BLOOD OF ELVES by Andrzej Sapkowski (1994)

Title: Blood of Elves

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski
Series: The Witcher #3
Pages: 315
Published: 1994
Publisher: Gollancz


Did you know that the famous video game The Witcher is becoming a TV Series by Netflix? And it's starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia? It will be Netflix's own epic fantasy series and it is going to be based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski.

As my boyfriend is a huge fan of the video game The Witcher he basically forced this book on me and four months later I took it upon myself to find out what the deal really was, about this Geralt of Rivia.

This book is hilarious. It's right out funny, humorous and entertaining. The characters Ciri, Geralt, Tess and Yennifer bounce off each other so well and you notice the lack of fire when they have conversations with other characters that aren't as witty and give off less of an impact. My personal favourite is Ciri, who has no shame and really drives the story forward. She makes this book a page turner.

For people new to fantasy, this is the book you should check out. If you are sceptical towards reading page after page about a long journey in an ancient land full of description and no dialogue, then fear no more. This book is all dialogue. At points it almost reads as a script and the only way of following  the dialogue is through the tone of voice the characters present, which is cleverly presented through the choice of words. Sapkowski is the king of dialogue. There are no lengthy descriptions of locations or events, but it's not necessary. As a reader you get the feel of a place without extravagant words. Sapkowski's writing is effective and has the right impact for a fast paced storyline.

Personally, I enjoyed the first half of the book the most. This does not mean I was not a fan of the second half of the book but I am not the biggest fan of politics. And most of the political conversations did take place in the second half, but it was also here that the plot moved forward more and introduced the reader to the bigger picture. So although the first half was entertaining and truly introduced you to the characters the second half drove the plot forward and left us with a very anti-climatic ending that just begged to continue.

Blood of Elves proves that a fantasy does not have to be long and wordy, or that humour only belongs in contemporary fiction. This is quite the reading experience. Pick up Blood of Elves now and spend the time waiting for the TV series reading the story in anticipation. Good luck Netflix, I trust you will do these book justice.

Plot Summary:

For more than a hundred years humans, dwarves, gnomes and elves lived together in relative peace. But times have changed, and now the races fight each other once again. In this tumultous time a child is born: Ciri. She has strange powers and a stranger destiny, for a prophesy names her as one with the powers to change the world, for good or for evil.

The Witcher Geralt has taken Ciri to the relative safety of the Witchers' Settlement, but it soon becomes clear that that Ciri is not like the other Witchers. As the threat of war hangs almost palpably over the land, Geralt and Ciri are pursued by someone who understands what the prophesy means - and exactly what Ciri's powers could do. This time Geralt may have met his match.

Favourite Quote:

'Remember,' she repeated, 'magic is Chaos, Art and Science. It is a curse, a blessing and progress. It all depends on who uses magic, how they use it, and to what purpose. And magic is everywhere. All around us. Easily Accessible.' - Yennifer

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Last Wish (The Witcher #1 collection of short stories)
The Sword of Destiny (The Witcher #2 collection of short stories)
Blood of Elves (The Witcher #3)
Times of Contempt (The Witcher #4)
Baptism by Fire (The Witcher #5)
The Tower of Swallows (The Witcher #6)

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)

CARRY ON by RAINBOW ROWELL (2016)

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Pages: 528

Published: Feb 25th 2016

Publisher: Macmillan


After reading Fangirl I was very excited to read Carry On as I wanted to know more about Simon. Simon is a fictional character whom Cath writes fan fiction about on the book Fangirl. During uni she writes the fan fiction "Carry On Simon" as if though it was the eighth book in the Simon Snow series (yet to be published). In Cath's version, Simon and Bas (his least favourite friend and room mate) have a romantic relationship, so naturally there are some Simon and Bas love scenes in Carry On and it's so so good!

I felt like Carry On was a bit of a parody of Harry Potter and Twilight. Simon is the chosen one and he attends a magic boarding school but it's much more relaxed and funny. It's absolutely hilarious. It's kind of a light hearted version.

I suggest you read Fangirl first, to get the background story of this book. If feel like it would be more appreciated that way. Even though the book is obviously by Rainbow Rowell, I felt like I was reading fan fiction by Cath and it was an amazing feeling.

