Friday 22 May 2015

Mortal Instruments:City Of Bones-A Book Review||❤


The Mortal Instruments-City Of Bones (#1)
By Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: March 27th 2007
Rating: 4/5 stars
When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder commited by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons--and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

My Thoughts...
I first started this  book in 2014 but I just couldn't get into it at all. I tried again and again to pick it up and read it but I just thought it was bad. I looked at the first pages in disgust and vowed to never touch it again. A year on and I wished that I had carried on with the book because I would've actually enjoyed the series. The only reason I put down the book was because of the opening, I just didn't get it and I thought that the whole book was going to be based on that whole thing. Plus I wanted to chuck the book across the room. I think that waiting a while and picking up the book helped me like it even more and made me realise it wasn't just a Twilight fanfiction type of things.

Clary Fray was a character I just didn't seem to like. I don't even know why, I just couldn't warm to her at al. Her and Jace just made my blood boil and it just made me despise them even more when they were even in the same room. She is like the Aria in Pretty Little Liars, the person who cares a bit too much., plays around a bit too much and you just end up not liking them at because they bug people a lot too. Although she was a strong character who was determined I just didn't agree with all of her decisions. The only reason I really like the book was because of Luke. Hodge, Magnus and Valentine. Basically all of the quite menacing characters who made the story different.

Whilst Clare's writing style could be seen as casual, I thought that it was for maybe more mature audiences and created a sense of the book not being like just any YA book out there. I thought her writing in this book was outstanding and that is what mainly made me carry on with this book. Although I did find it a bit jumpy at the start, as the book progressed it seemed to get even better.


What I really liked about the book was the plot. It was interesting, things were always happening. When I say always I mean always. It was jam-packed with action and I was literally cheering each character on. It went something like 'Yeh you run away, wait your meant to be bad right? Clary go catch that badass' Even though there might have been too much going on for some people, I found that I remembered vital parts of the book without having to look back every 5 minutes. (I only had read the first 5 pages of the book previously). The little twists in the plot made you think one thing and then you read on it hits you and then you just keep on reading. I don't really know how to explain this without giving a way too many spoilers! The massive plot twist at the end of the book just makes it beyond fabulous.


I also discovered one thing after reading this book. My book boy turn off is bare feet. That is why I didn't like Jace, he played the piano bare footed and it just made me shiver thinking about it. He was a douche and usually I would play along with that but once the no socks business is added it is all I vision about the character. When Jace took the vampire bike I would've thought 'that is so cool take me with you, I beg!' but it was the complete opposite I could just vision him without the socks and I wanted to be a bit sick to honest

Overall, I really did enjoy the first instalment to the Mortal Instruments Series! I do wish to carry it on in the future.

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx
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Wednesday 20 May 2015

Waiting On Wednesday||❤

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
 This week is..........
Carry On
By Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: 6th October 2015
23734628
(Goodreads)
Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.


Why Am I Waiting This Wednesday?
*Has a moment of dramatic silence for this book*.........IT IS HERE, IT IS REAL, IT IS REAL!! Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors and just looking at this makes me fangirl (get the reference?)

Keep Reading.
Naomi...xxx
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Monday 18 May 2015

Music I Listen To Whilst Reading||❤



Hi guys,
I listen to music sometimes when I read and I feel like it sets the mood when I read. Today I want to share the music that I listen to whilst I am reading! I would like to pick one artist every month or so whoI could recommend to you!

LEWIS WATSON:His songs are amazing! All his music is so raw and that is what I love about his songs. I always find myself singing his songs when I'm walking around. He is a great person to listen to when you read because his songs are quite upbeat and good for summery contemporary reads or even any other kind of book if you want something soft in the background.

Seriously check this guy out, he is brilliant!

Keep Listening,
Naomi...xxx
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Friday 15 May 2015

Disscusion:How Important Are Book Bloggers?


I have seen this talked about through social media and I finally actually want to write a post about it. I saw a tweet about an angry author who was annoyed because a book blogger most likely didn't review the book, I guess, as he wanted to. He then went ahead to dismiss book bloggers and talk about how useless in the world of books. Today I want to talk about this and I want to see what other people think.

ARCs are sent out to send a buzz and spark publicity but people most of the people who read books have no time to go online and see what Book Bloggers say about when they can get a review easily from a professional online from big newspapers such as the Guardian. Book bloggers don't really help the sales of a book go up massively and that can be an argument but book bloggers are honest reviewers from around the world and our ages range from 9-90 years old (maybe even older!). If you authors or publishers want a review from a regular person who reads books as a hobby and it enthusiastic about it the book bloggers and people are part of sites like Goodreads definitely the answer. It just annoys me how we are not valued as much as reviewers.


