TOWER OF DAWN by SARAH J. MAAS (2017)

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #6
Pages: 660
Published: Sep 5th 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I do not know why it took me a year from its publication for me to read this book. It was two years ago I read a Throne of Glass book. Which I almost feel ashamed to admit. On the other hand my mind will be fresh when I finally get my hands on final instalment Kingdom of Ash which came out yesterday.

I think the real reason I put this book off was because I knew that it wasn't going to follow the main characters but focus on Chaol and Nesryn. Chaol, I was looking forward to since I truly missed him in the last book, but Nesryn I wasn't so keen on and I suppose it put me off. Big mistake, I don't know why I ever doubted that Sarah J. Maas would allow a book to be less amazing because of the lack of favourite characters. This book smashed it!

Not only was it exciting to follow Chaol's story again but there was a new country and new politics to follow. And introductions to a whole new family, court and culture. This book did certainly not go to waste. If anything it really gave the characters the time the deserved. It also introduced a new character which adds a new spin to the plot: Yrene. Yrene is mentioned in the prequel book The Assassin's Blade and is now given her time to shine and she is such a good addition. She is fun, relatable and a very strong character who brings a lot to the table, but emotional

ly and as a plot devise. Her instalment in the story will hopefully make for a very interesting finale and I am pumped to see the role she will play in the next book.

With other words, don't let the lack of Aelin in this book or the change in book cover put you off. The danger, excitement and steamy love scenes are still there and Sarah J. Maas, as usual, does not disappoint.

Plot Summary:

A glorious empire.
A desperate quest.
An ancient secret.
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, who's vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young Lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need - and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise that it could engulf them both.
And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival - or doom them all.

My Rating:

8/10
Only because of the lack of certain characters.

Other Books in the Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

THE BOOKTHIEF by MARKUS ZUSAK (2006)

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Pages: 552

Published: Mar 14th 2006

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

We'd have this book lying around the house for some while. I know my mum had tried to read it but didn't really get caught up in it. I considered it for a while, but I've never really been into WWII books. We then got a list from the school about books to read over the summer and it was on that list. So I thought well, why not.

I was captured. I cried so much during this book. So much. But I laughed as well. If only Rudy could have gotten that one kiss. If only Max had not gotten so sick. If only that bomb hadn't dropped just then. If only...

Full with emotions, ideas and messages this book is worth a read. No matter if you like the genre or not. It is not actually that much about the war, but more about the relationships built up in the novel and they're not boring but full of joy and heart break. Definitely worth a read. Definitely.

Plot Summary:

Here's a small fact

You're going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding it's breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family of Himmel Street. Her parents have been away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants on her street when the bombs begin to fall.

Some important information

This novel is narrated by Death

it's a small story about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of book thievery.

Another thing you should know

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Favourite Quote:

The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy who loves you.

My Rating:

10/10

I know I say this a lot, but I feel very strongly about this book. 

OUTLANDER by DIANA GABALDON (1991)

Title: Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series: Outlander #1
Pages:850
Published: Jun 1st 1991
Publisher: Dell Publishing Company

Yes, it is a big book. It’s daunting and intimidating. It’s a task to take on and read but it very rewarding. And it’s hardly a slow and boring book. It’s filled with action, history, romance, politics and adventure.

Diana Gabaldon takes her protagonist Claire Randall back in time through a ring of standing stone from 1945 to 1743. With her versatile knowledge of botanical healing and nursing from her time in WWII, Claire manages to survive the Scottish Highlands despite accusations towards her of being an English spy as well as a witch. But in order to escape arrest, rape and assault, Claire is forced to marry and leave her husband Frank alone in the present.

Talk about an original plot. Not only is this book a modern classic, but it deserves it’s own genre. Nothing like this has been seen before. Not in this way. Not too much magic is involved. Only enough to make the story possible. There is just the right amount of politics and history to keep you interested but not too much to make you bored. All characters are necessary for the story and given enough time to truly become memorable.

As much as I’d like to express my love for Claire and Jamie as characters, I do not wish to spoil their story as it is better experience amongst the pages of Outlander. But it is worth mentioning that their relationship is masterfully done with a genuine tinge of human complexity, closer to real life than most books. The development of their relationship and feelings and expressions are very skilfully woven into the story. Their characters are explored and exposed to the reader through the help of each other. However, I shall leave that up to the reader to fall in love with. 

