Seven Fantasy Series I Can’t Bring Myself to Finish

June 2, 2019 Ali@abookishlife12 Comments

With the big finale of a certain TV show a couple of weeks ago I’ve been thinking a lot about endings and how much I both love and hate them. I can’t wait to find out how things finish but either don’t want it to be over or fear that it won’t live up to expectations.

I think this may be why I’ve developed this bad habit of not finishing series’ of books. I will faithfully read every book released, will add the final book to my most anticipated books list, will even pre-order it and count down the days to publication but once I have that shiny new copy in my hands I just can’t bring myself to read it. This seems to be particularly true of fantasy series for some reason and the more excited I am about it the less likely I am to read it any time soon.

There are a lot more than the seven listed below but these are the most recent cases where I’ve read every book in the series but the last one. I also have a bad habit of reading the first book in a series and going no further, but that would be a MUCH longer list.

Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence

So I absolutely adored the first two books in this series and have been going on and on about how much I can’t wait to read this ever since I finished Grey Sister. There has been so much foreshadowing of what’s to come I need to know how it ends but this is one of those cases where I don’t want it to be over. I have no doubt that the ending will be phenomenal but I have a bad feeling some of my fave characters won’t make it and I’m not sure I can take that.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

This series has been a little up and down for me, I was a bit meh about Caraval but I absolutely loved Legendary (Tella made a much better MC for me). I’ve therefore been a bit wary about the third and final book. It could be brilliant or it could be meh… and the reviews I’ve spied so far haven’t exactly been glowing

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Similar to Caraval, it’s the reviews that have been putting me off reading the final book in this trilogy. I’ve very much enjoyed the first two but despite owning book three since it was released over a year ago I’ve not quite managed to read it yet.

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Umm… unpopular opinion time but I’ve just never really gotten into this series. I loved The Mortal Instruments (well most of it – let’s not talk about a couple of incidents) but the first couple of books in this trilogy kind of bored me. Not sure if it’s because it’s steampunk (I rarely get on well with steampunk) or if the whole love triangle thing is getting dull (just pick someone Tessa) but other than a few moments the first two books were a hard slog. I do think though that as I have slogged my way through most of the trilogy I should just finish the bloomin thing. Plus it seems that The Dark Artifices is full of spoilers for this and the Mortal Instruments.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

For some reason a lot of people seems to hate on this series but I’ve enjoyed pretty much every book. OK yeah there’s been some stuff I haven’t been so keen on but I do want to know what happens to Mare (stupid name) and the others. In this case it’s the fact that it’s a big giant hardback that’s stopped me from reading so far. It’s too heavy to carry about… and ok that’s a rubbish excuse and if I really was desperate to read it I would have read it by now but umm I still haven’t read it.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

I loved Strange the Dreamer but given how heavy it is on description I didn’t find it the easiest read. That style of writing and me just don’t mesh well, I need to be in the right kind of mood and have enough time (and peace and quiet) to give it my full attention. Needless to say that hasn’t happened as yet so Muse of Nightmares is still sitting patiently on my bookshelf. I will get to it, just not sure when…

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

This is probably another unpopular opinion but for me this series peaked at book two and it’s been downhill ever since. It feels to me like Maas is trying to make them too big and putting in all this unnecessary stuff (and characters). I’ve technically not finished Tower of Dawn, for some reason I gave up ten pages from the end, but I do think I’ve made it this far so should just bloomin read it. If only it wasn’t sooo big.

I actually made a bookish resolution that this year I would finally finish off some of these series but so far I’ve failed miserably. Maybe this post will encourage me to just do it… although it seems unlikely.

Have you finished any of these? Should I just read them? Do you ever put off finishing a series?

Happy reading

Ax

Spring TBR

March 10, 2019 Ali@abookishlife9 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve done a TBR but as my reading has been a little all over the place lately and I’ve been buying/requesting books left right and centre I thought it might be a good idea to start it up again with a Spring one. Hopefully it’ll help me get organised, knock a few books off the ever increasing pile and meet some of my reading goals.

I’ll no doubt switch a few things around and deviate from this (I’m terrible at sticking to a reading plan) but I’m sure I’ll manage to knock a few off the pile over the next three months.

Anyway, without further ado…

Thrillers / Mysteries

I seem to be on a bit of a crime spree recently (reading wise at any rate) and I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon. There are an awful lot of books out or about to be released that I’m very excited about.

