I'm pleased to announce that the winner is:
#1. Aurelie Red
Congratulations! You should receive an email within the next week with your prize. I hope you enjoy picking some lovely new books to spend it on.
Friday, 30 August 2013
Winner of Amazon international giftcard
Thank you to everyone that entered my international giveaway to win a £50 Amazon giftcard. If you weren't successful this time then keep checking back for another giveaway in the near future.
Congratulations! You should receive an email within the next week with your prize. I hope you enjoy picking some lovely new books to spend it on.
Congratulations! You should receive an email within the next week with your prize. I hope you enjoy picking some lovely new books to spend it on.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Review: City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion - Mimi O'Connor
City of Bones: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Mimi O'Connor, published by Simon and Schuster on 1st August 2013
Goodreads synopsis:
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie with this official companion book. This fan favorite features full-color photos from the set, designers’ sketches, interviews with the cast and crew, and more!
Review:
Since getting this book I keep picking it up again and again to discover more about the wonderful world that Cassandra Clare has created. There is so much packed into this guide that if you love the books and have enjoyed the film then you really need to add this title to your collection.
Everything you would want in a movie companion is here. There are fantastic full glossy photos of all the cast, pictures of behind the scenes, interviews with Cassandra Clare herself and interesting insights into the making of the film. The book is literally packed with so much interesting information that you'll constantly find something new to grab your attention.
It must be incredible seeing a story you've written come to life before your eyes and the companion provides a unique insight into this. I enjoyed finding out about the problems encountered in the making of the film, as well as what the author felt about the whole process.
If you love The Mortal Instruments then I would highly recommend this book which is the perfect movie companion for fans of the series.
Goodreads synopsis:
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie with this official companion book. This fan favorite features full-color photos from the set, designers’ sketches, interviews with the cast and crew, and more!
Review:
Since getting this book I keep picking it up again and again to discover more about the wonderful world that Cassandra Clare has created. There is so much packed into this guide that if you love the books and have enjoyed the film then you really need to add this title to your collection.
Everything you would want in a movie companion is here. There are fantastic full glossy photos of all the cast, pictures of behind the scenes, interviews with Cassandra Clare herself and interesting insights into the making of the film. The book is literally packed with so much interesting information that you'll constantly find something new to grab your attention.
It must be incredible seeing a story you've written come to life before your eyes and the companion provides a unique insight into this. I enjoyed finding out about the problems encountered in the making of the film, as well as what the author felt about the whole process.
If you love The Mortal Instruments then I would highly recommend this book which is the perfect movie companion for fans of the series.
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Writer's Nook: Josin L. McQuien
Today I have Josin L. McQuien on A Dream of Books, as part of my Writer's Nook feature. Josin's debut novel 'Arclight' was published by Electric Monkey on 5th August 2013. You'll be able to read my review and find out what I thought of it very soon.
Writer's Nook explores a writer's space and the objects they like to have around them for inspiration, pleasure or just general enjoyment.
A writer’s nook is a great idea, in theory, but it’s the kind of thing that gets looked at more than it gets used. The closest thing I have is a kitchen table, where my (ancient and sticker-encrusted) desktop sits. My laptop’s on a plain glass desk in my bedroom, and the netbook lands where it lands.
This is going to sound so boring, but there’s really nothing special to the space, at all. No photos, no good luck charms, just the computer. I can’t stand having things around my hands while I’m working. I’ll make an exception for pages, if I’m editing, and maybe a bottle of water, but even that’s iffy. I’m too prone to spilling things on my keyboard. (I’m on my fourth one with the desktop.)
The actual most important thing in my writing space is the USB drive. That way, I can take my files and move to my laptop or netbook and get away from the kitchen table – which I do all the time. I’ll move from room to room, chair to chair, and even sit on the floor now and then.
I’m a “cocoon writer,” meaning that I can’t have noise, or even music while I’m writing. It interferes with me being to process my thoughts. My poor dogs are probably tired of being sent out of the room for trying to get my attention while I’m working.