What’s really worth mentioning is characters like Dougal MacKenzie, Murtagh Fraser and Jonathan Randall. Dougal is the character you love one second and hate the next. Two-faced and only interested in his own agenda and the Jacobite’s cause. he is a very interesting and strong character. A scene with Dougal is never disappointing. And his relationship with his brother Colum MacKenzie is so well developed and executed that it can be seen as it’s own story. As for Murtagh I do not think the story would work without him. He is impossible to hate and his presence is so loved. Everyone deserves a Murtagh and I think he is under appreciated. Nonetheless let’s talk about Gabaldon’s villain. Jonathan ‘Black Jack’ Randall is by far the worst villain I have ever encountered. It’s as if though Gabaldon has thought of the worst, most bizarre, absurd, and disgusting things no one in their right mind would do and she makes sure Randall finds a way to do it and go there. If you want to be truly disgusted by a villain and feel physically sick by a personally entering a scene, this is the book for you.

I cannot express my love for this book enough. Not only does it have a wonderful love story, a disgusting villain and takes place in Scotland. It is so well balanced, that I would argue that it'll satisfy every reader somehow. I highly recommend this book and although long and daunting it is a hundred percent worth it. I have met people my age reading it as well as older ladies at the library asking for the next book. 

And even if you find it too long to read and you know you cannot take on a book of this size at the moment I encourage you to watch the STARZ TV Series adaptation of it. It is incredibly accurate and has treated this series with such respect. Each season is the equivalent of a book and even if you may find the first episode slightly slow (as you may find the book) I suggest you keep watching because you’ll find that you can’t peel your eyes of the screen.

I urge you all to become your own outlander and get lost in such a vibrant, historically fascinating, sometimes terrifying yet beautiful world of the past. 

I’ll see you at Craigh na Dun.

Plot Summary:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon - when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach - and "outlander"- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a young gallant Scot warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

My Rating:

10/10

Unlike anything I've read before.

Other Books in Outlander:

Outlander (Outlander #1)

A Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2)

Voyager (Outlander #3)

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4)

The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6)

An Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7)

Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander #8)

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Home (Outlander #9)

Virgins (Outlander novella)

The Space Between (Outlander novella)

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (Outlander novella)

A Trail of Fire (Outlander novella)

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall (Outlander novella)

LINGER by MAGGIE STIEFVATER (2010)

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Pages: 360
Published: Jul 13th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press


I read Linger when I was on summer holiday in Florida. I read it surprisingly quickly because I had gone further than halfway through when I thought: well this is an odd way to start a book. Only, I wasn't at the start of the book anymore.

It's just so cosy to read just for the sake of reading, you know.

Steifvater has really thought the plot through, like many authors. The plot just makes sense with the potential cure and the enigma of the wolves in the first place. I also like the introduction to Isabelle and Cole. They are both complicated characters, yet simple. I'm glad that they are given attention, or I'm worried I would get tired of Sam and Grace (because their relationship is too perfect, if you subtracted the wolves from the equation). They are lovely characters too, but their relationship needs a contrast. I like the twist at the end. I was surprised and confused in the way that I had no idea what was going on, but I wasn't surprised in the way: why is this happening? Of course it had to happen; ir it would be too simple. But why?

It's an excellent book if you don't want to concentrate too much but simultaneously want something to happen. The four narrators unfold as you read and all the relationships and their opinion of each other is great.

Plot Summary:

I felt the weight of the pack's gaze...

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his warewolf past... and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace realizes she's changing in ways she could never have expected.

Favorite Quote:

'she made her home in between pages of books'

My Rating:

8/10

Other books in this series:

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)
Sinner (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #4)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)
The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)
Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)
The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)
Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)
Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)
The Scorpio Races

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE by J.K. ROWLING (1997)

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneAuthor: J.K. RowlingSeries: Harry Potter #1Pages: 223Published: Jun 26th 1997Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Uhm. Favourite series. Favourite book in series. Don't know what else to say. I love the ghosts and the part with Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback and I think it's a shame that it's not included in the films. I absolutely love this book because although half of the book is not even taking place at Hogwarts that much half of the story is about how Harry gets to Hogwarts in the first place and I love that part. I also absolutely adore the friendship that builds up in this book. I don't think I have more to say. You know it all.

I read it first in Swedish when I was nine. We had the first three ones at home and when I picked it up I was like: WOW, what I challenge, this is gonna be solo cool!! I was so proud of myself when I finished the first page I had to call on my mum. Then I finished a whole chapter. I finished the book late at night a few weeks later (I don't know how long it took me). I have finished all of the books late at night. Just a coincident you know.

Plot Summary:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

My Rating:

10/10

Favourite Quote:

You're a wizard, Harry! - Hagrid

Other Books in the Series:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter #8)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter novella)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Harry Potter novella)
Quidditch Throughout the Ages (Harry Potter Novella)

Other Books by J.K. Rowling:

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - The Original Screenplay
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald - The Original Screenplay
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1)
Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeist (Pottermore Presents #2)
Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3)
J.K. Rowlings Wizarding World - The Dark Arts
Harry Potter: Magical Skies: Enchanted Scene with Transfers
Harry Potter: Night Journey
Harry Potter: Magical Tales about the Wizarding World
The Sorting Hat
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Magical Congress of the United States of America
The Casual Vacancy
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and Importance of Imagination
Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing up Female
The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1) as Robert Galbraith
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike #2) as Robert Galbraith
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) as Robert Galbraith
Lethal White (Cormoran Strike #4) as Robert Galbraith

HOLD BACK THE STARS by KATIE KHAN

Title: Hold Back The Stars
Author: Katie Khan
Pages: 304 (hardcover)
Published: Jan 6th 2017
Publisher: Doubleday


This book was given to be for free as an ebook via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own and I do not intend to offend anyone or claim that my opinions are right. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this prior to the release date.