Close to the Edge (publisher) – I actually started this a couple of weeks ago but parked it pending getting my mitts on a physical copy (I was reading a pdf on my phone). So far, so good and I’m loving the focus on the London Underground.
The Au Pair (NetGalley) – This was a bit of a random NetGalley pick based on a cover but it sounds intriguing.
I Know Who You Are (NetGalley) – I loved Feeney’s previous book Sometimes I Lie so this one has been on my wishlist ever since I heard it was coming out.
The Wych Elm (NetGalley) – Tana French is an autobuy author for me as I love her character focused stories and this, while being different from the usual Dublin Murder Squad series, seems to be getting great reviews.
Wolfhunter River (NetGalley) – This is the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series and I have to admit that while I loved the previous two books I thought the last book wrapped everything up and it didn’t really need a book three. I still want to read it though.
Three Hours (NetGalley) – Another book that I’m a little wary about as it’s about a school shooting but from the reviews I’ve read it does sound like it’s treated sensitively.

Sci Fi

I always say I’m not a big fan of sci fi books but when I think of my favourite reads, a good proportion of them are in fact sci fi. Although it does work best for me when the focus is on the characters and action rather than the technology/science. Fingers crossed that’s the case with these ones.

Archenemies (NetGalley) – This has been on my TBR ever since I finished Renegades. I love Marissa Meyer and while Renegades wasn’t perfect I do love the whole superhero theme.
Armada (Library) – I’m listening to this on audio at the moment and loving it.
Skyward (NetGalley) – Confession, I’ve never read a single book by Sanderson but I spied this on NetGalley and thought why not.
Light Years (NetGalley) – Another author I’ve never read, I watched The 100 and enjoyed it but never read the books, but I do like the sound of this one. I’m a big fan of the competitive school thing and rivals learning to work together. I’m hoping for a Top Gun in space type story.

Fantasy

I swear at least half of the books on my kindle are fantasy which is not particularly great if you’ve kind of gone off it (YA fantasy in particular). I’m sure though once I pick one up it’ll be fine. I think it’s the thought of reading the usual tropes that’s putting me off and once I’m reading I’ll no doubt enjoy it. I’ve also managed to track down books which I hope will be a little bit different.

The Queen’s Resistance (NetGalley) – Whoop!!! Finally got my hands on a copy of this, the sequel to Queen’s Rising. Queen’s Rising got a bit of a bad rep but I enjoyed it. It was a little different from the usual YA fare
Lady Smoke (NetGalley) -Another sequel, this time to Ash Princess a book I had a few qualms about. I’m hoping the change of scene from the palace and the prospect of a rebellion will make for a better read.
Stepsister (NetGalley) – A feminist reimagining of Cinderella… count me in.
Nocturna (NetGalley) – As an own voices book set in a Latinx inspired world this sounds like it could be something pretty special.
Empress of All Seasons (NetGalley) – This does sound a little like the usual YA fantasy type read but it is at least a standalone and I’m doing it as a group read so fingers crossed it surprises me.

Literary/Historical Fiction

I don’t tend to read a lot of literary or historical fiction as it’s a bit too real/serious and I’m usually looking for a bit of escapism/fun but I’m hoping to pick up the following:

Daisy Jones and the Six (NetGalley) – I’ve been waiting for the right mood to hit me to pick this one up. It’s not my usual kinda read but I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo so am sure this will be equally fantastic.
The Dead Fathers Club (NetGalley) – Matt Haig’s books can be a little depressing (I mean look at the title) so I’ve been putting this off until I’m in the right frame of mind. His writing is always great (albeit emotional) though so I have no doubts this will be good.
How to be Famous – I didn’t realise this was a sequel to How to Build A Girl until recently (I know it’s on the bloomin cover) but now that I have I really want to read it. I loved that book and I can’t wait to find out what’s next for the characters.

Translated Fiction

One of my bookish resolutions this year was to read more translated fiction and books set, or by authors outwith the UK/US. So far I’m averaging about one a month so I’m hoping to keep that up with the following.

