EVERLESS by SARA HOLLAND (2018)

Title: Everless
Author: Sara Holland
Series: Everless #1
Pages: 362
Published: Jan 2nd 2018
Publisher: Harper Teen

This book was a classic YA fantasy with an original idea set in a different fantasy universe. It is exactly what my brain craves sometimes. Personally for me, it wasn't the most exciting YA fantasy I've read. It is a bit slow, if not unexciting at parts but it's an easy read and plenty happens.

The book is written in first person but I love the amount of characters. There are enough side characters of each social status to give an understanding of how Everless is ruled. Jules lives with the servants, where she has friends, she has her family and a friend from home, she has the Gerlings, that she knew as a girl and the Queen and her daughter whom she serves. It gives a very well understanding of Everless as a whole, and it's wonderful. What else is great is that Jules moves around these ranks quite frequently and therefore we understand the places and what's generally going on the story. It's great.

What's more, is that, since the book is written from Jules's point of view we always know what she's thinking and are therefore often reminded of her childhood, her memories, her dreams. The world of Sempera and Everless is built up to the reader through Jules's thoughts. And theses are not repetitive or annoying since she starts questioning a lot of things that are going on with time.

The time aspect of this book is very interesting. How blood and time are linked and how they are used and contained. It is a very interesting concept and I give Sara Holland all the credit for thinking through her story.

Unfortunately I just wished there was more. The cogs only really started moving towards the end. Jules's journey felt like it stood still for quite a while, and when things finally started clicking into place we were almost at the end of the book and it felt almost rushed and I didn't get enough time to process everything that had been revealed. 

A very nice YA fantasy, but not quite the epic. Although the story had loads of potential and the character is likeable I had small issues with pacing.

Plot Summary:

In the land of Sempera, the rich control everything - even time. Ever since the time of alchemy and sorcery, hours, days and years have been extracted from blood and bound to iron coins. The rich live for centuries, the poor bleed themselves dry. 

Jules and her father are behind on their rent and low on hours. To stop him from draining himself to clear their debts, Jules takes a job at Everless, the grand estate of the cruel Gerling family. 

There, Jules encounters danger and temptation in the guise of the Gerling heir, Roan, who is soon to be married. But the web of secrets at Everless stretches beyond her desire, and the truths she must uncover will change her life forever... and possibly the future of time itself. 

My Rating:

7/10

Enjoyable, but not quite as exciting as I expected.

Other Books in this Series:

Everless (Everless #1)

Evermore (Everless #2)

LEGENDARY by STEPHANIE GARBER (2017)

Title: Legendary

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #2
Pages: 451
Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books


If you've read my review of Caraval you will know that I was all over it. It was the best book I read last year and I could not get over it. I waited over a year for this sequel and I was more than excited.

And it was magical. It was amazing that we got to follow Donatella this time, although I must say I really did miss Scarlet. I almost got the feeling that I knew Scarlet better than Donatella did and I almost fell like I missed the person who introduced me to the world of Caraval. I tend to like the first book in a series the most and this was the case with Caraval as well. It's like the beginning of a love affair where everything is new and you get to know everything for the first time. It's butterflies in your stomach, the feeling that you don't know what's around the corner and the excitement of new characters and a new world. Although this Caraval was different in many ways it didn't have the first impression of excitement. 
The plot was very exciting though. So many new characters were introduced and the story was really brought out from Caraval and into the real world, involving the Fates and the girls' mother. There is so much new to learn about Legend and the world where Caraval is set.

So as much as I enjoyed this book, because it really did think it was a good sequel, it didn't quite measure up to Caraval. That book is simply unbeatable. I'd still encourage people to read Legendary and keep following the story because it truly is unbelievable and I cannot wait for the Finale!


