Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Today, here is a review of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

~ ~ ~

I was sucked into the world of Fangirl through Cath almost straight away. The first sentence saying there was a boy in her room immediately made me curious. While these days I would say I am more of a fantasy/sci-fi reader I do enjoy reading a contemporary every now and then. This is one of the best contemporaries I've read. 

It's about Cath who really didn't want to move away and go to college learn to grow from being a child to being a more independent adult. She moves to College, but isn't really happy about being there. She meets a boy and think it's her roommates boyfriend. It's about getting hurt and being a writer, learning to grow out of childhood. But maybe not completely.

~ ~ ~

"It's college," Wren said, exasperated, covering her face with her hands. "It's supposed to be an adventure." 

~ ~ ~

I love this quote because I've often said to myself that life is adventure. You can't really go through life timidly. There will always be things that are thrown our that we don't expect. It's in learning that we seek adventure. This is something that Cath learnt through the course of the book. She learnt to be more confident in herself. I think in some ways this quote explains

~ 

"I still wish you'd get a dog," she said.
"I'd never remember to feed it."
"Maybe we could train it to feed you."

(Cath to her Dad)
~

I loved how much that Cath worried about her Dad. I think in any YA story there often seems to be a neglect of the parental figures. Here, as Cath and her twin sister Wren, were away at college their father didn't appear in the story much, but he still was very much involved.

I love this conversation between Cath and her Dad mostly because it's quite funny but also shows a little bit how much Cath and Wren looked out for their Dad when they used to live at home.

Cath was very relatable. She had anxiety but still tried even though that meant surviving off energy bars and peanut butter jars because she couldn't bring herself to actually try something new like say finding the dining room. "I feel sorry for you, and I'm going to be your friend." Is basically how not only Reagan and Cath's strange friendship began, but also how she first found the dining room.


Her anxiety was also visible in other areas of her life. Like when she did want to text her then boyfriend because she wasn't in a good mood and didn't want that to come through the text. 'You can't take back texts.' It's always a concern when texting someone because accidentally saying something different than it was meant to sound could very well mean embarrassment and no take backs.

A Few Things

There was a very touchy feely moment that made me feel uncomfortable. Also Cath's fan fiction that she wrote had a same sex couple which is something that I was also uncomfortable with as a Christian. I also really didn't understand Cath and Wren's mother. I feel like there's more that can happen in that part of the story.

I think the twins names were kind of cool too. Cather and Wren

Overall I loved Fangirl. It certainly was a story about growing up and figuring things out. It's very relatable too I think because I am around her age and entering the world as an adult whether it be University or into the workforce. It's definitely relatable. I rate it 4.5 stars out of 5.

Have you read Fangirl before? What do you think? Feel free to tell me your thoughts in the comments. 

Book Tour for The Coronation by Olivia Jarmusch

Today I am participating in a blog tour for Olivia Jarmusch's  new book The Coronation (Tales of Tarsurella). I've tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but be warned there is spoilers in this review.

Prince Addison is only several weeks away from inheriting the Kingdom of Tarsurella. The entire Palace is ablaze with excitement, as the Royal Family prepares for the event of a lifetime. Despite the exciting event which is near at hand, Addison and his younger siblings (all seven of them!) must carry on with their daily activities. Addison’s sisters, Princesses Bridget, Chasity, and Hope, have their struggles with being iconic European starlets of a modern day monarchy. The teen heiresses grace magazine covers, smile for photoshoots, and gracefully glide through important interviews–until a certain American popstar arrives on the scene. 

Kennetic Energy, the wildly popular band from the United States, is chosen to play at Addison’s Coronation. David Carter, the band’s handsome lead singer, fumbles through awkward moments with Princess Hope–in front of the cameras. When an embarrassing rumor sparks that Princess Hope is dating the young fellow, she is determined to get the band fired from their Royal gig.  

Meanwhile, Princess Chasity is dealing with her own fragile affairs of the heart. Her new security guard, Hanson Fletcher, is completely captivating, yet entirely frustrating. She attempts to keep the entrance of her heart firmly protected, while following the wisdom of Proverbs 4:23. But can she be successful in guarding her heart, from her security guard?

The Coronation is Book #1 in The Tales of Tarsurella Trilogy.