However, if I were to build my own writer’s nook, it would probably be a separate building, like a garden shed, with dimmer-lights so I can control the amount of glare on my screen, and a door I can close to make sure everyone stays outside while I’m working. I’d have a fan for “white noise” to cut the distractions, and it would be cold. I live in Texas, where the summer heat will put you to sleep; I think better when it’s freezing. ABSOLUTELY NO INTERNET ACCESS. It’s a miracle any books ever get written with so much wi-fi swimming around to grab my attention without notice. It’s not exactly exotic or glamorous, but I’ll happily settle for functional.
Writer's Nook explores a writer's space and the objects they like to have around them for inspiration, pleasure or just general enjoyment.
This is going to sound so boring, but there’s really nothing special to the space, at all. No photos, no good luck charms, just the computer. I can’t stand having things around my hands while I’m working. I’ll make an exception for pages, if I’m editing, and maybe a bottle of water, but even that’s iffy. I’m too prone to spilling things on my keyboard. (I’m on my fourth one with the desktop.)
The actual most important thing in my writing space is the USB drive. That way, I can take my files and move to my laptop or netbook and get away from the kitchen table – which I do all the time. I’ll move from room to room, chair to chair, and even sit on the floor now and then.
I’m a “cocoon writer,” meaning that I can’t have noise, or even music while I’m writing. It interferes with me being to process my thoughts. My poor dogs are probably tired of being sent out of the room for trying to get my attention while I’m working.
However, if I were to build my own writer’s nook, it would probably be a separate building, like a garden shed, with dimmer-lights so I can control the amount of glare on my screen, and a door I can close to make sure everyone stays outside while I’m working. I’d have a fan for “white noise” to cut the distractions, and it would be cold. I live in Texas, where the summer heat will put you to sleep; I think better when it’s freezing. ABSOLUTELY NO INTERNET ACCESS. It’s a miracle any books ever get written with so much wi-fi swimming around to grab my attention without notice. It’s not exactly exotic or glamorous, but I’ll happily settle for functional.
Monday, 26 August 2013
Review: The Kissing Booth - Beth Reekles
The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles, published by Corgi on 22nd April 2013
Goodreads synopsis:
Meet Rochelle Evans: pretty, popular - and never been kissed.
Meet Noah Flynn: badass, volatile - and a total player.
When Elle decides to run a kissing booth at the school's Spring Carnival, she locks lips with Noah and her life is turned upside down. Her head says to keep away, but her heart wants to draw closer - this romance seems far from fairy tale and headed for heartbreak. But will Elle get her happily ever after?
Review:
'The Kissing Booth' is the debut novel of eighteen year old Beth Reekles, who became an internet sensation on Wattpad and then landed her first publishing deal. This is incredibly impressive for someone so young and made me even more intrigued to see what her writing would be like.
The story itself centres around Rochelle, or Elle as she likes to be called. She's never been kissed and never had a boyfriend but all that is about to change when she and her best friend Lee decide to hold a kissing booth. Elle has two central relationships in the book. The first is with Lee who she has known since they were born and who is like her other half. I really liked their friendship which is purely platonic and it was refreshing not to have this complicated by romantic feelings on either of their parts. Elle and Lee can often read each others minds and do nearly everything together. The other relationship is with Lee's older brother Noah Flynn who she has had always had a huge crush on.
I liked Noah and there was a lot to make me feel weak in the knees about him but I did think that his behaviour was slightly questionable at times. He's a hothead and often can't control his temper and I thought that he came across as far too aggressive and controlling when it comes to Elle. He's protective of her which I didn't mind but he has a tendency to take things too far and I couldn't help feeling that he should have been more trusting where she is concerned. Elle's relationship with Noah moves pretty fast and I felt it was quite rushed at times. As this is a fairly long book, I thought it could have been developed more rather than everything happening at once.
I also have to agree with the other comments I've read about the setting of this book. As the author is British I feel like she should have perhaps set her story in the UK or if she was determined to go for a US setting then she needed to have nailed some of their phrases and culture more accurately.
All that aside, this was still a really enjoyable story which I feel fits into the young-adult genre more than the new-adult niche. I was impressed with Beth Reekles writing and it will be interesting to see how she develops as an author in the future.