The Mine (Library) – I recently read Palm Beach Finland, the authors most recent book, and really liked the author’s writing style. I get the impression this is a little more serious but I’ve read the first few pages and again there’s something instantly likeable about the writing.
Elefant (NetGalley) – I spied this on NetGalley last year and it just sounded like a quirky and weird story – basically the type of book I love. Not sure why I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet but hopefully I’ll do it soon.
Die, My Love (Bought) – I’ve got tickets to see the author when she visits the UK soon (another spur of the moment decision) so I’m thinking I should probably read her book 🙂 I think this’ll be my first by a South American author and it sounds like a very interesting and unique story.

Romance

I love a good romance read and have a bit of a tendency to pick up whatever looks good on Kindle unlimited or on Overdrive but while I’ll no doubt still do that I did recently buy a few romance reads I’m really excited about.

Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating (Bought) – Everyone keeps raving about this book and the price finally dropped on Amazon (with 300+ unread books it’s hard to justify buying an expensive book) so it’s sitting waiting for me on my kindle.
99 Percent Mine (Bought) – I have been desperate for Sally Thorne’s new book but I’ve seen quite a lot of not so great reviews for it that have kind of put me off. I’m therefore waiting for a bit of the hype (and my expectations) to die down.
Make Me Bad (Bought) – I always enjoy an RS Grey book so needless to say as soon as this one came out I snapped it up. No doubt it’ll be yet another read in one sitting book 🙂
Letters to the Lost (Bought) – I only recently realised the author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely also wrote this story. It was one that I had previously been very tempted to read so that sealed the deal for me.

Most Anticipated

These are the books I don’t own (yet) but I plan on buying the second they’re released.

Holy Sister – Everyone seems to have received ARCs of this but me 😦 and the wait is driving me crazy. I need to know how it all ends.
Finale – Another final book in the series I need to read to find out how it ends. I adored Legendary so I’m really hoping this is more of the same.
Sherwood – A standalone (or at least I hope it is) this time. I loved Spooner’s take on Beauty and the Beast, Hunted so very excited to see what she’ll do with Robin Hood.

So that’s my reading plan for the next three months. Hopefully I’ll manage to stick somewhat close to it and not get tempted by any new books on Amazon or NetGalley (ha who am I kidding).

Have you read any of these? Are there any others I should make room for on my list? Any you’re particularly excited about? Also do you have any other recommendations for translated fiction? Most of my reads have been very Nordic so I’d like to venture further around the world.

Happy reading ❤

Summer TBR Wipeout – Update (2)

August 5, 2018 Ali@abookishlife11 Comments

Oops I’m afraid I’m a little bit late in posting my second progress update for Candid Cover’s Summer TBR Wipeout but I have a really good excuse, I was busy reading 🙂 I actually can’t believe that we’re more than two thirds of the way through this 7 week challenge as it seems hardly any time since my introductory post at the start of July where I set myself the goal of reading 21 books. I will admit that finishing 21 books from a list was probably never going to happen (I’m too much of a mood reader) but it has proven to be great motivation. So how have I done since my last update, read on and find out.

Read / Currently Reading

I’m actually pretty happy with my reading progress since my last update, yes I’ve wandered off my list a bit (that was always going to happen) but since my last update I’ve finished 8 pretty brilliant books, including a couple I gave 5 stars to.

A Closed and Common Orbit (Wayfarers #2) by Becky Chambers – 5 Stars – Yep you read that right, 5 out of this world stars. I absolutely loved the second book in Chambers Wayfarers series. There’s a bit more of a story than the first book and it’s more contained giving me a greater connection to the characters and making me much more emotionally invested. I cried a lot and I just loved it.
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig – 4.5 Stars – Another great read, the only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that while I loved how Haig pulled together scientific theory, facts, psychology and his own experiences, I’m not sure I could say there’s anything new in it. It’s very readable, informative and uplifting but I wouldn’t necessarily say I learned anything new, other than I should worry about robots.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman – 4 Stars – My first wander off course but it’s one of my fave books so I’m pretty sure it’s allowed. Only 4 stars though I’m afraid as this was an abridged audio version and while Rob Reiner’s narration was great it felt a little rushed and he didn’t do any of the voices (inconceivable).
Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin – 4 Stars – Roughly based on Frankenstein but with a futuristic, post apocalyptic type setting. It took me a little while to warm up to main character Nell, and to get my head around a world without technology (the horror) but it’s a very dark and intriguing story that makes you think (and that’s never a bad thing).