Plot Summary:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...
Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

Caraval (Caraval #1)
Legendary (Caraval #2)
Finale (Caraval #3)

Books with... Great Villains

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)

This book features my favourite villain of all time: Captain Jonathan Wolverton Randall. Also known as Black Jack Randall. Randall is the ultimate villain, with a twisted mind, a love for breaking people, a fan of rape, pedophilia, and violation. He is a sadist and a misogynist. What makes it worse is that he bears a striking resemblance to the main character, Clare's, husband. Jonathan Randall is the kind of villain that makes you feel sick and have to close the book for a moment just to allow oneself to swallow what one's just read. All boxes ticked for a great adult villain. If you wish to read my full review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon you can find it here.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling (1997 - 2007)

He doesn't actually fully make an appearance until book four: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but Voldemort is a constant villain throughout the books. He is a reminder of Harry's dead parents and the terror that took place in the Wizarding World until he disappeared thanks to Harry's survival. He has no mercy what so ever and his obsession with living forever has no boundaries, so that he willingly kills men, women and children of all ages and has such a strong negative influence that people cannot even say his name but refer to him as 'He Who Must Not Be Named'. A timeless villain for all ages. For my full review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone click here.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (2017)

Veronica Roth made a step up on her villain from her debut trilogy Divergent. This time it's much worse. Not only is the villain, Ryzek Noavek, the brother of the female lead, Cyra Noavek, but he feels happy to torture her as he sees fit. Not only that but he also exploits her powers to use against her enemies, against her will. He also has no problem with holding Akos Kereseth, the male lead, and his brother Eijeh Kereseth hostages, but worse brainwashes Eijeh to turn him against his own brother. It's twisted. On top of that he also has the annoying habit of cleaning his finger nails with a blade.  A new villain with a twisted mind. A review of this book is coming soon.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Title: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Pages: 448

Published: Jun 4th 2017
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd


I can often feel that when a book comes out and gets all the praise and all the attention I’m forced to read it. Not that I’m not already interested - because I was very tempted to read this book - but as if it’s forced on me and then I become reluctant to. So although I kept dumbing into this book I repeatedly decided not to buy it. Until I came to the point where I had one book in the ‘buy one, get one half price’ deal, with a gift card I wanted to spend and no other book in the deal that I was yearning to read this one second. So I turned to the whole shelf dedicated to The Hate U Give and thought “fine, you’ve got me”.

This book is FANTASTIC! It’s absolutely raw and open and deep, every feeling is laid out to the reader and it’s honest and out there. The book is written so beautifully. It’s funny, sad and heartbreaking. It’s a well written YA book, with a good story and strong characters. It was highly enjoyable but also gave some food for thought. Such a reading experience.

The authenticity in the language of this book is so well executed. I am a Swedish white woman living in England. I have not grown up in 'the ghetto'. And although I went to an international school for three years, I lived in an area where the majority of the population consisted of white Brits. So, because of where I’ve lived all my life, up until University life, I have not had the chance to be really exposed to the language that is used in The Hate U Give and even though I was very unused to reading a book with such new use of vocabulary or slang words it was very interesting and quite honestly, quite cool to read. It really gave a new reading experience and felt truly authentic. 

Her voice is heard, by me and all the other readers out this. This book has to be read, by everyone. It covers such an important subject that everyone, American or not, white or black, boy or girl, man or woman should read. Although improved over the years, racism is such an important issue in all countries all over the world and not only between black and whites. It’s about time a book was written about this issue and for our young adults as well. Our generation must bring over a change, and for the better.

I am lost for words. Everyone should read this book. What is important to understand is that although this is a story with fictional characters set in a fictional surrounding it does not mean that what happens is not true. This book has been written because similar events have taken place in the past. It’s important to understand that this is a real issue and not mistake it for a fictional plot device by the author. It is only the medium the author has used to reach the audience, a YA book.

Plot Summary:

Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs.
The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community.
It could also get her killed.

Favourite Quote:

"Daddy once told me there's a rage passed down to every black man from his ancestors, born the moment they couldn't stop the slave masters from hurting their families. Daddy also said there's nothing more dangerous than when that rage is activated."


My Rating:

9/10


Other Books by Angie Thomas:

On the Come Up

ESTRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Estrid

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan om Valhalla

Pages: 524

Published: Oct 21st 2015

Publisher: Forum
Language: Swedish


After having nicked the prequel to this book from my grandma's bookshelf she brought this new sequel with her on her visit to England. I read is straight after Sigrid. This book takes place 15 years later and although still following the love story between Sigrid and Svend, now includes the story of her daughter Estrid. Estrid is said to have been chosen by the dark Norse God Hel and hallucinates and coughs badly along with her sickness. She has only one friend, and guardian, Katla. Katla, one of my favourite characters, has an unknown nature however and while her ending in this book made me happy it also very much upset me. Estrid goes through an internal battle between Christianity and the Norse beliefs in the Gods of Asgård. Sigrid, however, still remains faithful to the Norse Gods and is convinced that she is chosen by Freya to do her bidding on earth.