Goodreads synopsis:
Meet Rochelle Evans: pretty, popular - and never been kissed.
Meet Noah Flynn: badass, volatile - and a total player.
When Elle decides to run a kissing booth at the school's Spring Carnival, she locks lips with Noah and her life is turned upside down. Her head says to keep away, but her heart wants to draw closer - this romance seems far from fairy tale and headed for heartbreak. But will Elle get her happily ever after?
Review:
'The Kissing Booth' is the debut novel of eighteen year old Beth Reekles, who became an internet sensation on Wattpad and then landed her first publishing deal. This is incredibly impressive for someone so young and made me even more intrigued to see what her writing would be like.
The story itself centres around Rochelle, or Elle as she likes to be called. She's never been kissed and never had a boyfriend but all that is about to change when she and her best friend Lee decide to hold a kissing booth. Elle has two central relationships in the book. The first is with Lee who she has known since they were born and who is like her other half. I really liked their friendship which is purely platonic and it was refreshing not to have this complicated by romantic feelings on either of their parts. Elle and Lee can often read each others minds and do nearly everything together. The other relationship is with Lee's older brother Noah Flynn who she has had always had a huge crush on.
I liked Noah and there was a lot to make me feel weak in the knees about him but I did think that his behaviour was slightly questionable at times. He's a hothead and often can't control his temper and I thought that he came across as far too aggressive and controlling when it comes to Elle. He's protective of her which I didn't mind but he has a tendency to take things too far and I couldn't help feeling that he should have been more trusting where she is concerned. Elle's relationship with Noah moves pretty fast and I felt it was quite rushed at times. As this is a fairly long book, I thought it could have been developed more rather than everything happening at once.
I also have to agree with the other comments I've read about the setting of this book. As the author is British I feel like she should have perhaps set her story in the UK or if she was determined to go for a US setting then she needed to have nailed some of their phrases and culture more accurately.
All that aside, this was still a really enjoyable story which I feel fits into the young-adult genre more than the new-adult niche. I was impressed with Beth Reekles writing and it will be interesting to see how she develops as an author in the future.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Review: Casting Shadows - Sophie McKenzie
Casting Shadows by Sophie McKenzie, published by Simon and Schuster on 4th July 2013
Goodreads synopsis:
Flynn is making every effort to stay in control of his hot temper, while River feels more content than she's ever been. Together the two of them make big plans for the future, but powerful secrets lurk in the shadows, ready to threaten their happiness.
Review:
This was another enjoyable instalment in the series about River and Flynn. The two teenagers are now living together with River's Dad at the commune. Things seem to be much better with Flynn's temper until secrets are revealed which may upset all their future plans.
It seemed inevitable that something was going to happen to get in the way of their happiness. They've had so many ups and downs and have always managed to sort things out but this time it may be the end of the line for them. I think teens will love this book because the romance between River and Flynn is intense but not completely romanticised. There are real problems and obstacles for them to overcome and they are still trying to get River's family to completely accept them being together.
I still like Flynn but my feelings about him have changed as the series has progressed. I do think he overreacts quite a lot and even when he has a grip on his temper he can still fly off the handle over non-consequential things. It always seems to be River who has to suffer and I'm almost at the point now where I think she could be happier without him.
The next book (and the last one) in the series is called 'Defy the Stars'. It will be intriguing to see if a happy ending is on the cards or not for the teen lovers.
Goodreads synopsis:
Flynn is making every effort to stay in control of his hot temper, while River feels more content than she's ever been. Together the two of them make big plans for the future, but powerful secrets lurk in the shadows, ready to threaten their happiness.
Review:
This was another enjoyable instalment in the series about River and Flynn. The two teenagers are now living together with River's Dad at the commune. Things seem to be much better with Flynn's temper until secrets are revealed which may upset all their future plans.
It seemed inevitable that something was going to happen to get in the way of their happiness. They've had so many ups and downs and have always managed to sort things out but this time it may be the end of the line for them. I think teens will love this book because the romance between River and Flynn is intense but not completely romanticised. There are real problems and obstacles for them to overcome and they are still trying to get River's family to completely accept them being together.
