March was a bit of a stressful month for me, having decided to hand in my notice at work. The decision was made based on multiple factors, but the most important is the state of my mental health. Anyway, I have until April 18th to get a few different things sorted, and if I stop to think for just a moment, reality kind of hits. The future is looking a bit uncertain now and it's definitely stressing me out. Nevertheless, I've been trying to keep my mind off of the situation, so here's what happened on the blog this month.

Ten Books I Recently Added To My TBR Pile

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can showcase the top ten books we feel deserve the spotlight according to the topic of the week. This week's topic is books we recently added to our TBR piles.

There are so many amazing books that I've recently discovered and want to read so to make this easier, I'm only going to feature the ones that have actually made their way onto my shelves.

Ruling Passion (The Drake Chronicles, #1-3) by Alyxandra Harvey 

I've heard nothing but fantastic things about this author, but for some reason, I've never gotten around to reading anything written by her. Though I don't know much about this series, having the bind-up of the first three will pretty much ensure that I read them. 

The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1) by Lisa M. Stasse

I've wanted to read this novel for the longest time so when I found it in my local bargain bookstore, I had to grab it. This book sounds like a pretty gritty dystopian read and I've heard some great things. 

Abandon (Abandon, #1) by Meg Cabot

This novel has received some amazing reviews, as well as some terrible ones. The story sounds like something I'd enjoy, however, so I'm going to ignore the negative and focus on the positive with this one. 

His Dark Materials Bind-Up (His Dark Materials, #1-3) by Phillip Pullman 

I'm a little on the fence when it comes to this series, but when I found this bind-up edition for cheap (I'm talking about a like new hardcover for £1 in a charity shop), I had to buy it. People keep recommending this trilogy to me, so I guess I'll get around to it soon. 

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Though this book has received some less than stellar ratings, it sounds like something I'm going to enjoy. I want to know what happened to Ava and how she handles her amnesia. 

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, & Maureen Johnson

I absolutely love The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, and Magnus Bane is one of my favourite characters. This collection of short stories will hopefully give me a little more insight into this wacky warlock's life that I'm no doubt going to devour. 

The Rise (The Originals, #1) by Julie Plec

Though I love The Vampire Diaries (the TV show more than the book series), I have to admit that I prefer The Originals. Klaus and Elijah are some of my all time favourite characters, and I can't wait to see what secrets the books hold. 

Fury (Fury, #1) by Elizabeth Miles

Though I know barely anything about this series, I saw all three books in my local bargain bookstore and couldn't help myself. Fingers crossed I enjoy it! Impulse buys are pretty rare for me. 

Amelia Anne Is Dead & Gone by Kat Rosenfield

I can't figure out why people don't like this novel and it's really starting to annoy me. People are very vague when it comes to the problems they had with this novel, so I decided to say screw it and bought it anyway. It sounds interesting enough, so here's hoping I enjoy it! 

Fracture (Fracture, #1) by Megan Miranda

This was a huge novel when I first started blogging in 2012 and I've heard nothing but amazing things about it, even now. I'm very intrigued by this premise and can't wait to give it a shot. 

So what books have you recently added to your TBR piles? Leave me the link to your post/video and I'll be sure to check it out.

My Thoughts On City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

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THE BOOK -

City Of Glass
by Cassandra Clare
Bk. #3 of The Mortal Instruments
First published in 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 541 pages
Published in 2009 by Margaret K. McElderry
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glss, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire that can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Clary and Jace have been through hell since this series started, but the conclusion to this novel brought peace to my mind. I went into this book knowing that it was originally planned to be the end of this series, so with this knowledge behind me, I went in prepared - and excited - to finally get some long overdue answers. Cassandra Clare managed to make everything feel worth it in the end - all the heartbreak and suffering, all the tears and laughter. Everything came together nicely and I'm excited to see what she comes up with next. I know it's going to be a bumpy ride, but I'm ready.

The other day, I was bored and scouting the Internet for fun little challenge-type things when I came across this reading speed test. I can't remember the site that I originally saw it on, but you can find it on the Staples website.

Are ARCs All They're Cracked Up To Be?