I do believe that Book Bloggers are just as important in the bloggers community as any other reviewer out in the professional world. We might not have years of experience of working for big firms but honesty is the best policy. The book lovers just like me and you are venturing out and making sure our love for books is spread. Let us not forget how we are endlessly and eagerly talk about books which we love on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram etc. I am definitely not trying to say that every single author and publisher hates our guts and would rather burn the books than give them to book reviews, I am trying to state the fact the book bloggers play a vital role in the whole book community in general and that how if we weren't there, who will be there to read your books. I personally have built my TBR pile before I even started book blogging from other book blogs and there are books I would have never heard about if it wasn't for them and their honest reviews.

This is my first ever discussion post and this is a topic I wanted to start off with!! Although it might be really jumpy, I want to carry on with these in the future!!

Do you think that book bloggers are appreciated enough? Do you think
that blogger affect book sales in a way?

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx
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Tuesday 12 May 2015

A Matter Of Heart-Review&Giveaway

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A Matter Of Heart 
By Amy Fellner Dominy
Publication Date: 12th May 2015
Rating: 4/5 stars
Readers will happily sink into this emotionally grounded, contemporary young adult novel about the sudden end of one girl's Olympic swimming dreams and the struggles she endures before realizing there are many things that define who we are.

Sixteen-year-old Abby Lipman is on track to win the state swim championships and qualify for the Olympic trials when a fainting incident at a swim meet leads to the diagnosis of a deadly heart condition. Now Abby is forced to discover who she is without the one thing that's defined her entire life.


My Thoughts...
I was a sporty and an extra determined girl when I was younger and I always chased for what I wanted to to. This is what made me love the book even more. A Matter Of Heart is a book based on determination, defeat and commitment. This book was all about going after what you aspired in life and it gave a great positive message. I loved how it also showed how going far across the line could lead to struggles in life and that there is a moment where you just have to stop.

Abby was not your average female character. She woke up at 5 am to get to the pool, she spent her spare time teaching children, her whole life was based in the pool. She was funny, persistent (it did bother me at times) and an inspirational person in general. It did seem like she had the perfect life on the outside but swimming was what she relied on to get into college and what she was known for and how she got her boyfriend. Although her own dream was to become an Olympic Swimmer at 16, it was almost like it wasn't her dream it was her coaches dream and her Dad's  dream.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic book which is great if you are both into sports and not into sports. If you love a good quick read which you would be attached to this is the book for you!!

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review, thanks to the FFBC Team!*
Sports I Have Played
When I was in primary school I was quite an exciting character. I hung out with my brothers instead of my sister, I loved to run outside and get my hands dirty, I was always falling over in the playground and I loved P.E lessons. Now, I can't say the same thing!
I have played...
  • NETBALL- I started this sport when I was in year 5 and I surprisingly carried it on and I was part of the Netball team and then I quit to do music things instead.
  • FOOTBALL- I had an obsession with football for quite a long time because I always played it with my brothers. I was alright at it but I was completely devoted to it. I always used to attend football matches but I'm too lazy now!
  • STREET DANCE- I wonder if this counts as a spot but I did do it for a while to pick it up and then I realised that I wasn't a very talented Street Dancer. Plus, I was scared to do any tricks which involved me with being upside down.
  • HOCKEY- This is my favourite sport. I did it when I was younger, I loved it for ages and still do. I used to always play hockey every Friday for 2 hours even when it was raining outside. I love the game and the energy it gives of.
  • SWIMMING- I took swimming lessons for donkey years. I always loved the water but not so much now as I now I have a fear of swimming and swimming pools (That is an extremely long story). I used to wake up at like 7am on a Saturday morning to get myself to the pool in time for lesson (I am a crazy child, right?)



Giveaway Time!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86104/?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy Fellner Dominy worked as a copywriter in the advertising business before leaving to earn her MFA in playwriting. Her plays for adults and children have been staged in various cities around the country. Amy's novels for teens include OyMG (Walker, 2011) and AUDITION & SUBTRACTION (Walker, 2012.) Amy's next book is a contemporary YA coming Spring, 2015 from Random House. It's called A Matter Of Heart.



BOOK LINKS:
Amazon paperbackhttp://tinyurl.com/mr8nntz

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Monday 11 May 2015

Perfect Timing-A Book Review||❤

Perfect Timing
By Robin Mellom
Publication Date: March 1st 2015
Rating: 2/5 stars
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
After a break-up with her boyfriend, Tori Wright decides to get her mind off the guy and takes a job running errands for an eccentric couple. Suddenly she finds herself involved in the crazy world of LA nightlife--nightclubs, palm readers, movie stars, and a roving pack of paparazzi. After a misunderstanding lands her in jail, she has one night to clear her name, help a movie starlet avoid the paparazzi, and find Adam...the coworker who is quickly stealing her heart.
As she makes decisions that can change the course of her life, Tori discovers just how far she'll go to set the record straight.
But is she too late?
Perfect Timing is a charming romantic comedy that will have you wondering if true love can be found at the wrong time. It's a teen romance that will appeal to readers of New Adult contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Jenny B. Jones, Rainbow Rowell, and Sophie Kinsella.
 