The Story

The story is largely focused on characters. We see it through many perspectives. And even though we do it never feels heavy or too much. The characters are each unique. They all have their own passions and fears. Addison loves spending time with his family and wants to be a good leader but is afraid of being a bad one. Very relatable. We all fear not doing well at something we love. As he head towards his place as king he must soon decide on a wife. A decision he does not want to take lightly. For many of the characters they are forced to face decisions involving feelings and romances possibly blooming and each dealt with this differently. In most books that have romance it often resolves sole around the fact and you expect in the end they will end up together. Without saying too much, I loved how, Livy, did something unexpected with the romances developing in this book.

For a lot of the story I didn't necessarily see where it was heading. There were people introduced and feelings clearly being developed. One major undergoing current appeared to be a decision Hanson didn't want to make but had to make. As I read on I trying to anticipate what his move was. I knew very well what I wanted him to do, but also knew that likely wasn't going to happen. Through this I think a large focus was placed on all the character's relationships with each other. Whether it be sibling, friendship or something more or even little relationship at all. I caught onto the climatic event not to long before it happened. The resolution to the end of the story happened and after the story seemed kind of slow.

That being said here is a small list of things

Things I loved

• I loved how much the royal family was so family orientated. It's not something I actually read a lot of in fiction. 
• The Christians have a very natural focus on God in some books it can seem really forced and in this one it didn't. 
• I learnt how the media impact between those who are famous and the rest of the world can be false.

Things I noticed

• The major conflict and antagonist that was the climax reminded me of a terrorist group in the world today. Just one major similarity that drew me away from the story a bit. 
• The book is so full of Christian messages, however sometimes it can seem like there is a lot of someone saying it and could almost seen to drag on a bit. 

Largely I would say it is a story about the relationships between both family and friends and even a kingdom. I loved each of the characters I met and was definitely drawn in right from the beginning. While sometimes it did feel like it slowed down and there were a few longer passages of people talking, overall I loved it. It's definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a very clean, Christian read. While most characters are girls because there are more of them there are definitely some boys perspective that allows it to appeal to both genders. I'm definitely looking forward to see what the next books hold.


You can find Livy through
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Livy Lynn Blog- Don't forget to check the other blog stops.

Have you read The Coronation? What did you think? Are you interested in reading it? 

When Dreaming Gets Complicated

It's official, I've fallen in love with this series, The Raven Cycle. I will admit when I read The Raven Boys I was unsure. I loved it, but there was uneasiness there for me. This time reading The Dream Theives I am definitely in love with this series. I only have one person to blame (well maybe me for reading it) Cait @ Paperfury for telling the world how good it is.

In the beginning the Prologue drew me back into he world of The Raven Boys and Blue straight away.

The Main Characters

Ronan Lynch

What I really loved is getting to know more about Ronan. In the first book he was the person most dark and most mysterious and the ending just left us (Although I do credit Maggie Stiefvater with leaving us hanging at the ends of both books) wanting to know more. I truly loved how much he evolved and became the different yet still with a darkness near the end. He's Ronan, very very Ronan.  I have to say I just loved the person he is and has become. That is to say I loved his character arc throughout the whole book. 

Adam Parrish 

Adam. He was just a complete and utter mess. The same and very different. Full of pride and anger. Scary and not. Forgetful, yet very alive. I love the confident person he seems to become in the end. His sureness in what he has to do.

Noah

In my opinion there wasn't enough Noah in the book. Although I did enjoy scenes he was in. Especially thought that scene where he and Blue pottered about at Monmouth Factory was pretty amusing. Okay hilarious. They did this and that and then. That ending part made it that tiny bit funnier. 

Blue Sargent 

Blue was ever afraid of the all meaningful kiss. Understandable but sad. Gansey and Blue together became a bit heart wrenching. I loved the scene where her family needed help with technology. For all their talents, they couldn't figure out how to work a mobile phone. That was an entertaining fact as well. 

The Story 

The subject of dreams was complex throughout. Characters questioning what they would see was real yet not at the same time. Dream Thieves a very appropriate name full of meaning. The ley line, Cabeswater, Adam, Gansey, Maura, everything is connected in a crazy way. I love the story Maggie Stiefvater has woven and while I totally blame Cait for being the introducer I must also thank her. Who knows if I would have heard of these books if she didn't mention them everywhere? 

