January 2015 Recap: The One With Lots Of Books

Well folks, January is over already. It worries me that the days are flying by so fast. Nevertheless, January is my least favourite month of the year, so I guess I can't complain too much. Of course, with the end of January comes the end of my first month back in the blogosphere. It was a pretty successful month, all in all. I wrote 19 posts (not including this one), added 17 books to my shelves, and managed to finish a grand total of 9 books - more than I've ever read in 30 days. I'm very proud.

My Thoughts On Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

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THE BOOK -

Finale
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Bk. #4 of Hush, Hush
First published in 2012 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 454 pages
Published in 2012 by Simon & Schuster
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side.

Together, they will end this war before it can even begin. But even the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

As leader of the Black Hand's Nephilim army, Nora needs to make a decision: will she lead them to war or will she find a way to bring peace without breaking the oath she made to Hank? With devilcraft - a highly addictive drug that brings strength to the user - being tested, and Cheshvan looming ever closer, she must come up with a way to lead her army - and quickly - even if it means marching into war.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

This series is, by far, the best angel series I've ever read. From start to finish, I was hooked. I was completely invested in this story, and Becca Fitzpatrick's writing just got better and better. Not many authors can get away with changing their main character's species just for the last book, but Fitzpatrick nailed it. There was plenty of action, and a lot of time to adjust to this new side of Nora.

Ten Books To Read With A Book Club

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 to read with a book club.

Now, I'm not actually part of a book club, online or otherwise, but these are the books I think would spark some interesting discussions. I love all of these books and have refrained from gushing about them to my non-reader friends, but so many of you guys will know my feels. They're all amazing.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Books with taboo issues always spark the most interesting discussions, and it doesn't get much more taboo than incest. There are going to be people out there who hate this novel, but if you love it, don't be scared to admit it. I adored this book and will definitely be reading it again. It's just such a powerful story.

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Pretty much anything by John Green would be a good choice for a book club read and most of you will understand why. Green gets pretty deep and has no issue writing heartbreaking stories that will stay with you for years to come.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Stockholm Syndrome is a very scary reality, but this novel is one of the best I've ever read. It's strange to be in the head of someone who is falling in love with their captor, but this story is so powerful and so moving that you can't help but understand.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

As far as issue books go, this one is probably my favourite of all time. This novel is told in dual perspectives... at the same time. The way Hannah's audiotapes are written is heartbreaking, and her battle with depression really spoke to me.

In A Heartbeat by Teodora Kostova

Cancer is always a difficult subject to read about, but Teodora Kostova nailed it. This is a new adult novel that I read a couple of years ago and I loved it. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted the world to read this novel. 

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I'm kind of cheating here because I'm including the whole series. I think Harry Potter is a fantastic series to read with a book club, due simply to the fact that there will be people who have never actually read this novel. I, personally, grew up with it, so it surprises me when I come across a person my age who has never delved into this world. I just think that every single person in this world needs to read these books.

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

This is a book that has stuck with me since I first read it not long after it was released. Though it's quite predictable in places, the story itself is beautiful. You'll find yourself completely immersed in this novel, and believe me, the conclusion to this mystery is something you're going to want to talk about.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

This novel features a heavily disguised abusive relationship that so many people don't pick up on. I'm almost positive that the author didn't mean for the world to see the relationship in this way, so it would be interesting to see how your book club portrays this novel.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Fairytale retellings are always a good one to discuss with people, especially if the fairytale in question is one of their favourites. This retelling of Cinderella is about as far from the original as it can get, so it's definitely a good pick.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Set in a society where love can be eradicated, this is an interesting series that will give you some crazy feels. I told so many people about these books after I read them, so I know that it would be a good book to read with other people.

My Thoughts On Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

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THE BOOK -

Silence
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Bk. #3 of Hush, Hush
First published in 2011 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 438 pages
Published in 2011 by Simon & Schuster
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Nora Grey can't remember the past five months of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers... and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Silence is a book that broke my heart, shattered my soul, and took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I'm not sure I'll ever recover from. After being kidnapped by her Nephilim father, Hank Millar, Nora wakes up alone in the cemetery with her memory of the last five months completely erased. She can't remember who kidnapped her, or why. She can't remember anything of fallen angels and Nephilim. She can't remember Patch. As she slowly rediscovers parts of her missing memory, she starts piecing together the truth: Hank kidnapped her to force Patch into gathering information on fallen angels. With the help of Patch and Scott, Nora tries desperately to come up with a plan that will take Hank down for good.

My Thoughts On Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

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THE BOOK -

Crescendo
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Bk. #2 of Hush, Hush
First published in 2010 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 427 pages
Published in 2010 by Simon & Schuster
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Hush, Hush - the first book in this series - was one of the best angel books I've ever read, and Crescendo was, without a doubt, just as good. With an interesting plot, wonderful new characters, and heartbreaking romance, it's clear that this series is just going to get better and better. Though Fitzpatrick doesn't have an overtly flamboyant style, the way she writes flows beautifully and easily, and I can guarantee you'll fly through this book without even thinking about it.

Ten Of My Favourite 2015 Book Covers

WHAT IS TOP TEN TUESDAY? (CLICK HERE)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can spotlight our favourite books according to the topic of the week. If you want a full list of upcoming topics, check out this page.

This week's topic is a freebie, so I chose my favourite 2015 book covers. Trawling through the 2015 YA Listopia categories on Goodreads, trying to find some new releases to add to my wishlist, I started noticing all of the beautiful covers. Even if books don't particularly appeal to me, I can always appreciate a good cover, so here are a few of my favourites.

My Thoughts On Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

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THE BOOK -

Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Bk. #1 of Hush, Hush
First published in 2009 by Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Hardcover, 391 pages
Published in 2009 by Simoon & Schuster
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and knows more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide.

