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)

MINA DRÖMMARS STAD by PER ANDERS FOGELSTRÖM (1960)

Title: Mina Drömmars Stad (City of My Dreams)

Author: Per Anders Fogelström

Series: Stadsserien (Stockholm Series)

Pages:  301

Published: 1960

Publisher: Albert Bonniers Bolag
Language: Swedish


I have a friend back in Sweden who picks her books very carefully. Her argument is that if she'd going to spend loads of time, sitting a reading a book, it might as well be good. So she often picks critically acclaimed books, classics or highly recommended books.

Last summer she was reading the Stockholm Series by Per Anders Fogelström. A modern classic from the 60's which follows the generations of a family that lives in Stockholm between the 1860s to the 1960s.

This year I set myself the goal to read one classic per summer and really felt like reading these, so much that I even visited the local library out in the countryside to get hold of a copy so I could read it, even though I'd brought twenty other books with me from England.

This book is heaven. It is a very light read, so it is not a daunting classic. It is not too long either and the chapters vary in length, but are never too long. It is very enjoyable and entertaining, while at the same time being a bit of a history lesson. It's amazing how little I found that I new of my own city and country at the time the book takes place. The book is very relaxed however in how it tells the story. It mentions things that one would regard as quite major incidents in history, simply in the passing. Fogelström does not set out to educate and inform the reader of the time period. But simply to transport them. If they pay enough attention they will notice the details. Things that were trivial at the time are given such attention in the book, even if I as the reader regard it as major. It is a very interesting take read in this sense, seeing as Fogelström published this book a hundred years after the story takes place. Had it been written in the 1860s I would not have been surprised at this writing technique.

It is a very refreshing read from all the fantasy and sci-fi I usually immerse myself. To read something about my own history as well as something that uses, not old, but traditional language is very stimulating. I highly recommend this book. It is a Swedish classic which deserves the attention it is given. It is also translated into English so if you would like to try something new and foreign I highly recommend this book.

Plot Summary:

A summer evening in 1860 a man named Henning walks into the city that he has dreamt of. Times are changing, industries are forming and possibilities are opening up.
The narrative follows a group of working-class people on Södermalm in Stockholm between 1860-1880.

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books in the Series:

Mina Drömmars Stad (Stockholm Series #1) - [City of My Dreams]
Barn av Sin Stad (Stockholm Series #2) - [Children of Their City]
Minns Du Den Stad (Stockholm Series #3) - [Remember the City]
I En Förvandlad Stad (Stockholm Series #4) - [In a City Transformed]
Stad I Världen (Stockholm Series #5) - [City in the World]

THE HANDMAID'S TALE by MARGARET ATWOOD (1985)

Title: The Handmaids Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Pages: 311
Published: 1985
Publisher: Anchor Books

I did not read this book in school as I know some people did but I did know of it and I heard even more of it when the TV series came out. Eventually I got it on audible and listened to it. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator is so pleasant to listen to and really expresses Offred's feelings well.

When first listening to the book I must admit I was confused. I had not read a synopsis, I had not heard what it was about. I had no idea. The word 'handmaid' I felt implied that it took time in the past and knowing it was a classic it must have taken place in the past, right? This was highly confusing. as I was wrong. The book takes place in the future. In fact, it's a dystopian future, which I did not expect at all. It is in fact a very interesting future Atwood paints for the reader. A future which isn't actually that far fetched. That although it seems absurd it could somehow be possible. And that is scary.

Especially in such a pro-feminist culture as we are currently living in. Where feminism is a movement that takes part of a lot of people's everyday life. It is a constant battle. In The Handmaid's Tale, women are diminished to an unspeakable level. They are not allowed to read, they cannot dress as they wish (in fact they've gone back to dresses), they are locked inside their city and they are only allowed outside the house at certain times. The later especially applies to the Handmaids. It is such a bizarre world, that we would never consider to be possible today. Yet, in Atwood's book it is exactly what has happened. Although the Handmaids have no power, and many have been close to brainwashed they still think for themselves, they still attempt to talk of the 'time before' and a rebellion is coming.

Although this book shows a world where women have been brought down it is such a pro-feminism book. It is incredibly interesting to read about and to speculate over. It provides for seriously interesting conversations and debates.

If you have not read the book I highly recommend it, and even if you don't read it, consider the TV series which is available on Sky. The second season is currently out which is will be fascinating as there is only the one book. However, the book does finish on quite an unfinished note that begs for more, so I'm very intrigued to see what else they've got in their bag as they did develop a lot of the characters from the book that the first person narration didn't allow for.

Favourtite Quote:

“Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.”

My Rating:

7/10

Although slow at times it is very thought-provoking.