Though most book bloggers don't start off their blog for the sole purpose of receiving free books (and if you did, shame on you!), it's a common goal for most of us. We work very hard to promote books, and while ARCs and review copies are a nice reward, they're also a cause of great stress for a lot of us. At the end of the day, these books come with strings attached - after all, nothing in life is truly free, right?

My Thoughts On City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

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THE BOOK -

City Of Ashes
by Cassandra Clare
Bk. #2 of The Mortal Instruments
First published in 2008 by Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 453 pages
Published in 2008 by Margaret K. McElderry
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend.

But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings - and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

ADD TO GOODREADS.

When it comes to character development, Cassandra Clare is a literary genius. She has absolutely no qualms about throwing giant hurdles in the way of her characters' happiness, and I found my heart breaking on multiple occasions. I didn't think it could get much worse than the feeling I had after we discovered that Clary and Jace are siblings, but I was wrong. The struggle that these characters have to deal with is soul destroying and I found myself completely invested in their story. I'm still holding out hope that Clare will somehow rectify this tragedy, but I guess I'll just have to dive into the third installment to see what she comes up with next.

Negative Reviews: To Post Or Not To Post?

Writing negative reviews has become a bit of a sore subject within the bookish community during the last few years, following a couple of nasty incidents in which blogs were closed down due to authors being unable to handle the negative feedback. There's a very fine line dividing professional negativity from personal insult, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure you're not crossing that line.

Ten Books I Want To Read This Spring

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can showcase the top ten books we feel deserve the spotlight according to the topic of the week. This week's topic is books on our Spring TBR. 

Since I generally try to stay away from new releases, I'm just going to list ten books currently on my shelves that I'm hoping to get through within the next couple of months. All of these novels have been sitting gathering dust for goodness knows how long, so hopefully I can actually read them soon! Though I've already read most of them at least once, I'm feeling the need to rediscover the love.

• Splintered by A.G. Howard - Though I have read this book before, I really would like to continue with this series. Unfortunately, it's been a couple of years since I first discovered this book and my memory is a little hazy. I  do remember loving it, though, so I can't wait to rediscover the magic.

• The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken - I've heard some very mixed reviews about this book, but I invested in a beautiful hardcover copy a very long time ago and I feel guilty for not yet reading it. Hopefully I'm a part of the majority that love it.

• Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando - I received an unsolicited copy of this book from the publisher when it was released last year. Despite it not being the kind of story I would normally read, I'm willing to check it out. It's only short, so hopefully I'll love it.

• The Diviners by Libba Bray - Having never read anything by Libba Bray, I think it's about time I got around to it. I've had this gorgeous novel on my shelf for a good few years now, so it's as good a place as any to start, no? I've heard so many amazing things about this book, so hopefully I enjoy it.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Another book that I want to read again. I haven't read this trilogy in a very, very long time, and my love of the movies has ignited something inside of me. I can't wait to rediscover these books, and I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy them even more the second time around.

• Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor - When I first read this book, I fell in love. When I read it again for the second time, I fell in love again. Hopefully reading it for a third time - so I can finally finish the trilogy, might I add - I'll love it even more. Laini Taylor is an amazing author, and despite the sequel not being quite as amazing, I have high hopes that the final novel will return this series to its former glory.

• The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, & Sarah Rees Brennan - Magnus Bane is a character whom I've always wanted to know more about. The short stories featured in this novel will finally give me the answers I've so desperately been seeking. I can't wait to find out what happened in Peru!

• The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse - This novel has been on my wishlist for goodness knows how long, and now that I finally own a copy, I'm very excited to dive right in. I don't really know a whole lot about it, other than what's written on the blurb, but I have a feeling I'm going to love it. 

• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - I keep looking at this quartet on my shelves and thinking that I really should get around to reading the series again. I absolutely adored it the first time around, but I can't remember anything about it! I'm hoping I can rediscover my love soon.

• Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - When I discovered that Barnes & Noble would ship the beautiful hardcover (not library bound) copy of this novel to me in the UK for less than £20, I was ecstatic. I had been looking for it for so long, and now that I finally have a copy, I feel I should get it read as soon as possible. I loved this book the first time, so I'm very excited to read it again and continue this series.