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Overall the story was enrapturing and captured my attention the whole way through. There wasn't really any point I felt bored. It was an intriguing and mysterious read. Right to the end you want to know more and then it leaves you on a cliffhanger to keep you hanging and longing for the next book. I couldn't have asked for more. It is a book I would be willing to buy (since it was a library book) and one I would look forward to re-reading again eventually.

Have you read The Dream Thieves or The Raven Boys? Have you finished the series? Have you read any other Maggie Stiefvater books? Did you enjoy her books as much as I have been?

A Time to Die Review

Firstly, thank you to Nadine Brandes and Enclave Publishing for my ebook review copy. 

I've been wanting to read A Time to Die since probably the year it came out when my former youth group leader wrote a post on Facebook about it. It was likely not too much longer after that that I started to follow Nadine's blog. Each time another book comes out I have wished I could join the excitement, but couldn't really at all. With this review opportunity I was really excited for. I have heard so many good things about A Time to Die. 

Honestly even though I have read reviews and knew the blurb of the book I was in no way prepared for what was to come. 

Parvin Blackwater has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside.

In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence.

What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her Clock is running out. 

All You Need To Know

Relating With Parvin

I found it really easy to relate with Parvin and her search for purpose. I'm 17 and at the age where we are expected to know what we want to do. The last couple of years I have had a struggle with exactly what I wanted to do knowing that I have always wanted to be a teacher and realising that I am more passionate about writing stories. In the end with lots of prayer I left it in God's hand and then I suddenly realised that I could do both. I know quite a few of my friends still struggle with knowing what to do and so I totally understand where Parvin is coming from. 

The Other Characters

I really liked what we saw of Reid and only wish there had been more of him in the book. I do wonder exactly what he got up to during his six months away. I feel there is still so much we could learn about him.

Jude. I wasn't really sure whether I liked him or not, but then I did. But there was also a moment where I both liked him and hated him. There is so much to learn about him. I know there is and a moment. There is so much more I would say but I don't want to spoil anything either.

Solomon Hawke. He was kind of there in the beginning and then he was thread throughout. If there's more to learn about Jude there is definitely more to learn about Solomon too. He may be the kindest enforcer I ever meet though. At least we know there is one though. That's a good thing. Isn't it?

Albinos they were interesting and definitely unique. Willow I liked and their culture was interesting but severe.

Skelley Chase well as I wrote in my goodreads update. I hate Skelley Chase and what is it with lemons. Seriously? He is a strange guy.

The Setting

I think the world was so unique, the wall, the two sides so different. I think the new technology was interesting and unique like the emoticon and the tune chip. I think it would be really cool to have a tune chip but not sure I would want one inserted at the same time.

On Wednesday night I had a dream that I was at a bookstore and I was buying A Time to Speak. I think  that's confirmation that I will definitely be continuing the series. It was weird but a good dream for a bookworm.

A Couple of Quotes

I'm starting to love when God lodges thoughts in my head. They come in my own voice, but they're so far from my own doing that I know it's Him. It's such a delicious form of guidance.  - Parvin

- This quote is so accurate for how I feel God talk to me sometimes. It was one of those quotes I just had to write down because it was so totally agreeable. 

The more I strive the more I'm sledge-hammered with surprises. - Parvin

- I loved this one because I also believe that it is accurate. Sometimes life is just all full of surprises. 

A Time to Rise Pre Order Swag!

Overall

It was instant love reading A Time to Die. The further I read the more I didn't know what to expect. What was going to happen to Parvin? Would she survive? What was with that clock of hers? Who's Jude? So many questions, so much I discovered and still need to discover.

In my rating system I would give it an....

A+ 

Almost a week ago now I had a dream where I was in a bookstore and saw A Time to Speak and knew I needed to buy it. I guess that is one way that says I definitely will be buying all the series in hard copy. You can never go past holding a real book. :D

Don't forget if you preorder A Time to Rise you also can get A Time to Rise Pre Order Swag! 

You can connect with Nadine Brandes through her Website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks for reading :)

Have you read A Time to Die or the rest of the Out of Time series? What do you think of them?    