Plot Summary:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

Other Books by Margaret Atwood:

The Blind Assassin
Alias Grace
Cat's Eye
The Robber's Bride
The Heart Goes Last
The Penelopiad
The Edible Woman
Hag-Seed
Stone Matress: Nine Tales
Surfacing
Lady Oracle
Moral Disorder and Other Stories
Wilderness Tips
Bluebeard's Egg
Bodily Harm
The Tent
Lie Before Man
Dancing Girls and Other Stories
Negotiating with the Dead
Good Bones
Good Bones and Simple Murders
The Circle Game
The Door
Up in the Tree
I Dream of Zenia with the Bright Red Teeth
You are Happy
Happy Endings
Morning in the Burned House 
Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth 


and more.

If you liked DIVERGENT...

Divergent was published in 2011 and got its film adaptation in 2014. There's no doubt that this book and its trilogy was amazing. I loved it as many other people. But despite its awesomeness  

Throne of Glass was published in 2012 and has not seen the screen but the series is not yet finished and if you had any interest in Divergent you should totally check out the Throne of Glass series.

Divergent features a group of young people who have to go through different tasks or auditions if you please. If they do not pass, they are thrown out. Although Throne of Glass is not a dystopian book, but a high fantasy, the book is focused on a competition to become the King's personal assassin. If they do not pass, or come last they are thrown out. This book is like a high fantasy version of Divergent, in relation to the layout and what drives the story forward, the competition.

However that's where the likeness stops. The Throne of Glass series has a bigger story. The Series has seven books with a much greater plot and subplots. 

If you are a fan of Divergent, or even The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and want to explore a new genre I suggest you check out Throne of Glass. It will gently introduce you to high fantasy with a theme that you feel comfortable with. 

For my review of Divergent you can check that out here. And if you want to find out more about Throne of Glass, head over here.

If you liked THE HANDMAIDS TALE...

If you haven't watched MGM Television's TV series adaptation of The Handmaids Tale I suggest you head over and do that on Sky Atlantic. If you have watched it I suggest you sit down and read the book. If you've read the book I suggest you sit down and read The Jewel by Amy Ewings.

If you've read The Handmaid's Tale you'll know that the handmaids are used to reproduce babies for the people of the higher social standards that are unable to have children. This is because they are fertile and their 'gift from God' needs to be used for the greater good. It's set in a dystopian world with a strange new social system. The Jewel is actually quite similar. In fact is features the same themes. In a dystopian city called The Lone City, where the people living in the centre of the  circular city are the aristocracy young girls are used to produce babies for these people. But don't worry. This book is not a copy and it featuresThe Jewel is a Young Adult version of The Handmaid's Tale with new elements of magic, fantasy, royalty, romance and social intrigue. And best of all, it's a trilogy. There is a greater story behind all of this.

There are also many more exciting factors. The girls have magical abilities, this is why they've been chosen to reproduce. And they are not simply chased down by the new government, they are taken from their families at a young age and then, when ready, auctioned to the higher society members.

For my review of the The Jewel by Amy Ewing click here. For the review of The Handmaid's Tale click here. 

If you liked THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING...

Yep, I'm not mentioning The Queen of the Tearling but the second instalment in the Tearling because this is where a theme is introduced which is very to similar to... The Handmaid's Tale.

Spoilers ahead. If you've read The Invasion of the Tearling you know of the references to Lily and the time before the Crossing. These flashbacks fit into quite a dystopian theme. Personally I found it hard to get accustomed to this at first but very much enjoyed it further into the book. If you were a fan of this dystopian element to the book then I suggest you take a look at The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood that includes flashbacks to a time before the dystopian current setting of the book and the crossover to between the past and the present. 

I personally listened to audiobooks of both of these books and highly recommend the audiobook versions from Audible. If you are interested in my full review of The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen you can read it here. A review of The Handmaids Tale 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

SIGRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Sigrid (alt. The Unbroken Line of the Moon)

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan on Valhalla #4

Pages: 451

Published: Jun 17th 2015

Publisher: Månpocket
Language: Swedish


As I am always allowed to help myself from my grandparents bookshelf I found this one and naturally was allowed to take it with me home. Six months later I feel this incredible urge to read it. This book is written in Swedish, but it is available in English under the title The Unbroken Line of the Moon. Sigrid is about a young Viking girl who is chosen by the Norse Godess Freya to do the God's will on Earth (or Midgård as they call it). She gets visions and dreams to guide her along the way, but her duties as a Viking girl want to lead her down a different path. So battled between what her family wants and what the Gods want her to do she struggles to satisfy both.

This book is brilliant if you have a love for Vikings or if you feel like you'd like to try it. Hildebrandt weaves in some Norse mythology facts so that even if you don't know anything about the Norse Gods you don't struggle to keep up at all. She includes some supernatural moments that are so subtle it's believable and I didn't question any plot devices at all.