Plot Summary:
Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who's ever been chosen
That's what his roommate, Baz says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.
Half the time Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day wit all this, if he were here - it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.
- back of book

Favourite Quote:

'I didn't care if magic was real at that moment. Because roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are fucking real as rain.' - Simon

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books by Rainbow Rowell:

Fangirl
Carry On
Eleanor & Park
Landline
Attachments
Kindred Spirits
My True Love Gave To Me
Almost Midnight

TWILIGHT by STEPHENIE MEYER (2005)

Title: Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Series: The Twilight Saga #1

Pages: 498

Published: Oct 5th 2005 

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

So when I was 10 Twilight came out as a film. I watched and decided to go straight to the book store to get it. Yes I know, I was probably fat too young to be reading about sexy, blood thirst vampires, but there you go. My mum decided to read them as well so we had our own little fandom together.

Nowadays I feel a little embarrassed to say that I was crazy about the books. Because people loved them and then they hated them and for some reason my class mates loved to hate them. I read them anyways. I did read the first books in Swedish because 1) I was 10 and 2) when I went tot buy it they only had the Swedish version in stock (which for some reason is translated to "If I Could Dream"). I do have the books in both languages as well however, and I've read the first one in English so please don't judge my 10-year-old me.

Although I hate to say that I was head over heals for the books, it's the truth. I look back remembering my poset covered room and all the things I bought that had any relationship with the books or films. The book's are that good I like to think. But then, they were. They were bloody amazing at the time, or I wouldn't have covered my room in posters and bought every magazine that featured gossip about it.

I guess I don't like to admit that I had a vampire period growing up. Yes, I read the Vampire Diaries as well and watched (have to catch up by the way).

Plot Summary:

About three things I was absolutely positive.

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how dominant that part of him might be - that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

Favourite Quote:

It was such a long time ago that I don't remember one that stood out to be honest.

My Rating:

7/10

It has lost it spark and I'm not sure if I was sane or not at the time. It was definitely good at the time though. 

Other Books In These Series:

Twilight (The Twilight Saga #1)
New Moon (The Twilight Saga #2)
Eclipse (The Twilight Saga #3)
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga #4)

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL by PHILIPPA GREGORY (2003)

Title: The Other Boleyn Girl Author: Philippa GregorySeries: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor NovelsPages: 661Published: May 21st 2003Publisher: Scribner

This book is one of my favourites. It is told in first person narrative from Mary Boleyn's point of view and is set during the Renaissance over a number of years. It has not chapters but rather sections of the year and season. I originally read this book in Swedish because my grandma had all the books in the series and. She doesn't really read in English so I took all the books and started with this one because I'd seen the film a while ago.

The book is more about Mary than Anne which I think is good because you get the view of someone who stood Anne close. Now this book is classified as historical fiction rather than non-fiction because it's based on historical events and facts, but Gregory has made up the plot based on what she knows. I think it's done very effectively because you learn from it, but you don't read a history book; hence the genre historical fiction.

I highly recommend this book for any history/royalty lovers. Historical fiction at it's best! Philippa is one of my favourite authors. She writes in such a capturing way you absolutely fall in love with it!

Plot Summary:


When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, the catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled, Mary falls both in love with her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realises just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots and the king's  interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then, Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king and take fate in her own hands. 
- Goodreads


My Rating:

10/10
Favourite historical novel of all time.


Other Books by Philippa Gregory:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover
These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.

THE CONSTANT PRINCESS by PHILIPPA GREGORY (2005)

Title: The Constant PrincessAuthor: Philippa GregorySeries: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor NovelsPages: 501Published: 2005Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers


This book is about Henry VIII's first wife Katherine of Aragon. I usually saw Katherine of Aragon as the boring older wife who he divorced, because Anne Boleyn came along, and the mother of Mary Tudor (not a big fan of Bloody Mary). This book, however, looked at Katherine of Aragon in a completely different light. She was an ill treated princess for a lot of her teen age years and overlooked by the court.

Katherine of Aragon married Henry VIII's older brother Arthur first, but he died before he could become king. It is said that she married Henry because he insisted and she claimed that her marriage with Arthur was not consummated. That is what history has believed however, Philippa Gregory, as a historian has her own theory; that the marriage was consummated but that Katherine lied in order to marry Henry and become Queen, as she believed she was destined to be.