My Thoughts...
 A Perfect Timing was a sweet book but I felt like I couldn't warm to it at all. Yes, it was a sweet contemporary book and it did have a alright story line, it just felt like the book was written book was written by a teenager on Wattpad and it made it dragged on for quite a bit. This is my first time reading a book by Robin Mellom and I have heard so many great things about her. this book was definitely a disappointment for me. I kind of felt like skimming some parts of the book  because I felt bored out of my mind.

What was so good about the book was the start of it. There was the fun and loving Tori who wrote a blog with her mum on how to deal with relationships or a divvorece. It was brilliant, and I was warming up to the book. Then the half way point hit and it just slowly got colder and I was glad that I had finished the book (not in a good way). I just thought that things went to plan for Tori a few too many times and it felt like she was a completely unrealistic character. Also, I  hate how authors always find it necessary to have a gay best friend, I'm all about gay rights, but it was so stereotypical it hurt. He called her by her pet name of 'puppy' and was just annoying. You know not all gay men carry handbags. I think that character was only put into the book to try and make it seem likeable but seriously, some people use a gay best friend as an accessory in their books.
The only way to describe the book was that I just didn't get it at all. I didn't get how the romance happened, I didn't get the middle parts, I didn't get the plot twist, I didn't get the characters. I just felt confused. I just thought that so much happened that it wasn't exciting. Now, I am an eye roller and I have probably exercised my eyes so much I could lift weights from them,that's how much I'm annoyed. I probably only requested this book for its cover, yes Naomi has judged a book by its cover *gasp*

Overall, I do not recommend the book, the only reason it was given 2 stars was because I enjoyed the first part of the book.

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx
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Friday 8 May 2015

Percy Jackson And The Titans Curse-A Book Review||❤

Percy Jackson and the Titans Curse
By Rick Riordan
Publication Date: January 1st 2007
Rating: 5/5 stars
Warning: Spoilers in this review
IT'S NOT EVERYDAY YOU FIND YOURSELF IN COMBAT WITH A HALF-LION, HALF-HUMAN.

But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh, and guess what? The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive...

My Thoughts...
Don't even get me started on this bloody brilliant series of books! I feel like the series get better and better as it goes along. It's not like of those predictable books where you can guess the whole book from the top of your head and you sigh as everything you said was correct. Definitely not with this book. I felt like getting out my fake sword and slaying some monsters. Rick Riordan never fails to impress me with this amazing series.

I was seriously fangirling in this book at the Annabeth and Percy moments. When they were dancing together at the school dance and they lost track of time when they together. I had to literally put my fist in my mouth to stop myself from screaming! It was like the cutest moment ever and I was singing 'Kiss The Girl' from The Little Mermaid in my head because I am a sad person and have no life (I watch to much disney). I loved how Percy noticed how much prettier Annabeth had gotten and when he was so determined to find Annabeth no matter what even if it meant that he had to sneak out of Camp Demigod. I also found it funny how each God and person was hinting that Percy loved Annabeth and he stood there confused for ages.

Also, in this book more Gods were seen and incorporated into the book. What made things more interesting was that Thalia had now come back to life in the previous book so it meant that her and Percy had to work as a team which didn't go as planned. It also made me want to read more and more of the series because now we don't know who the prophecy is for. Thalia and Percy are both children of different Gods of the big three which means that both of them are in equally as much danger. We also learn about Thalia's past and how she isn't as happy as she might seem as she doesn't feel like her father appreciates her enough.

Overall, I think that this book is a wonderful third installment to the series andI can't wait to read more of it!!

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx
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Wednesday 6 May 2015

Waiting On Wednesday||❤

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
 This week is..........
The Lies About Truth
By Courtney C. Stevens
Publication Date: 25th November 2015
Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max.

As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she'll always be trapped in the past.
 (Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max.

As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she'll always be trapped in the past.


Why Am I Waiting This Wednesday? 
Everything about this book is perfect.. The cover, the synopsis arghh. This is a book I would chuck my money at the publisher for!!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? Comment below xx

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx


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Monday 4 May 2015

Geek Girl:Picture Perfect-A Book Review||❤

Geek Girl: Picture Perfect
By Holly Smale
Publication Date: June 4th 2014
Rating: 3/5 Stars
"My name is Harriet Manners, and I'll always be a geek."
It's the hilarious third book in the No.1 bestselling, award winning GEEK GIRL series!
Harriet Manners knows more facts that most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States. She knows that its official motto is "Ever Upward". She knows that 28% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon.