Sigrid Storråda (aka. Sigrid the Haughty) is a known queen in Norse sagas and the character is therefore based on a real woman. However, the sagas about Sigrid sometimes contradict themselves and this book is vaguely based on them. Sigrid was known for her extreme faith in the Norse Gods, Freya in particular. She refused to acknowledge the Christian Gods even when Christianity was starting to take over Scandinavia and the Nordics. The book mentions other well known vikings such as Harald Blåtand, Svend Tveskägg and more. If you watch the TV series Vikings I highly recommend this as it is a combination of history, fantasy and mythology.

Plot Summary:

In this grand saga of love, war and magic set in the tenth century, young Sigrid is destined to be the mother of the king of the Nordic lands that would become Sweden, Norway, Denmark and England.
A devout believer in the old Nordic gods, Sigrid is visited regularly in her dreams by the goddess Freya, who whispers to her of the future. Though Sigrid is beautiful, rich, arrogant and matchlessly clever her uncanny ability to foresee the future and manipulate the present guides her through dangerous politics as a bloody war between Vikigns and Christians rages on.
Sigrid father wants her to marry Erik, a local king, to secure the peace between Goths and Swedes, Thinking she is doing Freya's will she accepts the marriage offer, only to find that her destiny leis with Svend, a warrior who dreams of dethroning Harald Bluetooth, the legendary ruler of Denmark. Will Sigrid sacrifice her for the greatest Viking kingdom of all time, or will she follow her heart at the risk of loosing everything?
-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)

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. 

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

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

THE READER by M.K. HARKINS (2016)

Title: The ReaderAuthor: M.K. HarkinsPages: 260 (eBook)Published: Aug 25th 2016Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

This Galley was given to me for free in the form of a Kindle Book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This paranormal sci-fi read got me hooked from page one. I absolutely loved it. The plot and idea was very intriguing and it got off to a very exciting start with action right at the first chapter. I loved the concept of the Readers, the Hijackers, and the Seers. I think it was original and had some very interesting history to it. I enjoyed the prediction of the Lost One and the Soul Mate, however I thought the repetition of the term 'Soul Mate' made it sound slightly silly towards the end. Nevertheless I loved the concept of the Soul Mate and the bonding between Ann and Devon. Furthermore, the compound was absolutely lovely with the waterfalls, the hub and the storm and how it worked together  as a home for the Readers. What I would have liked was a bit more time to read about Ann's time in  the compound. The storyline moved so quickly and Ann adapted to her new life so fast that everything felt almost unbelievably quick. I would have enjoyed another hundred pages where the life in the compound could have been developed. It had so much potential, yet I felt that it almost rushed to the end. I would have enjoyed some more reading with a plot this good. A little too short for me personally.

I adored Ann and her abilities and powers. The book was very successful through the use of first person narration and concerning the topic of the book I do not think that it would have been as good if was written in anything else than first person. When Ann wakes up and doesn't even remember her name Archer accidentally addresses her as Ann before she has gained that piece of memory herself. When I first read this I was shocked that the lack of name for the main character had not bothered me. Since it was written in first person I was not concerned about this at first and when her name was announced I realised what an important factor that was for one's personality. There were some great characters and personalities that also could have been developed. Personally I would have enjoyed a little more feud between Archer and Devon regarding Ann, and even Markus. I was team Devon from the moment his name popped up on the page, but I did not catch on the hinting at a plot twist and fell for it completely. There could have been a very successful love-triangle that I think could have been explored even more. The relationship between Ann and Devon went very quickly from hating each other to extreme love. It may have to do with the Soul Mate concept but a longer transition would have been very exciting and perhaps more realistic. Reading from Ann's point of view I learnt a lot of Ann but not as much of the other characters. I would have loved to bond a little more with Lucy and the quarrel between Ann and Susie to be expanded. I think if the book had been longer all the relationships could have been developed and explored more to its full potential. 

Overall I absolutely loved this book. I was glued to my phone. The genre of sic-fi and paranormal was perfect and the original idea had such potential. I think this could have been developed through another hundred pages because I would have loved to read more. I could not judge from the ending whether there will be a sequel or if it simply ended there. Since it resolved as it did I find it hard to see a sequel but I would love to read anything that may suggest that something more happens. After all, they are immortal and anything could happen in their lifetime. 

Plot Summary:


Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.


Favourite Quote:
'"Things are... things are showing," he said as his hand swept up and down.' - The Reader by M. K. Harkins


My Rating:
8/10
I did love this book, but I think a a greater length would have improved it massively. I couldn't put it down.


Other Books by  M.K. Harkins:
Intentional (Intentional #1)
Unintentional (Intentional #2)
Breaking Braydon
Famous by Default
Taking Tiffany

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.