So what books are you planning on reading this Spring? Leave me the link to your post/video and I'll be sure to check them out.

My Thoughts On City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare

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THE BOOK -

City Of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
Bk. #1 of The Mortal Instruments
First published in 2007 by Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 485 pages
Published in 2007 by Margaret K. McElderry
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

ADD TO GOODREADS.

First things first, I just want to say that I don't think I will ever get over how beautiful Cassandra Clare's writing is. The way her words flow together page after page is astounding, and her ability to draw you in with gorgeous settings and interesting characters is unmatched. From start to finish, I was completely ensnared within her world, and I can't wait to revisit it as soon as possible. When it comes to the plot, I was hooked. Clare has no qualms about throwing hurdles in the path of her characters, and the twists and turns had me dizzy - in a very good way. 

Ten Series' For Readers Who Like YA Fantasy

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can showcase the top ten books we feel deserve the spotlight according to the topic of the week. This week's topic is books we recommend for readers who like certain subject matters/genres/character types, etc. I chose series' for readers who like YA Fantasy.

In all honesty, this list is just a way for me to showcase my favourite series'. I've read all of these books multiple times and I hope I can inspire you to give them a shot. Trust me, it'll be worth it.

• House Of Night by P.C. & Kristin Cast - Though I'm not quite up to speed with the House Of Night series, having only read up to book 9, I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favourite series'. This mother and daughter team have come up with an utterly unique take on vampire mythology, incorporating a supernatural boarding school that fans of Harry Potter will definitely appreciate.

• Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins - Another series with a supernatural boarding school, though this one is a little more like Hogwarts than the House of Night. Filled to the brim with magic and teenage shenanigans, I will happily read this series again and again. It's super easy to read and is definitely a lot of fun.

• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - If fallen angels and well developed characters are your thing, I would definitely check out this series. I cannot get enough of these books and have read this quartet more times than I can count. What can I say? I'm completely in love with Patch Cipriano. #noshame.

• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Though the spin off series is, in my opinion, a little better, I do think it's necessary to read Vampire Academy before diving into Bloodlines. Don't get me wrong, Vampire Academy is a fantastic series, I just adore Adrian Ivashkov and enjoy his story a little more. It makes me happy that he features in both series', though.

• The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa - I haven't experienced a lot of novels about fairies, but Kagawa puts such a unique spin on the genre that I will recommend this series to anyone interested in fairy literature. The characters are wonderful and the writing is beautiful. The world-building in this series is utterly unparalleled.

• Study by Maria V. Snyder - A very recent new favourite of mine, but a favourite nonetheless. The world that Snyder has created is as deadly as it is beautiful, and I can't wait to see where she takes her characters in the recently released first installment of the new spin off series.

• Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent - Rachel Vincent is a fantastic author that isn't afraid to give her characters a hard time. She has created an amazing world, filled to the brim with danger and excitement, and her slew of characters is just fantastic. Putting a unique spin on the old banshee myths, Vincent has come up with something that is absolutely brilliant.

• The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - The Mortal Instruments is another series that I have read multiple times but have yet to actually finish. I am, however, currently making my way back through these books so I can finally get some long overdue answers. I'm not expecting a happy ending, though. Clare has a bad habit of being excessively mean to her characters (P.S. I love Jace).

• The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine - You know, I really need to start finishing my favourite series', but with a total of 15 books, it's going to take me a while to get through the first 14 (again). It'll happen, though. Caine has come up with a slew of amazing characters, an interesting take on vampire mythology, and multiple exciting plotlines. I absolutely adore this series and would happily class it as an all time favourite.

• Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep - Much like Hex Hall, I would recommend this series to Harry Potter fans, for sure. This school is not just for witches and wizards, though. All sorts of magical beings are enrolled at Mythos Academy, and it definitely makes for an interesting read. Yet again, however, I still haven't finished these books. I suck.

So what topic did you choose? Leave me the link to your post/video and I'll be sure to check them out.

My Thoughts On Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

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THE BOOK -

Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares
by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
This book is not part of a series
First published in 2010 by Knopf Doubleday
Genre: YA Contemporary

Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Paperback, 260 pages
Published in 2012 by Mira Ink
My Rating: 4/5 stars

THE PLOT -

At the urge of her lucky-in-love brother, sixteen-year-old Lily has left a red notebook full of dares on her favourite bookshop shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept.