Like the previous book, Sigrid, this book is based on true characters of the Viking Age and cleverly interweaves Norse mythology and a sense of magic. It is a perfect book if you are interested in Vikings, Scandinavian history, fantasy and mythology. Even if you would just like to try something new. It is gripping and includes several perspectives of the wars going on in Scandinavia. Would strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of the TV series Vikings. It is mostly classified as a book aimed at women, and I believe that my grandma found it more enjoyable than my grandpa. Great historical fantasy.

Plot Summary:

In Estrid, the latest instalment in loved Saga about Valhalla, the love story between the Viking Age's most legendary queen and king: Sigrid Storråda and Svend Tveskägg, continues. Follow us to the Viking Age of the 900's when Scandinavia was born from legendary kings' battles, and Valhalla's gods still stand strong against the Christians. Two children can save the world from falling into war and chaos but the battle for their lives and souls are hard, and only with the forces' help can they survive.
- translated from Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.

DIVERGENT by VERONICA ROTH (2012)

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #1

Pages: 487

Published: Feb 28th 2012

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

I was at my friends house on a sleepover when I wanted to read something. We were three other people on a sleep over at her place and she and I decided to have a read. I always enjoy looking at her bookshelf. It's cramped. Having forgotten my book at home, I picked up Divergent and got to bring it home to finish it.

After that I borrowed the second book at the library and the third book I got to read on a friend's Kobo account because the library didn't have it available.

I love Tris' first person narrative (if you think about it The Hunger Games are written by a female first person narrator). It is very personal and her description of the events are crystal clear. The characters are very well developed and carefully picked out for a reason.

The idea that society would be divided into sections scares me and that other people would use one another like that. Not just manipulate them or brainwash them, but skipping that step and only injecting them with serum just to force them without even telling them, without warning. It scares me a lot. Just absolutely terrifying. Because they turned on each other. The fact that Tris had to go to the point and kill her friend, hurting other friends in turn - for not having another choice.

Plot Summary:

She turns to face the future in a world that's falling appart.
Three Flying Birds... One for each member of the family I left behind.
Sixteen-year-old Tris is forced to make a terrible choice. In a decided society where everyone must conform, Tris does not fit.
So she ventures out alone, determined to discover where she truly belongs. Shocked by her brutal new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to booth threaten and protect her.
The hardest choice lies ahead.

Favourite Quote: 

Be brave.

My Rating:

10/10
I was hooked from the first page.

Other Books in This Series:

Divergent (Divergent #1)
Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Four (Divergent novella)
Free Four (Divergent novella)
The Transfer (Divergent novella)
The Initiate (Divergent novella)
The World of Divergent (Divergent novella)

Other Books by Veronica Roth:

Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1)
The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark #2)

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by SARAH J. MAAS (2015)

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Pages: 416
Published: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I have been meaning to read this for quite some time and having read the Throne of Glass series I knew this was going to be an amazing reading experience, not to mention all the talk and art there is on social media. So without hesitating I bought all three books in the series and started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses over Easter.

And God, was it good? My first was: why does this get more attention than Throne of Glass? It's just as good, but it's not incredibly 'better'. I'm a huge Throne of Glass fan by the way, and I'm not too keen in pushing it off my favourite ten books of all time any time soon, you see. This does not in any way mean that this was worse. Don't get me wrong, it was phenomenal!

Feyre is an awesome female lead. I can't help but deeply dislike her family, but she is genuinely good. Badass, responsible, selfless, were just a few of her qualities. Hurt, anger, happiness, all the feelings were there and she was truly an empowering character to read about.

Personally, however, I wasn't a fan of Tamlin. I don't know if I was meant to like him or possibly dislike him, but he just didn't agree with me. He and Feyre didn't click. In fact I was a much bigger fan of Lucien. He played the true friend, torn between his loyalty to Tamlin and his building friendship with Feyre. He was the stereotypical annoying best friend that eventually grew on you. who's sarcasm added to banter in conversation and spiced up the plot.

