You won’t be seeing may TBR posts from me; as though I have a HUGE TBR pile, I like to choose what I’m going to read at random. However, I do have a very specific list of books that I would like to get through before Christmas. So here goes, take inspiration from this of what you could read this Christmas holidays, or in the New Year…  Continue reading “TBR before Christmas!”

In an effort to save money I am only allowing myself to buy books once a month as I never manage to stick to just buying the one. This is the little bundle I got myself for this month, all from Waterstone’s costing me just £26 (I really was well behaved!! )….

I’d love to say I varied in genre with my buys but I really didn’t! Im obviously in a fantasy mood lately as all of these are of that genre, which is odd for me, but oh well!

Snow like Ashes..

This marvellous looking book was recommended to me on GoodReads, and despite requests was not available at the library.. So I bit the bullet and invested (on buy one get one free!! YAY)..

‘Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered
and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a
monarch. Now the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the
eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.’ (Blurb from official site)

Reasons for buying this was more because it was on a deal than because of the actual book; although it was on my ‘want to read’ list. I have purely heard good things, so hopefully it’ll be a bit different from most YA fantasy novels…

Red Queen..

This was something I have already read as a library version (see review in October book Haul..), where I wasn’t too sure, when I saw it I felt the need to buy. Though written badly and nothing outstandingly different, I have found myself looking forward to the sequel.

‘Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those
with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own’

(Blurb from official site)

Uglies..

This little gem was recommended by an amazing person, so felt was only right to give it a go. Reading a bit about it does make it appear right up my street- alternative future, leading into the unknown kind of story. 

‘Tally can’t wait to turn sixteen and become Pretty. Sixteen is the magic number that brings a transformation from a repellent Ugly into a stunningly attractive Pretty, and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks, Tally will be there. But Tally’s new friend, Shay, isn’t sure she wants to be Pretty. She’d rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the Pretty world – and it isn’t very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worse choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn Pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.’        (from Amazon)

I am really looking forward to this one as appears like a great series, plus after all who can turn down a book with florescent colours!!

The Assassins Apprentice…

I have been wanting to read this series for so long!! After ordering the wrong one at the library, and starting on a book mid series, I decided to invest in the beginning of the series.

‘ Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals – the old art known as the Wit – gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.’         (from GoodReads)

I love dark fantasies like this, and so excited to get into it, and then read the MANY following books.

SO excited about these buys, can’t wait to have my Uni assignment complete so I can dive into them. My TBR list in order is; The Forgotten Legion, Uglies, then Killer of Men. Keep your eyes open for reviews to follow…

I have had a very busy and successful reading month!! Been trying to start all the new series that I want to so that I know what to buy with any Christmas vouchers that I may receive… I know; I mentioned the devil work!! :O

Unfortunately; due to them being series of books that I’d not tried previously, they were mostly library books, so couldn’t do a group photo of them all…. But first ;;;

A Game of Thrones…

I was very dubious about this one; I’ve never liked the TV series, but had been recommended that the book was worth while. And I have to admit, I am glad I took the time to read this one! Full of adventure; and power battles, it keeps you gripped from the very first page.. I will be investing in the full series, and recommend that anyone who likes a good fantasy novel does the same!!

Left Behind….

This was a bit of a trial for me; had never read anything like this before. I can’t say it was a book I’d necessarily read again; however the story is a fascinating one which has left me wanted the sequel.   Being written by a Father of religion, it is very tied to religion and the concept of God and the Bible; but if like me, you don’t mind the religious stories, it is a very interesting read. It has also been adapted to a film featuring Nicholas Cage and Chad Michael Murray.

Dissolution… 

So I have done a post on this book early on; feel free to go give this a read to see my review on the book as well as on where is cheapest to get hold of your own copy!! But in brief; it is a fabulous historical murder mystery!!

Red Queen… 

Before reading this I looked at the reviews that had been written on this book; and was very almost put off by these.. However was running low on things to read so decided to go on with it anyway. To be fair I would only give this a 2 out of 5; as although I did enjoy this; the story was nothing I had not read before. If you’ve read other YA fantasy, then this is pretty much the same, however the writing is APPALLING! I gave up counting the missing speech marks, spelling mistakes, and grammar mistakes; because there was just so many! I honestly am not sure if I would recommend this book, as it is so poorly written and edited….

At Risk…

Now this little book was something I had been given from my grandparents when they were having a clear out and has been sitting on the shelf for many months; and only found its way off the shelf because I had little else to read while waiting to go to the library. However with all that being said; the 250 pages were easily read in just over 24 hours! It was superb!!! Written in such a way that you don’t have to think about it, you just get engrossed in to the story and just keep going from page to page, until before you know it you are at the back cover. Highly recommend this to any crime fiction fans; especially if you love an unexpected twist!!

I have now started The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane, a review will follow once I’ve finished..

Question time… What was everyone’s favourite books this October? And what you planning on reading this month?