This book had such an intriguing cover that just shouted Young Adult Contemporary and I got the feeling that the star filled cover may just be pretty. Turns out I was wrong. The cover is very literal. Carys and Max are stuck in space with only 90 minutes left worth of oxygen to live and while they try to save themselves they also express their feelings and the reader finds himself going back in time to Carys and Max's time together on earth.

I didn't finish this book. It took my ages to try to get into it and in the end I managed to get through 40% of the book but had to put it down. I wasn't enjoying it at all and I didn't look forward to sitting down and reading it. I aim to finish all the books I receive from NetGalley but I couldn't make myself do it. I never bonded with the characters and even though it was a very character dependent narrative I didn't feel like they truly blossomed and it truly bothered me.

I didn't really see the point of the narrative. Here are two people stuck in space with 90 minutes to live and they look back at their life together. As tragic as and emotional this sounds I couldn't be less interested. I only felt like I was intruding on their moment together.

Furthermore what truly bothered me was that I couldn't decide on which genre this book belonged to. It felt like it was written young adult/new adult but the characters were in their 20s which confused me. It is clearly set in the future Europe where it has been improved and people live and move to different Voivodes during their lives for different jobs but don't appear to have a say in where they're going. Love is banned until the age of 30 ish when one is meant to consider having children. Seeing as Carys and Max are also in their 20s but out alone in space (Max with very little education in the astronaut field) this gave me a strange feeling that it was a sic-fi book but it was so clearly a love story and it didn't give me the epic sic-fi/fantasy feeling. I was confused and this battle was going on in my head while reading. I felt like it wasn't giving me enough context to the world they were living in and it left me hanging, uneasy.

Despite this there were few odd moments when the narration on the book kept me reading and it had nothing to do with plot and characters but simply impressive authorship and talent. Similar to Kazuo Ishiguro who had me reading 'The Remains of the Day' even though I was uninterested in the plot. Even if I was unimpressed by the characters and the plot I would have liked to see more of this and if Khan had been able to grasp my attention more often I may have given this book another try.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me as I could not immerse with the plot and felt constantly confused. I hope others get a different, more positive reading experience.

Plot Summary:

Carys and Max and ninety minutes of air left.

None of this was supposed to happen.

But perhaps this doesn't have to be the end...

Adrift in space with nothing to hold onto but each other, Carys and Max can't help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind - at the rules they couldn't reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return. For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

- GoodReads

Favourite Quote:

'First love can break you. But it can also save you'

My Rating:

2/10

This is the first 2 I have ever given a book and it breaks my heart.

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY by KAZUO ISHIGURO (1989)

Title: The Remains of the Day

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Pages: 258

Published: 1989

Publisher: Faber and Faber

Last year I read this as part of my AS exam in English Language and Literature. I have to admit that this is not my favourite novel. But it did have something about it. They way it's written is very capturing and you are forced to continue reading.

The book is based on memories and the majority of the book is about Steven's memories rather than his journey, which I found disturbing at first. I started to wonder when we would get a glimpse of the trip rather than all these snippets of his life. It wasn't until I'd gotten half way through that I realised that the book was simply about his past life and only driven by his journey as the narrator. This was satisfying, although I would've needed to know it before because I felt that I was waiting for something that was never going to happen for quite a while. 

It is not about the story as much as the writing style. Ishiguro writes in a way that makes you connect with the character and you wish to know more merely because of it.

There is a film of the book with Emma Thompson, and Anthony Hopkins with the same name.

Plot summary:

"'After all what can we ever gain in forever looking back and blaming ourselves if our lives have not turned out quite as we might have wished?' In the summer of 1956, Stevens, the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, embarks on a leisurely holiday that will take him deep into the English countryside and into his past...A contemporary classic, The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's beautiful and haunting evocation of life between the wars in a Great English House, of lost causes and lost love. The Remains of the Day is now available as a Faber Modern Classics edition. "

- Waterstones.com

My Rating:

5/10
Perhaps because I was forced to read it for English.

Other Books by Kazuo Ishiguro:

Never Let Me Go
The Remains of the Day
The Buried Giant
When We Were Orphans
An Artist of the Floating World
The Unconsoled
Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
A Pale View of Hills