Rhysand on the other hand I couldn't get enough of and he was not mentioned nearly enough. I can't wait to hear more about him in the next book.

The next book, which I can get to reading as soon as I finish reading a book about brains that Dad is forcing me to read (it's surprisingly good), I hope will bring us out of the Spring Court and allow Feyre explore more of Prythian and be more involved with the greater politics.

Plot Summary:

Feyre is a huntress.

She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price...

Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her closer. As Feyre's feelings from Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she'd been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows.

Feyre must find a way to break a spell, or loose her heart forever.

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in this Series:

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)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

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)

FANGIRL by RAINBOW ROWELL (2013)

Title: Fangirl

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Pages: 481

Published: Sep 10th 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Press


The title itself got me hooked and after pointing it out in WHSmith I got it for Christmas. This book understands me! I've never felt so extremely okay with myself or generally understood by a book, author and character. When you're on your last year of school and preparing for uni all these fears and uncomfortable situations that Cath feels start haunting you. It's exciting and absolutely terrifying. I can say now, that after a year of uni, it really isn't that bad - it's awesome. But that doesn't stop those initial feelings, and if anyone understood those awkward thoughts that you feel like only you are feeling, it was Cath. That's apart from all the fangirling that is also totally relatable. I don't write or read fan fiction, but this book made you want to - I especially wanted some Cath and Levi fan fiction.

And don't even get me started on Levi. He is pure heaven. I always considered my favourite romantic hero to be Will Herondale from the Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. I have officially decided to share that title with Levi. His new name is 'All-Time-Favourite-Young-Adult-Contemporary-Romantic-Hero-That-I-Wish-Was-Mine.' Not that I wan't him to break up with Cath. I totally ship them. I'm just saying I'd like a piece of that. And their first romantic scene is the best and cutest romantic  scene there ever was!

There is so much dialogue which is great cause I'm more of a dialogue person than a description person. They chat plenty, and it's funny to read. Why did this book end!? I read this while on holiday in Florida and I brought it along to everything. And I was laughing constantly - it's highly entertaining - to the point that my brother took it to read it after I had finished. I don't think he enjoyed the Simon Snow extracts as much as me though. Those extracts made me really desperate to know what was happening with Simon and you'll be pleased to know I've read 'Carry On' as well. I do recommend reading this book before 'Carry On', just because you will understand the nature of 'Carry On' better and appreciate it more I think.

Plot Summary:

Cath and Wren are identical twins and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She would rather bury herself in the fan fiction she writes where there's womanise far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.
Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to people and new experiences, and she's realising that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible...
A tale of fan fiction, family and first love
-back of book

Favourite Quote:

'In new situations, all the trickiest rules are the ones none bothers to explain to you, (and the ones you can't google).'

My Rating:

10/10
One of the best Young Adult Contemporaries out there

Other Books by Rainbow Rowell:

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

PUSHING THE LIMITS by KATIE McGARRY (2012)

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 392
Published: Jul 31st 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


I got this book for free on iBooks as book of the week and at first I only read now and ten because I'm not really a fan of eBooks. But then I started reading it more often, when I had nothing to do. Like, when I was in the car on my way home (cause I can't carry around a book all the time in my already super heavy bag) or when I was waiting for mum or friends. And then I read it like crazy, even at home. It was a real page turner.

The emotions of the characters were all over the place and it was interesting to read a book that was both from a girl's and a boy's point of view. Both Echo and Noah are having such hard times in life and their problems are capturing ones. It's not the cliche, falling for the dangerous boy (yes, that part is in it too, but that's not the point). Echo has suppressed a memory about a night with her bipolar mum that almost killed her and is trying to remember. After Noah's parents' death he and his younger brothers were split up and now he's fighting to win custody over them. Admits all of this they do fall in love, and yes it's lust. But it is a lot about caring and understanding and trust.

Plot Summary:

They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me.

I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. they said therapy was supposed to help. They didn't expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know ever kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.

Favourite Quote:

"I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much" - Echo

My Rating:

8/10

Total page turner, and some serious emotions, but not

There are more books in these series where the books focus on other characters each time.