But she knows nothing about modelling in the Big Apple, and how her family will cope with life stateside. Or how to "become a brand", as the models in New York put it. And, even more importantly, what to do when the big romantic gestures aren't coming from your boyfriend...
Does geek girl go too far this time?
The laugh out loud follow-up to award winning GEEK GIRL and MODEL MISFIT will have you in stitches.


My Thoughts
Geek Girl Picture perfect is set after Harriet has finished her GCSE's and ventures onto the world of A-levels. She thinks everything will be perfect until her parents tell her last minute that she would be moving for her dads new job in New York. With people at home who have photocopies of her diaries and having to carry on her studies with a 6ft tall private teacher who scares the life out of her, a baby sister who screams to much and a boyfriend who she hasn't spoken to in ages, and a modelling agency who have completely forgotten her name, Harritet Manners life is far from perfect.

As I have said before in my reviews of the first and second book. I like the relaxed feeling I get from the book. When I was reading the book it kind of felt like a movie was going on, mainly because I was listening to Kodaline and Passion Pit at the same time so it kind of set the mood. The characters are still as funny and as silly as they are and I like how in this series it stays true to itself and doesn't wonder off into something completely different. If you are looking for a book which is in a first person perspective which is almost like you are talking yourself or writing a diary this is definitely for you.

What I didn't really like about the book was that nothing exciting happened. Other than(spoiler) her parents forgetting that it was her birthday, the book kind of felt just the same as any of the other books and it was rolling my eyes a bit more than laughing or nodding my head in agreement. What this book really needs is a bit of a change, yes I know that Harriet is a geek but I want to see her go through a phase like maybe a makeover where she changes her clothes. I'm not saying that Harriet should changer her personality completely but to be honest it did get quite boring and she wasn't really as funny anymore. It kind of felt like Harriet was nagging a bit more and I felt like I started to despise of her personality as the book went on.

What I liked about the book was mainly her parents. I loved how clueless they were and how hilarious and supportive they are of Harriet even when  they know she is a tiny bit crazy. Also I love Nick because his relationship with Harriet and how he was always there for Harriet even of he was in the middle of the desert in Africa! Even though Harriet starts talking to another boy, she soon realises that she really is in love with Nick.

Overall, I.do think that if you have enjoyed the series previously, this book would be great for you! If you are looking for a nice and laid.back series to read which is funny too then Geek Girl us definitely for you.

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx


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Friday 1 May 2015

Just One Day-A Book Review||❤

Just One Day
By Gayle Forman
Publication Date: August 20th 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

A book about love, heartbreak, travel, identity, and the “accidents” of fate,Just One Day shows us how sometimes in order to get found, you first have to get lost. . . and how often the people we are seeking are much closer than we know.

My Thoughts
Gayle Forman' s books never fail to impress me. Not only are they emotionally driven but at the same time they are beautifully written and the message each book gives out is just amazing. I loved how this book felt like more than a day and it felt like I had known Allyson my whole life, I can't even put to words how much I loved this book. Forman is truly a brilliant writer.

Allyson has always followed the rules. she has always kept her grades, she is going to college and is preparing for her pre-med, she is on a teen tour around Europe and she does anything to impress her parents. Allyson has never stepped a toe out of line and has always done what she has been told. Even though the is at the legal age to drink alcohol in London, she refuses. When she is told to write postcards to her family, she posts them. But when she is a mysterious looking blonde guy tells her to go and watch the play which is going on outdoors, she does what she's not meant to do. She goes and after only briefly talking to him she finds herself on a train to Paris. Once she steps on that train, little does she know, this is going to be the trip of her lifetime but how is she meant to experience the beauty of it in just one day?

I didn't really expect for Gayle Forman to write an excellent 3rd book. Usually with authors the first book they write is beyond this world, the second book makes you pull a face and the third has you pulling your hair out but that wasn't the case with this book. I was smiling to myself foolishly reading this book, urging Willem and Allyson to explore Paris and looking for more pages at the end of the book because I didn't want it to finish at all. I feel like Gayle Forman knows how to pull at your heart a bit and make you sigh in adoration.

I don't really have much to say about the book because it is one of those books which you need to read to see how truly beautiful it is. It is almost like a personal story which can't be explained in  one review so I'm going to end it here. Overall, I think that this is a great contemporary read  if you want to pass some time.

Sorry for the disorientated review!

Keep Reading,
Naomi...xxx
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