Kathrine's relationship with Arthur in this book is fictional; it is romantic and sweet and everything you could ever dream of. This novel was not about the old, boring queen that got divorced for a more exciting young queen. This novel is about a young princess from Spain, fighting for her place in court, falling in love, loosing her love and falling in love again. This queen rules and she is loved by her people.

If you have a love for historical fiction I highly recommend this book, or any of Gregory's books. It's based on historical characters and events but mixed with a perfect amount of fiction to spice things up a bit.

Plot Summary:

Katherine of Aragon is betrothed at the age of three to Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII of England. She is raised to be Princess of Wales, and knows it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. Unexpectedly in this arranged marriage, a tender and passionate love develops.

But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty?

My Rating:

8/10

Favourite Quote:

"This bride would give her a grandson, a Spanish-Tudor king for England, and a son after him, and after him: and so lay down a dynasty of Tudors that would be never-ending." - Margaret Beaufort
This couldn't be further from the truth.

Other Books in the Series:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover

These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.

THE LUXE by ANNA GODBERSEN (2007)

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #1

Pages: 433

Published: Nov 20th 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins

Now, I first read this book in Swedish when I was twelve years old, after finding it in a library while still living in Sweden. I loved it, although I think I was a bit too young for it at the moment.

I then, a year later found myself in Waterstone, now living in England, buying my first proper book in English. When I found The Luxe, I just thought: another reason to reread it, and this time I got to actually have it, for myself.

I read it again and when being told we had to make a presentation about a book in English I picked this one. Our teacher, being as crazy and wonderful as she was wanted us to make these presentations as unique as possible. I dressed up in a huge dress. Deep red like the one on the sequel's front page that went down to the floor. My mum sewed it once for an unknown reason. Anyways. I was really into it. My presentation made my best friend read it as well. Guess if she liked it!

The book is a typical girl book, not saying that guys can't enjoy it, but saying that the target audience isn't girls is a lie. The book is set in the millennium between 1800's and 1900's. It's full of triangle dramas, romances, beautiful dresses, balls and gossip. The world of New York is clearly painted and one is drawn into the world automatically.

Plot Summary:

Imagine if you will, New York City, 1899...

Society's elite: the gmalour, the grandeur, the glittering parties, the most handsome beaux, the most beautiful debutantes... the rich girl, the humble boy, the forbidden love, the stolen glances, the whispers, the scandal, the mystery, the revenge.

You are cordially invited to step into The Luxe where the secrets are dark and the sins are delicious... R.S.V.P.

- as by the book cover.

My Rating:

9/10
Oh, it felt like a 10 at the time, but I wonder what I would feel now.

Favorite quote:

'I've always believed in savoring the moments. In the end, they'll be the only things we have'

Other books in this Series:

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

ENVY by ANNA GODBERSEN (2009)

Title: Envy
The Luxe (Luxe #1)

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #3

Pages: 405

Published: Jan 27th 2009

Publisher: Harper Collins

Third book in the series. Oh dear, the gossip is spreading. I am dying of excitement cause it is so good!!

I'm gonna spill the beans so be sure you've read the book cause it's about to go downhill for you if you haven't. 

Penelope has blackmailed Henry. Will is dead. Henry and Penelope are married. Diana is heartbroken. Lina is becoming rich. They all take a trip to Florida. Penelope's brother falls in love with Diana. Elizabeth is pregnant with Will's child. Henry enlists in the army. Penelope spreads more rumours. People sleep with the wrong people for revenge. Elizabeth plans a new wedding. It all gets complicated. 

Plot Summary:

New York City, 1900.

In high society nothing is more dangerous than a scandal. Two months have passed since the esteemed Holland family's shocking fall from grace and those watching the impetuous Miss Diana Holland are beginning to whisper again.

Further uptown, notorious cad Henry Shoonmaker and his new bride are the city's most celebrated couple. But the glittering diamond she wears hasn't yet brought her all she desires.

Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything, wealth, beauty, happiness. 

But in a city ruined by reputation, sometimes the most practised smiles hide the most scandalous secrets...

Favourite Quote:

'To look in the face in hard things and keep moving forward - that's what one has to do.'

My Rating:

9/10

It's getting complicated. 

I hope I haven't said too much. I bet I have. 