Other books in these series:

Pushing the Limits (Noah and Echo)

Breaking the Rules (Noah and Echo)

Crossing the Line (Lila and Lincoln)

Dare You To (Ryan and Beth)

Crash into You (Isaiah and Rachel)

Take Me On (Hayley and West)

A FEAST FOR CROWS by GEORGE R.R. MARTIN (2005)

Title: A Feast for Crows
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #4
Pages: 1061
Published: Oct 17th 2005
Publisher: Bantam Books


This book is thick. But good. It focuses only on the characters that are Kings Landing which I think was good and bad. It made one understand what was going on in one place and things made sense. But I missed Deanarys and John Snow and the rest of the characters in this colossal story. At least Tyrion was present throughout and his story was the most thrilling.

The ending was absolutely thrilling. I really started to like Oberyn Martell and I really miss his cocky attitude now. It added some spark to King's Landind I thought. Tyrion's ending is incredibly exciting to read and I can't wait till his next book.

I find it quite hard to write about these books because so much happens in them and I don't know where to starts without spoiling things. Because that would be a shame I think and then you wouldn't want to read them, which I understand.

Plot Summary:

The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne.

The war in the Seven Kingdom has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek revenge for the dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.

From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

My Rating:

9/10

It's terribly long and I missed some of my favorite characters, but the ending was wicked!

Other books in this series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)

A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)

A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)

A Dance with Dragons 1: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)

A Dance with Dragons 2: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

A GAME OF THRONES by GEORGE R.R. MARTIN (1996)

Title: A Game of Thrones

Author: George R.R. Martin

Series: A Song of Ice and Fire

Pages: 835

Published: Aug 6th 1996

Publisher: Bantam

I must say that I love these series. And there is only going to be minor criticism.

I heard about the TV series when they first came out in 2011, the posters were everywhere. Not having Sky however, I had a major problem and couldn't watch it (but believe me, I was dying for it). It had everything I could ask for: fantasy, history, dragons, magic, costumes, castles, royalties. I love that kind of stuff. Guilty.

So I bought the book. I got it at WHSmith for half price for buying The Fault in our Stars as well. This was back in 2012 and my Mum had "forbidden" me to buy a new book unless I finished five because I had a ridiculous amount of unread books at home (I have a book buying problem). I bought them anyways and hid them. Yes, hello, my name is Vendela and I'm a bookaholic.

Anyways, onto the book. I love it. Not having watched the TV series I built my own interpretations of the characters and it was wonderful. The Stark children are younger, which I appreciate because being 14 at the time, they were still older and I could really connect with them. It took me a few chapters to understand which kid was which, but we got there in the end.

The chapters I enjoyed the most were John Snow's, Daenarys and Arya's. They were the easiest to connect to and included less politics. Being fourteen at the time and political debates did not interest me as much as the adventure, love and intrigue. They still don't. The only politics I actuallt truly enjoyed reading about were those involving Tyrion. Tyrion is and will forever remain my favourite character.

However, the chapters I could not stand were Catelyn's. I didn't like her as a character. I understood her, but I didn't like her. I didn't like Bran's too much either. Mainly because there were so many of them and I felt like we weren't getting anywhere. Now, like I mentioned I'm not a big politics fanatic, mainly because at the time I didn't understand a thing about it and couldn't be bother - Ned's chapters were full of politics. I learnt to like it though because A Game of Thrones wouldn't get anywhere without it. A fight between seven kingdoms. WITHOUT POLITICS?! Not possible. Spoiler: I don't think I realized how much I appreciated Ned's character until the very end when I knew that I would see no more of him. I wondered how the series could possibly go on without him. He died after the first book and I got the impression that the story pretty much centred around him. I was wrong.

I love the world. Just like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings it was been so well thought through. Not a plot hole. The fact that it's inspired by pieces of history that I enjoy a lot, like the War of the Roses, makes me understand it better. It was probably the first proper fantasy book i've ever picked up and I've opened up to that genre completely. When I go into bookstores I go straight to that shelf. I always loved fantasy films but never really read anything until I picked this book up and I have been forever changed.