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo – 3.5 Stars – I don’t think I was in the right mood for this book as while I loved the concept (a little mermaid retelling) and found it an engaging read it never really wowed me the way I thought it would. I do think it was me and not the book though
The Mermaid by Christina Henry – 4 Stars – Yep another mermaid book but this time with a dash of historical fiction thrown in. It’s a much more serious read and a lot more depressing but has more depth and feeling in it. Also I’m kind of obsessed with the whole Barnum thing so it was fascinating to see him portrayed in a very different way.
As You Wish by Cary Elwes & Joe Layden – 5 Stars – Another wander off the TBR for exactly the same reason as the previous one, my true love of The Princess Bride. I love the film so I was always going to love this look behind the scenes. I swear I’ve been boring everyone senseless reciting Elwes anecdotes about cast and crew. Sorry everyone.
Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire – In progress – OK I’m not quite finished this yet but I only have an hour to go so I’m counting it. Another book not on my list but it is one I’ve been wanting to read for ages so when my hold came in from the library I grabbed it and started immediately and I’m really enjoying it.

Up Next

There are only a couple of weeks left of the challenge so it’s doubtful I’m going to finish every book on my original list but I would really like to read the following four books.

I am however going to replace the other books from my existing list with the following three. The first, The Travelling Cat Chronicles fits a task on a team challenge I’m doing, Down Among the Sticks and Bones is the sequel to Every Heart a Doorway and The Governess Game I received from NetGalley and can’t resist reading asap.

So that’s where I’m at. Unlike when I posted my first update I’m feeling a lot more positive and upbeat about my progress, maybe reading Haig’s Notes on a Nervous Planet has actually helped 🙂

Have you read any of the books on the list? What did you think of them? Are there any on my list I’ve tempted you to pick up?

Happy reading everyone ❤

Spring TBR

March 25, 2018 Ali@abookishlife9 Comments

It’s not feeling particularly spring like here at the moment, we’re still getting snow, but the clocks went forward last night so I thought it was about time I posted my Spring TBR.

Despite my bookish resolution at the start of the year to not request more ARCs than I read and review each month I have to admit I have given in to temptation (I blame NetGalley and the publishers and not my lack of shelf control). There are therefore quite a few ARCs on this list, but I’m also determined to finish off a couple of series I’ve started and maybe read a few of those books I’ve bought because I’ve been tempted by a pretty cover. Anyway, without further ado…

Thrillers (ARCs)

Liz Nugent’s Lying in Wait was one of my favorite books of 2016 and had one of the most deliciously horrid characters I’ve ever come across so I can’t wait to see what she does next. She is famous for her opening lines so I have to admit I’ve had a sneaky peek and it’s brilliant. I’m expecting more morally repugnant characters, doing horrible things to each other
Belinda Baur is another author whose books I’ve really enjoyed. I’m expecting a fast paced page turner of a read in Snap.
Coincidentally it turns out Snap is endorsed by Sarah Pinborough the author of the wonderfully unexpected Behind Her Eyes and the third book on my list Cross Her Heart. I have my suspicions that this will be another twisty tale, I can’t wait.

Fantasy (ARCs)

LEGENDARY!!!!! I can’t believe I managed to get an ARC of this. I really, really enjoyed Caraval and I’ve heard that sequel Legendary is even better. It’s not out for a couple of months but I keep staring at it on my kindle and will no doubt be starting it very soon.
Ash Princess doesn’t necessarily sound the most original of stories (heroine trying to reclaim a throne stolen by an evil tyrant) but I don’t care. I love these types of stories and I’m not even put off by rumours of a love triangle
I have actually started The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton but have to admit I’m struggling. It’s a little on the slow side with a lot of different povs and characters but I’m going to persevere and hope it clicks for me.

Contemporary (ARCs)

After a slightly shaky start I’m already around a quarter of the way through The Exact Opposite of Okay and feelings are mixed. I’m loving the main characters voice and attitude but not sure how I feel about some of her actions.
My request for Dear Martin was only approved in the last few days but I am so excited about this one. There does seem to be a lot of buzz around it so fingers crossed it lives up to the hype.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares is possibly my favorite ever Christmas read and Cohn and Levithan make such a great writing partnership that I couldn’t resist their latest offering, Sam and Ilsa’s Last Hurrah.

Series Reads

Another of my bookish resolutions was to finish off a few of those series I’v kind of stopped midway through but also to knock a few books off my TBR.

Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton is the third and final book in the Rebel of the Sands trilogy and it is absolutely ridiculous that I have not read it yet particularly as I’ve owned it since it was released. I suspect I just don’t want it to be over (and I’m scared she’ll kill off my fave character)
So I’m very late to the party as far as the Shatter Me series goes, I only read Shatter Me a couple of weeks ago, but I think this is a series I could very easily binge on. As soon as I’ve made some progress on my NetGalley shelf I think this will be next.
With the release of Obsidio I think it’s time I finally picked up Illuminae. I bought physical copies of this and Gemina ages ago but have never gotten around to reading. I am however beginning to fear I’ll stumble across spoilers so yep I think the time has come to finally read it.

Other

These are pretty much just random books I’ve picked up in bookshops over the last few months.

I have to admit it was the cover that first drew me to The Wicked Cometh, I have the hardback and it is soooo pretty (I’ll need to post some pics on my bookstagram as this doesn’t do it justice), but it does sound like a very intriguing and dark story.
Spare and Found Parts was a fairly similar story. I spied it in the bookstore and was tempted by the shiny, pretty thing that it is. I didn’t buy it immediately but after seeing some great reviews was back like a shot. It is apparently a modern Frankenstein type story, I am so excited.
It was the hype around the film that drew me to Call Me By Your Name. I haven’t seen it yet, I want to read the book first, but it just looks so good. I currently have a hold on the audio for this.

So that’s my reading plan for the next two or three months. It’s looking a little light on the romance front so no doubt I’ll add a few of them in and I will be trying to squeeze in a few more from my monster TBR pile but this should certainly keep my busy.

Have you read any of these? Are there any others I should make room for on my list? Any you’re particularly excited about?

12 Books on my Winter TBR

November 28, 2017November 27, 2017 Ali@abookishlife29 Comments

The theme for this weeks Top Ten Tuesday over at The Broke and the Bookish is top ten books on your Winter TBR which is perfect for me as I was planning on writing a winter TBR post. I’m not very good at sticking to a plan for my reading but I do find it helps to motivate me if I actually note them down. I can’t guarantee I’m going to read all of these but they are the ones I hope to get to.

ARC’s

I’ve been making great progress on my ARC’s over the past few weeks and finally managed to get my NetGalley ratio over 80%. Assuming I don’t go too nuts with the request button I only really have the following books due.

Everless by Sara Holland (YA Fantasy) – There seems to be quite a lot of hype around this which is making me kinda nervous about it but so far all of the reviews look positive so I am looking forward to it. I do love the idea of time as a currency.
Everything is Lies by Helen Callaghan (Thriller) – I read and loved the authors debut novel Dear Amy (review) so I jumped at the chance to get a copy of her new one. This one is about a woman who finds her parents dead in an apparent murder suicide. She doesn’t believe it so starts digging into the past.
Cruel Prince by Holly Black (YA Fantasy – This will be my first Holly Black book but I can’t wait to read it. It’s been far too long since I’ve had fey in my life.
Furyborn by Claire Legrand (Another YA Fantasy) – Hmm there seems to be a lot of YA fantasy on this list, oh well. This is a book I was swithering over requesting on NetGalley and ended up getting a copy in a book subscription box.

Library Books

Because I clearly don’t have enough books to read I’ve been hitting up the library yet again to get some more.

The Muse by Jessie Burton (Historical) – This is my next book club read but is one I’ve been curious about for a while. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but there’s something very tempting about that cover
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (YA Contemporary) – I know I swore after reading Looking for Alaska that I was never ever reading another book by Green but it seems to be everywhere so I feel like I have to read it. We’ll see how it goes and whether my Green ban is reinstated or ditched.
Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (YA Contemporary) – I read another Matthew Quick book a year ago (which I totally can’t remember the name of) and found it weird but brilliant so I’ve been keeping my eye out for another book by him.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (Gothic Horror) – I spied this at the library and couldn’t resist picking it up. I like a good spooky ghost story so I have high hopes.