Other books in this Series:

Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

RUMORS by ANNA GODBERSEN (2008)

Title: Rumors
My Rating:
The Luxe (Luxe #1)

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #2

Pages: 423

Published: Jun 3rd 2008

Publisher: Harper Collins

Like the first one, I read this one is Swedish and then in English. I absolutely loved it and still do. Diana is my favourite characters and always will be. I know Elizabeth is my friend's favourite because she has this impossible romance with Will, but she is a little too girly and pretty for me. Diana is a rebel, daring and much more fun. I suppose Elizabeth is daring in her way as well though, sleeping with the stableboy and running off with him and pretends to be dead. However, I have the feeling that if I would be living at the time I would be a mix of them. Elizabeth in public and doing as my mum says at times (yes, I do the dishes), but a complete Diana inside.

Henry Shoonmaker is irresistible and I hope I'm not the only one that thinks so. Penelope is becoming worse and worse, although I do understand her to a degree. Lina's personality is becoming questionable but her story adds an interesting plot. Teddy is too good for any of them.

It's like the 1800's Gossip Girl. Enjoy.

Plot Summary:

December 1899 - New York City

Manahttan has bid farewell to its biggest star, the dazzling Miss Elizabeth Holland. Yet the rumours about her ultimately demise continue. Meanwhile her sister, the irrepressible Diana, has been seen in the company of not one, but three eligible bachelors. Might there be a fourth?

In high society, reputation is everything. The Holland smily simply can't afford to be the subject of such wicked whispers. Heaven forbid that they should fall so spectacularly from grace...

There is a very fine line between truth and lies, love and hate. And all is about to be gloriously revealed.

Favourite quote:

'Living too much in one's head can be dangerous'

9/10
Only if you enjoy 1800's, big dresses and lovely romance.

Other books in this Series:

The Luxe
Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

THRONE OF GLASS by SARAH J. MAAS (2012)

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Pages: 404Published: Aug 2nd 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

It's taken me so long to get to read these books. And it's been all over BookTube and Bookstagram. When I finally got to it though I read half of it in a day (I know, not in one sitting) but I was crazily obsessed.

I absolutely loved the genre!! For those of you who have read high fantasy such as A Song of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin (aka Game of Thrones) there's always loads of politics, dual narratives and characters. But this book managed without crazy complications. There we're enough characters and narratives to keep track of. Nothing got confusing but not once did I get bored because it wasn't enough.

The characters were really strong. I liked that Celeana wasn't just a badass assassin without emotion or girly aspects. She may have had boyish aspects but she loved her dresses and shoes and she liked reading!! Her sass was everything. This is probably why I like Tyrion so much in A Song of Ice and Fire. All the witty remarks!!! I haven't read much about the love aspect of Throne of Glass online because I didn't want my views of the characters to be affected by other people's opinions but personally I am more of a Chaol person. Why was she attracted to Dorian so much? I love his kindness and the fact that he has a library etc. but Chaol is the one! I can't express how much I love his character. The only thing that bothers me is his incredible loyalty to the King, but his loyalty still makes him a good and, well, loyal person. I can't find anything bad except for the fact that he can't admit that he has feelings for Celeana and it's crystal clear that he has. I personally just genuinely believe Celeana should be with Chaol an I don't understand why she chooses Dorian. 

Nehemia's character was another good addition for Celeana's girlier side. She was clearly involved in the greater plot and I thought just like Celeana for a moment that she might be responsible for the murders.Throne of Glass was almost like a mix between The Hunger Games, Divergent and A Song of Ice and Fire. The Hunger Games because there was a competition where there could only be one winner and she had to train for it. Also, archery. Duh. Divergent because people were eliminated, but not necessarily killed and they similarly train prior to the competition. If Celeana had fallen for Chaol it would have been incredibly similar. And of course A Song of Ice and Fire because of the fantasy and magic and similarity in setting. So if you have had any interest in any of there books or series before, I suggest you check this book out. I promise you, you won't be bored.

As most of you may know Throne of Glass is inspired by Cinderella, as implied by the title. She also dresses up for a masquerade even though she's not allowed to go and dances with the prince. Fairytale come true!

The magic is very cleverly interwoven with the narrative and the involvement of several other characters. The link to the past Queen is also a great satisfaction as it creates two challenges for Celeana that she has to solve or achieve and introduces a bigger picture for the story in the long run.

Plot Summary:

Meet Celeana Sardothien.Beautiful. Deadly.Destined for Greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got fought.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celeana must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament - fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celeana will be free. Win or loose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin's heart be melted?- as on the back of the book

Favourite Quote:

"I can survive well enough on my own - if given the proper reading materials." - Celeana from 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

10/10

Completely hooked! 