Plot Summary:

Summer span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts  it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. his honour weighs him down at court wher a true man does what he will, not what he must... and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

-as by the book cover

My Rating:

10/10

Other books in this Series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)
A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)
A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)A Dance with Dragons 1: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)
A Dance with Dragons 2: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

MIN TYP BRORSA by JOHANNA LINDBÄCK (2010)

Title: Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Author: Johanna Lindbäck

Pages: 268

Published: Dec 2010

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren

Language: Swedish

This is such an enjoyable Swedish young adult about a girl and a boy who start having feelings for each other after their single parents move in together. It's sweet, funny and a little bit heart wrenching. You hope for something you know will never be but the journey there is absolutely wonderful. Writing this review makes me want to reread it because it's so sweet and innocent. Highly recommend for all the Swedish speakers out there as a light romantic read, whether it be a summer or winter read. It's so cute. Absolutely love what these characters go through and their relationship.

Plot Summary:

Celebrating New Years with Mum's new guy isn't exactly what Nina dreamt of. And that Mum talks about the fact that internet-Thomas has two sons exactly in Nina's age isn't helping. But New Years turns out to be better than Nina could've imagined. Thomas's sons are pretty alright. Especially the one...

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books by Johanna Lindbäck:

Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Tänk Om Det Där Var Jag (Imagine If That Were Me)

Välkommen Hem (Welcome Home)

En Liten Chock (A Small Shock)

Som Om Jag Frågat (As If I've Asked)

Saker Som Aldrig Händer (Things That Never Happen)

Lite Ihop (A Little Together)

Kanske Ihop (Maybe Together)

Karta För Förälskade och Andra Vilsna

Jan Svensson (Jan Svensson)

Vi Måste Sluta Ses På Det Här Sättet (We Need To Stop Seeing Each Other Like This)

LETTERS TO THE LOST by BRIGID KEMMERER (201

Title: Letters to the Lost

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Pages: 393

Published: Apr 4th 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury

I got this book from WHSmith as it was buy one get one free with the Zoella Book Club. I didn't get the whole Book Club set but got this one together with 'After the Fire' by Will Hill. I couldn't help myself, they looked like such good summer reads.

I was in the middle of reading the Percy Jackson books and although I truly wanted to finish the series I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to read Letters to the Lost so I simply took a break and how long did it take me to read this book? One day. ONE DAY. I was hooked.

The idea behind this book itself is so original and clever. Who thinks of something like this. Naturally I was sat there the whole book knowing more than the characters (dramatic irony!!) because it was written from both Juliet and Declan's point of view. I loved this layout and it kept my interest going the whole way through. The letters and the two different perspectives allows to the reader to know more about the characters. I know Juliet through herself, through Declan's point of view and through the letters she writes. I don't think I've ever connected so much with characters and they are so deep, so three diminutional - so real.

Although I cannot say that I have gone through any of what Juliet or Declan has gone through (I have not lost a family member) I can say that I truly value the opportunity to write to someone I trust. It may be over text and it may not be anonymous, but Cemetery Girl's and The Dark's openness with each other reminded me of a friend I know I can talk to and that hit deep. 

But the book wasn't just deep and understanding, it was funny and it made me laugh. And it's a happy ending. In a way it's a happy story with just so many memories of pain. But it's their journey to getting better.

Minor Spoiler! This book has one kiss. One kiss and it's at the very end. There are no hot scenes or declarations of love, yet it's one of the truest love stories I have ever read. And I was so nervous through it all, so excited, but my head didn't scream "KISS HER!" This love was deeper than that and evolved from something more personal than just boy needs girl. Is this a fluffy romance? Yes, to an extent. But you won't get the romantic first date. You'll get something much more exciting.

Plot Summary:

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only thing that helps Juliet cope.

Declan Murphy is the kind of tough guy you wouldn't want to cross. But while on community service doing landscaping at the local cemetery, he is haunted by ghosts of his own past.

When Declan finds a letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon he is sharing his pain with a perfect stranger... Except they're not strangers, and when real life inter fears with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

Favourite Quote:

"I didn't know you could feed a baby Thai food" - Declan

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Brigid Kemmerer:

Storm (Elemental #1)

Spark (Elemental #2)

Spirit (Elemental #3)

Secret (Elemental #4)

Sacrifice (Elemental #5)

Elemental (Elemental novella)

Breathless (Elemental novella)

Fearless (Elemental novella)

Strife

More Than We Can Tell

A Curse so Dark and Lonely