Owned

I have so many books, physical and ebooks, that I just never seem to get round to reading that I’m hoping now my ARCs are semi under control I can finally get to. These are probably more possibles than definites as it will depend what I’m in the mood for.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (YA Contemporary) – I keep buying Silvera books but never seem to get around to reading them. This is my latest purchase and probably the one I’m most excited about.
It only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne (YA Contemporary) – I’ve literally just finished an ARC of How Do You Like Me Now? and absolutely loved it (it’s rare to come across a book which is just so real) so I really want to read another book by Bourne and this one is sitting on my kindle waiting for me.
When It’s Real by Erin Watt (NA Romance) – With all of these serious books I think I’m going to need a bit of romance so would really like to pick up this one.
The Crown’s Game by Evelyn Skye (YA Fantasy) – I have started this book three times and haven’t made it past chapter 2 yet. Nothing against the book, it’s just never been the right time. It does seem like it’ll be a good one for the Christmas holidays so maybe I’ll go on a series binge, fueled by mince pies and chocolate.

So that’s my TBR for the next couple of months. I would also really like to sneak in a classic or two, maybe a re read of Jane Eyre and my first attempt at Great Expectations or another Dickens, but we’ll see. I’m not generally very good at sticking to a reading plan.

Do you have a list of books you’re hoping to read over the winter period? Can you stick to a reading plan or are you more of a mood reader? Have you read any of the books on my list? Any I should race to read or avoid like the plague?

Feel free to leave comments below and links to your own top ten’s.

11 Books on my Fall TBR

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 Ali@abookishlife17 Comments

Despite a little bit of sunshine this afternoon I think it’s safe to say that Autumn has arrived. It’s wet and windy (although you get that in Summer here) and there’s a touch of frost in the morning. While I’m not looking forward to having to scrape my windscreen in the morning or venturing up to the stables in the pitch black I am looking forward to warm jumpers, new boots and cozy evenings spent reading some of the books coming out over the next couple of months.

So I don’t get too distracted and confused by all of the pretty covers I thought it might be a good idea to do a TBR list with the books I really want to read before the end of November. These are mostly ARCs and new releases but I’m leaving myself a little bit of room to try and get to some of the older books lurking on my shelves and kindle.

ARCs

I’ve been making great progress with my ARCs until very recently so I want to keep up momentum by knocking another six off my list (and trying really hard not to request any more). These are all out over the next couple of months and are either from NetGalley or Readers First.

Invictus by Ryan Graudin – I think this is going to be my next read. I was so lucky to get a copy of this from NetGalley and have been really looking forward to it. I’ve just been waiting for the right time so I can relax and enjoy.
The Break by Marian Keyes – Technically no longer an ARC as it was released a week or so ago but still one I want to get to. Keyes is one of my all time favourite writers so I have high hopes.
Moonlight over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan – Yay a Sarah Morgan Christmas romance. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit even if it’s only September. There are mince pies in the supermarket already so the countdown has begun.
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman – Another I’ve been looking forward to. A prequel to Practical Magic, and ok I’ve only seen the film but I’ve read some other Hoffman books and loved so can’t wait for this.
Undercover Princess by Connie Glynn – Honestly this had the word fairy tale in the blurb so I hit that request button like mad.
My Side of the Diamond by Sally Gardner – I previously read An Almond for a Parrot by Sally Gardner and loved it’s weird mix of genres. I get the impression this will be kind of similar but YA.

New(ish) Releases

There have been a lot of new releases over the last few weeks and even more coming over the next month or so that I can’t wait to read. I do however really need to instigate a bit of a book buying ban so I’m limiting this to books I already own or have pre ordered.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo – I have the most beautiful copy of this sitting on my bookshelf and I haven’t had a chance to read it. I don’t think I’ll be able to resist for long.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas – Another book sitting on my shelf I haven’t had a chance to read as yet. I think Empire of Storms put me off Maas a bit and this book is huge so I’ve been a little wary.
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig – I picked this up from the local supermarket a few weeks ago and haven’t had a chance to read yet (are you seeing a pattern here).
The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo – I know for a fact that this is in October’s FairyLoot box and you can bet I’ll be reading it the second it arrives.
The Empress by S.J. Kincaid – I love, love, loved the Diabolic so am really looking forward to this it’s sequel

Other Books

By my calculations there are around 10 weeks until the end of November so I think I can squeeze in a few more but I want to leave it open. Looking at the list above I am thinking it’s a little heavy on fantasy and sci fi and drastically in need of some crime and horror (Halloween is coming after all) so if you have any rec’s that are worth breaking my ban for let me know.