Other Books in this 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)

https://thesasanachslibrary.blogspot.com/2018/10/tower-of-dawn-by-sarah-j-maas-2017.htmlOther Books by this 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 (A Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

DET HÄNDER NU by SOFIA NORDIN (2010)

Title: Det Händer Nu (It's Happening Now)

Author: Sofia Nordin

Pages: 248

Published: Sep, 2010

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren
Language: Swedish

I haven't read a massive amount of LGBTQ books but this was the first book within the genre and one of my favourite Swedish YA contemporaries. It follows the popular girl Stella who has a crush on her best friend Sigrid, but she's afraid of ruining their friendship by telling her.

In desperation to forget her feelings for Sigrid she begins a relationship with Sigrid's brother, who has a thing for her, but she feels extremely uncomfortable. As her feelings for Sigrid develops Sigrid gives hints of her feelings for Stella and their path to a relationship is sweet and truly addictive to read about. Although Stella to be the confident girl in school, with boys yearning for her, she is not the confident in this relationship. Sigrid is the one who breaks the ice, the one to make the moves and move the relationship forward while Stella is insecure and worried that Sigrid might not approve of her feelings.

I enjoyed this books so much and I can't say how much I wish t was available for a larger audience. It's only available in Swedish, but I couldn't wish for a book to be translated more than this one. One of my all time favourites.

Plot Summary:

Stella is one of those that girls want to be friends with and boys want to date. Stella, however, only wants Sigrid. But how is she going to pick up courage to make a move on her best friend in that way? What if she tries and Sigrid never wants to be friends anymore?

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Sofia Nordin:

En Sekund i Taget (One Second at a Time)
Spring Så Fort Du Kan (Run as Fast as You Can)
Som Om Jag Vore Fantastisk (As if I was Fantastic)
Natthimmel (Night Sky)
Gå Sönder, gå hel (Break Apart, Be Whole)
Atomer (Atoms)
Förlåt Elina (Sorry Elina)
Snöstormen (The Snow Storm)
Äventyrsveckan (The Adventure Week)
In the Wild
Svag Is (Weak Ice)

THE GREAT GATSBY by F. SCOTT FITZGERALD (1925)

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages:180

Published: Apr 10th 1925

Publisher: Scribner

I saw this book at Waterloo train station with my mum one day in London and she knew exactly which book it was. I had no idea. She new of the new film by Baz Luhrman as well (the book had the film cover) and I urged her on to buy it. Why wouldn't I. She did and I started reading it on the train home. I loved it.

I must admit that I haven't really given classics a chance or much time, but I didn't even know this was a classic. Leonardo diCaprio was on the cover and that was good enough for me. I managed to finish the book before the premier and I went to see it, as expected, with my mum - I cried.

The year after we started studying the book (my copy now has a hundred notes in it in every possible colour), but imagine how much a teacher can influence your opinion of a book. I didn't stop loving the book, but I hated what she had to say about it. I did not agree, and I think I was so negative of everything she had to say because 1) she questioned all my opinions, 2) I loved this book, I read it for pleasure and she made me analyse the minor details that I'm sure F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't bloody care about right then and 3) she was a horrible teacher overall (the only English teacher that I have ever disliked). I hated studying it. It ruined the pleasure of reading the book. A lot of people I know had to study it for their A-levels and hated it. Poor souls.

I'm happy I convinced my mum to buy it that one time at the train station (even though it had the film cover, I usually prefer the original cover), and that I managed to read it before it was too late!! Before my teacher started coming up with ideas and theories I didn't agree with. I'm happy I had enough time to go into WHSmith with my mum that one time sat Waterloo train station. I wonder what I would've thought of the book otherwise.

Plot Summary:

The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the midwest and comes to New York in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stock. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin Daisy, and her philandering blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, love and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Favourite Quote:

He threw all those parties hoping she'd wander in one night...

My Rating:

10/10

My favourite classic of all time.

Don't miss the 2013 film by Baz Luhrmann!!

Other Books by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

The Great Gatsby

Tender is the Night

This Side of Paradise

The Beautiful and Damned

The Short Stories

Babylon Revisited and Other Stories

The Diamond and Big as the Ritz and Other Stories

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Six Other Stories