can't wait for the second book.

Fall Cosy Time Tag

1;; Crunching Leaves: The world is full of colour. Choose a book that has reds, oranges, and yellows on the cover.

The Hobbit By J.R.R Tolkien, it has bits of red on the wall and yellow outside.

2;; Cosy Sweater: It's finally cold enough to don warm cosy clothing. What book gives you the warm fuzzies?

Paper Towns by John Green.

3;; Fall Storm: The wind is howling and the rain is pounding. Choose your favourite book OR genre that you like to read on a stormy day.

Fantasy, mainly because its my favourite genre.

4;; Cool Crisp Air: What's the coolest character you'd want to trade places with?

President Snow From The Hunger Games, this one might sound a little strange but imagine being the most powerful person in all of Panem.

5;; Hot Apple Cider: What under hyped book do you want to see become the next biggest, hottest thing?

True Calling By Siobhan Davis, I am almost complete this book and I really like it so far. I haven't really heard many people talking about this book but they should.

6;; Coat, Scarves, and Mittens: The weather has turned cold and it's time to cover up. What's the most embarrassing book cover you own that you like to keep hidden in public?

I don't think I have any, thankfully.

7;; Pumpkin Spice: What's your favourite fall time comfort food/foods?

Coffee Walnut Cookies.

Thank you Holly from Lost In A Library for tagging me. I tag Michelle from Tales Of Yesterday.

British Book Challenge 2015: My Sign Up Post

This year I have decided to take part in the British Book Challenge Hosted By: Fluttering Butterflies. I hope to read and review the minimum of 12 books by British Authors in 2015. I have also created a page with a list of these books and future books I may add. Join the challenge by clicking the banner below.

Terror Kid By Benjamin Zephaniah (L) The Hobbit By J.R.R Tolkien (R)  

  

Maggot Moon By Sally Gardner (L) The Double Shadow By Sally Gardner (R)

The Oathbreakers Shadow (L) And The Shadows Curse (R) By Amy McCulloch

Entangled By Cat Clarke (L) Hexwood By Diana Wynne Jones (R)

The Vanished (L) The Blemished (R) By Sarah Dalton

 Northern Lights By Philip Pullman (L) The Unleashed By Sarah Dalton (R)

Out of all 12 books I think the one I am dying to read is The Double Shadow.

The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton

Title: The Outsiders
Author: S.E Hinton
Genre: Young Adult
Publication: Puffin Books
Pages: 192
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5

~Waterstones~

According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.

I first came across this book in Waterstones. I wasn't too sure if I would like it or not, but I bought it anyway's. At first, the book wasn't what I expected in terms of the story. I was expecting two gangs fighting all the time.... the end. But it wasn't. The characters were very realistic. Every character seemed to have their own story and emotions throughout the book. 

I think most of the greasers are portrayed as rough. Although some greasers are a little rough, people like Ponybody aren't like that and are judged by his gangs reputation. In the book we see Cherry who is a soc, look past the reputation that has been forced on Ponybody and tries to see his true side. I also liked how even though the greasers are seen as non-human like, they were able to perform a courageous act when the children needed to be saved. 

The book was filled with lots of events. The main events were the murder, the fire, the rumble and the police chase at the end. In my opinion I think the book was slightly based around the rumble. The rumble for me was the best part, mainly because we were told about it through the book and it was finally happening. Most of the sad parts in the book were after the rumble. Mainly to Johnny and Dally.

One of the best parts of the book was how realistic it was. When I say realistic I mean in the situations and emotions that the characters are put in. The book shows how a group of people (greasers) can be shun by the community because of the way they look, live and who they are friends with. In today's world, the same events happen. This book was published in 1967 and was written by a sixteen year old girl, so obviously not much has changed since then. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I can't think of one thing I didn't like about it, which is odd for me. No matter what you think of this book, I think you should go and buy it or regret it.

November Book Wishlist #1

Snow Like Ashes By Sara RAASCH

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. The Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been searching for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild their kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, Winter’s future king—she would do anything to help Winter rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of half of the ancient locket that can restore their magic, Meira decides to go after it herself—only to find herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics, and to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

Divergent By Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

I hope to get all of these books before Christmas. Out of all three books I think I am most eager for Snow Like Ashes. From a review I recently read about it, it touches off The Hunger Games and Divergent, which is good.

Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

Title: Of Mice And Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Genre: Novella/Young Adult
Publication: Penguin Books 
Pages: 103
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4/5

~Waterstones~

Streetwise George and his big, childlike friend Lennie are drifters, searching for work in the fields and valleys of California. They have nothing except the clothes on their back, and a hope that one day they'll find a place of their own and live the American dream. But dreams come at a price. Gentle giant Lennie doesn't know his own strength, and when they find work at a ranch he gets into trouble with the boss's daughter-in-law. Trouble so bad that even his protector George may not be able to save him.

I was first introduced to this book in school, it didn’t really look appealing and it was badly explained by a teacher. But as we all find out at one stage, never judge a book by its cover and teachers are always right. Taking the last point into account, I really enjoyed this book. The book was different from the sort of books I usually read, mainly its setting and story. I really liked how most of the characters (including the main ones) had different sides. One minute you think someone is very friendly, kind and caring and the next minute you see them in a different light. The book takes a great twist on what we call 'Likeable' characters.

I found the book to be quite slow within the middle. Although there was a lot of things happening, I just found them being in the same location the whole time to be off putting, but after about thirty pages it begins to pick up. 

The relationship between George and Lennie is what I would define as a friendship, even though they are cousins. They have a close bond which is described within the book. Although it felt like I was supposed to feel pity for Lennie, I felt more pity for George. For most of the book, George is alienated from the rest of the group because he has to care for Lennie. Yes, George has been asked to watch over Lennie but it is stopping him from living his life. I found that George started to enjoy his life on the ranch, it is a time in the book where we see George at his happiest. As I thought near the start of the book, Lennie would soon come to ruin it for George, which was actually the most shocking and eventful part of the book. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially George and Lennie's relationship. As I said before, this book is a little different. It is set on a ranch and the terms used within the book are very old, mainly because the book is set in the 1930's. I would, however, recommend that you read this book if you are looking for something different from your usual read. This book will leave you speechless.