Curious, snarky Dash isn't one to back down from a challenge - and the Book of Dares is the perfect thing to keep him occupied this Christmas.

As they send each other on a snowbound scavenger hunt across Manhattan, they're falling for each other on paper. But finding out if their real selves share their on-page chemistry could be their biggest dare yet.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares is a cute, quirky read that I devoured in a couple of sittings. Set during Christmas in New York, I knew I would love this book before I even turned the first page. Manhattan during Christmas is something I dream of experiencing, so with that expectation in mind, I sat down with this novel. If cute, fun reads are your thing, Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares is definitely a story you should check out.

Ten Of My Favourite Series' With Books Released In The Last 5 Years

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can showcase the top ten books we feel deserve the spotlight according to the topic of the week. This week's topic is books I classify as all time favourites from the last 5 years.

This was a seriously difficult list for me to make and I sat for hours staring blankly at my laptop. I generally don't have favourite books, I have favourite series', so to compromise, I've chosen 10 of my all time favourite series' with more than one book released in the last 5 years. Yeah, I cheated.

• The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - This trilogy is one of the best I've ever read. With Clockwork Angel released way back in 2010, there's absolutely no reason for you not to have read it. Cassandra Clare is an absolutely fantastic author who writes seriously loveable characters.

• The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - I'm not sure whether I prefer this series to its prequel, the aforementioned Infernal Devices, but either way, it's Cassandra Clare. She's just amazing.

• Divergent by Veronica Roth - Though I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy, Allegiant is the reason it got pushed onto my all time favourites list. What Roth did to my heart was borderline cruel, but I will forever love this series.

• Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This is such a unique story that I enjoyed from start to finish. I've bought multiple copies of this novel, and I plan on re-reading them very soon. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.

• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - This is definitely the best fallen angel series I've ever read. The characters, the plot twists, the romance... they were all written fantastically and I can't wait to check out Fitzpatrick's other works.

• The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine - Anybody who knows me knows that this is one of my all time favourite series'. Despite having not yet read the final book, Daylighters, I'm determined to get this whole series re-read soon. It's written fantastically well, and the characters are like family to me.

• Lux by Jennifer L. Armentrout - My love for this series definitely stems from Daemon Black himself, but I will admit that the twists and turns Armentrout keeps throwing in the way of her characters is admirable. I have high hopes that everything will be resolved in the final book. Now I just need to re-buy the first four in the new format and find a copy of the fifth. Sad face.

• Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - Okay, so I've only actually read the first book in this series, but it's one of my all time favourite stories. I've just bought a new edition of Throne Of Glass so when I get paid I'm probably going to buy the others, too. A marathon will no doubt happen.

• Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent - Once again, my love for this series is more love for the characters. Vincent created a cast of colourful characters, each with their own part to play, and they all fit together perfectly. There was just enough teenage angst in this novel to remind me that it was a YA novel, and believe me when I say it makes it all the better to experience the novel the way it was meant to be experienced.

• Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - Though Vampire Academy is a fantastic series, I do prefer this spin off. Adrian Ivashkov is an utterly brilliant character, and for him to have a happy ending would be the icing on a wonderful cake. I've only read the first three in the series, but I recently purchased the fourth and will no doubt buy the rest in the near future.

So what favourites have you discovered in the last few years? Leave me the link to your post/video and I'll be sure to check them out.

My Thoughts On Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

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THE BOOK -

Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Bk. #1 of Harry Potter
First published in 1997 by Bloomsbury
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Paperback, 309 pages
Published in 2013 by Scholastic
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Till now there's been no magic for Harry Potter. He lives with the miserable Dursleys and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet beneath the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But then a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. And there he finds not only friends, flying sports on broomsticks, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Harry Potter has been a household name around the globe for over 15 years now, so when I hear that people (my age especially) have never read it, it kind of blows my mind a little bit. I've read this entire series so many times during the course of my life, and it's something that never fails to make me smile. Beautifully written with an enchanting world filled with magic and monsters, Harry Potter is a series that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.