I still like Flynn but my feelings about him have changed as the series has progressed. I do think he overreacts quite a lot and even when he has a grip on his temper he can still fly off the handle over non-consequential things. It always seems to be River who has to suffer and I'm almost at the point now where I think she could be happier without him.
The next book (and the last one) in the series is called 'Defy the Stars'. It will be intriguing to see if a happy ending is on the cards or not for the teen lovers.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Review: Brooklyn Girls - Gemma Burgess
Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess, published by Quercus on 4th July 2013
Goodreads synopsis:
Pia is living the dream: fresh out of college and sharing a house in Brooklyn with her best friends. So why is everything so complicated?
A drunken indiscretion has led to the loss of her boring office job, while her love life is a dizzy mess of accidental hook-ups and heartbreak...
Her parents don't trust her and, if she doesn't sort her life out soon, they're going to make her move back in with them...
But all that's nothing compared to the kind of trouble she's about to face.
Review:
This is the first book in a new series by Gemma Burgess about a group of girlfriends in their twenties living together in New York and trying to adjust to adulthood. Each of them are trying to carve out their own path while also figuring out who they are and what they really want out of life. There's unemployed Pia who is attempting to stretch her wings away from her parents and get over a broken heart, as well as bookworm Coco (who was my favourite), crazy Angie, uptight Madeleine and in-control and ambitious Julia.
The opening story in the series is told from the point of view of Pia who can't seem to hold down a job and keeps getting herself into trouble by partying too hard. It took me a little while to actually warm to her as she makes quite a lot of questionable decisions but I liked the way that she always looks out for her friends and she is always there for them, as they are there for her in times of need. I admired the way she tries to turn her life around and her determination not to give into her parents, even when that may have been the easiest route to take.
There actually isn't a huge amount of romance throughout the book as it focuses mainly on the relationship and friendships between all of the girls. That's good though because it makes such a refreshing change. Each of the girls is so different and they have really unique personalities that it was fun getting to know them all along the way.
This is a New Adult book but to me, it seems to fit in nicely to the niche which exists between NA and YA. It's definitely not for much younger readers though as there's a lot of adult themes and content.
Fresh and hip, this series is like Sex and the City but with younger characters. The next book in the series is set to be about Angie and will be published in 2014. I'm looking forward to finding out what they'll all get up to next.
Goodreads synopsis:
Pia is living the dream: fresh out of college and sharing a house in Brooklyn with her best friends. So why is everything so complicated?
A drunken indiscretion has led to the loss of her boring office job, while her love life is a dizzy mess of accidental hook-ups and heartbreak...
Her parents don't trust her and, if she doesn't sort her life out soon, they're going to make her move back in with them...
But all that's nothing compared to the kind of trouble she's about to face.
Review:
This is the first book in a new series by Gemma Burgess about a group of girlfriends in their twenties living together in New York and trying to adjust to adulthood. Each of them are trying to carve out their own path while also figuring out who they are and what they really want out of life. There's unemployed Pia who is attempting to stretch her wings away from her parents and get over a broken heart, as well as bookworm Coco (who was my favourite), crazy Angie, uptight Madeleine and in-control and ambitious Julia.
The opening story in the series is told from the point of view of Pia who can't seem to hold down a job and keeps getting herself into trouble by partying too hard. It took me a little while to actually warm to her as she makes quite a lot of questionable decisions but I liked the way that she always looks out for her friends and she is always there for them, as they are there for her in times of need. I admired the way she tries to turn her life around and her determination not to give into her parents, even when that may have been the easiest route to take.
There actually isn't a huge amount of romance throughout the book as it focuses mainly on the relationship and friendships between all of the girls. That's good though because it makes such a refreshing change. Each of the girls is so different and they have really unique personalities that it was fun getting to know them all along the way.
This is a New Adult book but to me, it seems to fit in nicely to the niche which exists between NA and YA. It's definitely not for much younger readers though as there's a lot of adult themes and content.
Fresh and hip, this series is like Sex and the City but with younger characters. The next book in the series is set to be about Angie and will be published in 2014. I'm looking forward to finding out what they'll all get up to next.
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