And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of a centuries old battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and sooner or later, she's going to have to pick a side...

ADD TO GOODREADS.

I've read my fair share of angel books, but I have to say that Hush, Hush is the best by far. The combination of interesting characters, believable romance (as far as YA lit goes, at least), exciting plot, and a fast-paced writing style made this novel one of the best I've ever read. Becca Fitzpatrick is a great author with the ability to really pull you into her world. When I found out that this was her debut novel, I was... well, surprised would be an understatement. If her first book was this good, I can't wait to see the progress she makes as the series continues.

My Thoughts On The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

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THE BOOK -

The Iron Knight
by Julie Kagawa
Bk. #4 of The Iron Fey (companion)
First published in 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED-

Paperback, 361 pages
Published in 2012 by Mira Ink
My Rating: 5/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Love is a weakness for mortals and fools, and Ash, heir to the winter court, is no mere mortal. But when he swore to be Meghan Chase's knight, his oath bound him to her irrevocably. Now the girl Ash loves is ruler of a realm where no Winter Prince can ever survive. To be with her he must have a soul and a mortal body, yet the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible.

There is one thing stronger than his will to live: his vow to Meghan. As Ash battles he learns truths that challenge his darkest beliefs and show him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

A solid four star series thus far, Julie Kagawa truly outdid herself when it came to The Iron Knight. I was completely enamoured with this novel from start to finish. Told entirely from Ash's point of view, The Iron Knight tells us the tale of his quest for a soul and your heart will break for him several times before you reach the end. Kagawa's writing fell a little flat in The Iron Queen due to the sheer amount of action contained within the pages, but I'm happy to report that she got her flair back in The Iron Knight. Though there was still plenty of action, Kagawa truly shone. If you haven't checked any of her books out yet, I highly recommend you hop on the bandwagon. She's definitely one of the best YA authors I've ever come across. 

Ten 2014 Releases I Have Yet To Read

WHAT IS TOP TEN TUESDAY? (CLICK HERE) 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can spotlight our favourite books according to the topic of the week. If you want a full list of upcoming topics, check out this page.

This week's topic is 2014 releases we still haven't read. Towards the end of 2013, back when I was still reading and blogging regularly, I was already starting to feel the excitement building for those books that were being released the following year. I don't own many of them, but there are some that I got that I still haven't read. My bad!

My Thoughts On The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

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THE BOOK -

The Iron Queen
by Julie Kagawa
Bk. #3 of The Iron Fey
First published in 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED-

Paperback, 358 pages
Published in 2011 by Mira Ink
My Rating: 4/5 stars

THE PLOT -

My name is Meghan Chase. In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen. Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, age-wise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in.

In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognise myself.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

What an epic finale The Iron Queen was. Though the story started off pretty slow with Meghan more interested in Paul, her human 'father', than anything else, it definitely picks up. After agreeing with Oberon and Mab that she must find the false king of the Iron fey herself, the book gets good. And I mean real good. As Meghan, Ash, and Puck venture through the Iron Realm in search of the False King, things become increasingly more dangerous. With plenty of action and more than enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, the build up to the final battle is just as epic as the battle itself. As Meghan faces off against the False King, you finally realize the extent of her power, and exactly what she's willing to sacrifice. Despite Meghan's destiny being painfully predictable, I still got goosebumps as I read the very last page.

My Thoughts On The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

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THE BOOK -

The Iron Daughter
by Julie Kagawa
Bk. #2 of The Iron Fey
First published in 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Paperback, 406 pages
Published in 2011 by Mira Ink
My Rating: 4/5 stars

THE PLOT -

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fitted in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is a prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey - ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting the prince who betrayed her, deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

ADD TO GOODREADS.

I love an author that can create extraordinarily vivid settings whilst not taking focus off the story at hand. Kagawa is fantastic at this, and not once did I feel overwhelmed by the descriptive style. Though the pacing did feel a little sluggish at times, The Iron Daughter never got boring. It's just so easy to get lost in this world.

Ten Of My Most Anticipated 2015 Debuts

WHAT IS TOP TEN TUESDAY? (CLICK HERE) 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke & The Bookish in which we can spotlight our favourite books according to the topic of the week. If you want a full list of upcoming topics, check out this page.

This week's topic is most anticipated debut novels of 2015. Considering I only recently returned to the blogosphere, I've not been around the hype for 2015 releases, so this was a tough list for me to make. I finally came up with ten, however, and I can't wait to get my claws into each of them.

My Thoughts On The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

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THE BOOK -

The Iron King
by Julie Kagawa
Bk. #1 of The Iron Fey
First published in 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Avg. Rating: 4/5 stars

EDITION I PURCHASED -

Paperback, 363 pages
Published in 2011 by Mira Ink
My Rating: 4/5 stars

THE PLOT-

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fitted in at school... or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar and her little brother is taken, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. She could never have guessed the truth.

Meghan is the daughter of a faery king and a pawn in a deadly war. Now she will have to choose between a normal life and her magical destiny - and between her best friend and a darkly dangerous prince.

It's time for Meghan to enter the faery world...

ADD TO GOODREADS.

Faeries are strange creatures, and it takes someone with an incredible amount of imagination to write a book about them, and even more so to make that book almost realistic. The world that Julie Kagawa has created is mind-blowing. She seems to have left no stone unturned in her quest to create a world that readers can actually picture in their minds, and I applaud her for that. Too often, we find ourselves immersed in a story, only to be distracted by questions pertaining our temporary world, but Kagawa went above and beyond in The Iron King and created a novel with an amazing world and an interesting plot to boot.