Crown of Midnight: UP UP UP

If you read my review of Throne of Glass you would've been away that I wasn't really sure if I would end up reading the next book so you might be surprised to be getting another review in the same series so soon. The reason for this is that a few weeks a go (in August) a man at church gave me Crown of Midnight and said I could have it. I was so shocked and then absolutely excited to start reading it.

My Earlier Thoughts

As I read Crown of Midnight I realised I was reading it with a refreshing look to what I had for Throne of Glass. Maybe it was the excitement of being given a book by a man I only vaguely know but still I was looking at it in a new light than the last.

I was definitely intrigued right from the start to see how she would deal with her current situation. How would one deal with it especially with one like the king as their 'boss'.

I loved her relationship with Chaol. Though, I do wish that Dorian and her appeared to be more friend like.

More Thorough 

There are so many things to say that I don't know what to say exactly and that probably makes no sense. What I mean is that I absolutely loved Crown of Midnight. For reason I was really excited to read it even after my disappointing feelings I had from Throne of Glass. I loved that we learnt so much more about Celaena. So much more. Also slightly in accordance to Celaena we met Mort. I liked him snarky as he maybe. Though wow in that she went through so much. There were so many feels. It was all fine (sort of) and then suddenly everything blew up. 

Whoosh! 

:D Celaena became someone that I can hardly describe she was so, my feelings are so hard to comprehend.  

We received hints at what the king was planning which was a drastically draft (not even sure what I mean by that). Dorian, he is getting rather exciting. How will he keep it up (what you ask? you will find out if you read it) and we learnt more about the world and everything.

Celaena has gone through much in the past and she still has so much to go through (that I don't know yet).

To Round It Up

I loved Crown of Midnight thoroughly. This may not be most thorough or coherent review but I loved the books so much. It brought me such excitement and entertainment to my day and was the perfect book to read for longs hours without needing a break (other books can leave you needing one). I think I will be reading Assassins Blade shortly because someone suggested in a review I skimmed and I think it wouldn't be a bad idea before I go onto the next book. At the end of Throne of Glass I wasn't totally sure if I would continue the series, now I am definitely sure I will. So much more excitement to come. :D

Have you read this book? What did you think about it? Did live up to any expectations? Do you plan to read on? 

A Book Review of The Raven Boys

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them--until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her.

His name is Gansey, a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She doesn't believe in true love, and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. 

I originally found The Raven Boys at my local Shiploads store which is basically one of those two dollar type shops. It stood out to me because I had heard Cait @ Paperfury rave about it so many times. To be honest when I bought it I had little to no idea of what the book was about. Several months after I had bought it I decided to give it a go. I looked it up first and I became unsure about whether I should read it or not because of the mention of tarot cards. As a Christian I was uneasy about it. But even though I was uneasy I decided to pick it up and give it ago. And I am so glad I did. 

Book Review: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Hello and welcome to my first book review. I've recently found myself reading a lot of Rick Riordan's book. I hadn't really realised how much until I picked up some books from the library and realised that all three were each a different book from three different series written by him.

The Book

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

I guess it started the night our Dad blew up the British Museum...

Carter and Sadie Kane's dad in brilliant Egyptologist with a secret plan that goes horribly wrong. An explosion shatters the ancient Rosetta Stone and unleashes Set, the evil god of chaos...

Set imprisons Dr Kane is a golden coffin, and Carter and Sadie are forced to run for their lives. To save their dad, they must embark on a terrifying quest from Cairo and Paris to the American South-west and discover the truth about their family's connection to the House of Life: an Egyptian temple of magic that has existed for thousands of years.

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt are far from dead and buried. And so, unfortunately are their gods... 

The Review

I liked that it started out with telling us all about how it was a 'voice recording' and supposedly very real. I felt that that helped me get into the story quicker in a way. 

It was written in  both Carter's and Sadie's point of view. I think this worked quite well because it meant we didn't miss parts where something important happened in Sadie's if it had just been written in Carter's point of view, for example. Rick Riordan wrote it well in their views. I found that their wasn't really any confusion between point of views. It was pretty clear who was narrating. I found that they both were unique with district personalities. At beginning it didn't stay in one view for more than a chapter and I wished it would stay in that view for a bit longer but I found that as I moved further through the book that you were in either Carter's or Sadie's point of view longer.