So that’s my list. Have you read any of these? Any you’d particularly recommend or have doubts about? Are there any books on your Fall TBR that you really think should be on mine? Have you bought any mince pies yet?

Summer TBR Wipeout – Update 2

July 31, 2017 Ali@abookishlife14 Comments

Where on earth has the summer gone. It feels like no time at all since I posted my introductory post for Candid Cover’s Summer TBR Wipeout and there are now only a couple of weeks left until the challenge ends on 13th August.

Despite some initial reservations about actually having to plan (the horror) I’ve absolutely loved this challenge. I’m most definitely a mood reader but it’s been great to at least keep an eye on some of the due dates and also have a look to see what everyone else has been reading.

I’m not entirely convinced it has in any way reduced my TBR (I’ve added far more books than I’ve read) but I think I may keep up the planning so I’m going to combine this post with my August TBR.

Summer TBR Wipeout – Introductory Post

July 2, 2017 Ali@abookishlife17 Comments

Otherwise known as the post where I freak out about how many books I need to read over the next few weeks. I know, it’s terrible being forced to read lots and lots of lovely books but somehow I’ll struggle through 🙂

I don’t usually do a TBR post, I’m never that organised, but when I spotted Candid Cover was hosting the second annual Summer TBR Wipeout it seemed like a good way to get motivated and finally knock some books off my ever increasing TBR.

The challenge runs until 13th August and if you want to join in you can here

I have a ridiculous number of books on my TBR (maybe 400, I’m scared to do a proper count) so as I’ve only got 6 weeks I thought best be at least kind of sensible and pick some of the ARCs with pending release dates and other books I’m keen to read sooner rather than later.

So here we go

NetGalley ARCs

I currently have 41 books sitting on my NetGalley shelf, *hangs head in shame*, so it’s safe to say I have a bit of a backlist. Before I get to work on that I really want to clear off the following upcoming releases.

The Rome Affair by Karen Swan – Due 13th July
Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody – Due 25th July
The Marriage Pact – Due 27th July
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker – Due 8th August
Yesterday by Felicia Yap – Due 10th August
The Scandal by Frederick Backman – Due 10th August

Readers First

Because I clearly don’t have enough pressure in terms of ARC’s I recently joined Readers First which gives you a chance every week to win books before they’re released. All you have to do is read a first look (about the first 30 pages) and give your first impression and you’re entered into a draw to win a copy. You also collect points for writing first impressions and reviews which you can exchange for books. I currently have the following books I need/want to read.

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon – Due 6th July
Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley – Due 6th July
Tall Oaks by Chris Whitaker – Released

Author Events

So August has turned into a month of many author events for me (currently 10) due to a combination of the Edinburgh Book Festival at the end of the month and lots of authors being on tour (they should really plan better and spread their events). Thankfully some of the authors I’m going to see (Victoria Aveyard, Patrick Ness, Alwyn Hamilton) I’m all up to date on but others I’m either behind or haven’t read a single book (oopsy) so I’m going to try and catch up over the next 6 weeks.

This Savage Song & Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab – 1st August
We Were Liars by E Lockhart – 2nd August
Wing Jones by Katherine Webber – 2nd August
Maresi by Maria Turtshaminoff – 19th August
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black (or pretty much any Holly Black book) – 19th August
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy – 19th August
The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey – 20th August
NOS 4R2 by Joe Hill – 20th August

Other Books

Book club books, Fairyloot books, new releases and just general books I’ve had sitting on my shelf for a while. You can see a rather large collection of these in my header image but these are the three I really want to read (ok not the last one but definitely the other two)

Now I Rise by Kiersten White – released 6th July in UK
Roar by Cora Carmack – Fairyloot
Waiting for Columbus by Thomas Trofimuk – bookclub on 14th July

Phew, that’s a lot of books.

I’m not sure 21+ is a realistic target (particularly due to my tendency to wander off track) but it’s supposed to be a challenge and there are a lot of books on this list I’ve wanted to read for ages so I’m looking forward to it.

Are there any on the list you’ve read and would recommend? Any you’d avoid? Particularly interested in recommendations for Joe Hill, Derek Landy and Holly Black books as they are completely new authors to me and I may switch what I read from them 🙂

Anyway, it looks like my next 6 weeks are going to be super busy so I’d better get reading. Wish me luck and I’ll post an update around the 15th.