A Midsummer's Nightmare- Kody Keplinger BOOK TALK

*****
OMG, Kody has done it again!
It surprises me in no way whatsoever that this was a 5 star book. Keplinger is one of my favourite authors and her books are guilty pleasures of mine.
Yes, they're a bit cliché. Yes, they're a bit stereotypical. Yes, they can be a tad bit predictable.
But they are so damn good! They are quirky, funny and quick to read.
A Midsummer's Nightmare is the third book in the Hamilton High series but you can read the series in any order so it doesn't really matter.
Kody Keplinger's books- and I cannot stress this enough- are so much more than cheesy, high school books. They have so many untouched, fragile and relatable subjects dealt with Eg. divorce, cyber-bullying, stereotypes, alcoholism, sexuality and so much more!
Do not, I repeat, do not be put off by the covers (although this is probably the best one).

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Kody Keplinger knows exactly how to write a funny, witty and mind-boggling book. Every single story of hers just instantly grips me in and I love them too much for words.
Yes, they're pretty predictable but deliciously so!

Omega- Lizzy Ford (Non-spoiler) BOOK TALK

***
This book, weirdly, both disappointed me and impressed me at the same time.
I love Greek mythology and love reading about it- when it's executed well. I thought this novel had an 'okay' premise and storyline but wasn't the best that I've ever read.
However, it had me gripped and the cliff-hanger makes me yearn for the next book so desperately.
When first going into this book, I didn't like it. It was slow, confusing and hard to read. I couldn't latch onto any characters and all the secret agendas and opposing sides had me confused as to who was who and who wanted what.
But....
When I got about half way through the book, things changed.
The story picked up, I got immersed in what was happening and I grew to really love it. It was unfortunate that the beginning let it down but the second half definitely made up for it.
The action sequences were really well written and it was exciting and thrilling to read. The romance (????) was either non-existent and all in my head or very very slow-burning (which can be a good thing).
I'm excited to some when get to the sequel, Theta, to follow what happens!

Thank you for reading! Comment your thoughts! Stay amazing,
Chloe  

A Court of Mist and Fury- Sarah J. Maas BOOK TALK

* * * * *
This has been my favourite book of the whole year so far! This is the best Sarah J. Maas book I've read to date and if you haven't read this series yet- you need to stop whatever you're doing and get on that.
This is the sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses- a beauty and the beast retelling with fairie lore weaved right in. This series is stunning and this book definitely didn't disappoint. It deserves all the hype it has and I can't rave about this book enough.
With every Sarah J. Maas book I read, my love grows stronger and my reviews get longer. It's an inevitable cycle but I love it!!!
Plus, I have some crazy theories at the end of this review!
I can safely say that this my all time favourite book and will continue to be until.... I read the next book in the series, probably. Go figure.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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I feel like this entire review will be me fangirling over Rhys and Feyre...
OMG!!! I have no chill! This book was everything and more that I wanted it to be and I have so many thoughts- I don't even know where to start. I sped through this book in two days and I'm having the worst possible book hangover because I just need the next book right now!!!!!
Be warned: this is going to be a humongous book talk, I can already feel it.

August Book Haul 2016

I didn't get too many books in August but I'm very happy with the ones that I did. I bought a nice selection of genres and can't wait to get to them. Let's get started!



The Cursed Child- J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, Jack Thorne
Obviously, this had to be the first book I purchased. This book has probably been the most anticipated release of the year and I was so excited to get it. It is such a beautiful book and I have already read it and posted a BOOK TALK. I'll link that review here if you'd like to check it out!
This story is set nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts. It follows Harry's son, Albus, and a lot of other familiar faces! The story is in a script format but don't let that put you off! It's amazing, trust me.

The Cursed Child- J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, Jack Thorne BOOK TALK

****
So, here we are! The Cursed Child recently released and the entire fandom is going crazy over it!
It was weird reading in a script style because it's not usually my go-to but I actually enjoyed this book's format. It made the story very quick and easy to read. There wasn't any waffle or over-description to slow the action of the book.
The new characters were really fun to read about and seeing the similarities they had to their parents was weirdly nostalgic and just so damn cute!
In the Harry Potter series there isn't much elaboration on time turners (they're only mentioned in Prisoner of Azkaban) but this story delves into the effects and consequences of time turners nicely.
There have been mixed reviews for this book but, personally, I would definitely recommend it. 

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I was quite sceptical when going into the script-style of story because it's not usually my go-to but I ended up really enjoying it. It was quick, easy and fun to read.

Printing Mistakes RANT (Bookish Pet Peeves #3)

So. I'm in a ranting mood and I just have to let it out. Just got to get it out.
So I've had a bit of a reading slump and just didn't know what to read. I picked up many books before finally settling on Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I've been wanting to read this for a while and I started reading and it was sooooo goooood!!!!!!
I'm 240ish pages in when suddenly, the pages jump back to 217 again. So, for the next thirty odd pages, there's a re-write of what I'd just read and then it skips to page 280. It doesn't make sense to me anymore as there's a massive chunk missing!
I can't continue reading because it doesn't make sense but I desperately want to read it!! Suffice it to say, I'm a bit annoyed.
And the worst thing is- I don't have the receipt anymore. I bought the book about a year ago and knew I wouldn't take it back so chucked the receipt.
*face palm*
Printing errors are so so so so inconvenient and annoying!!
So now I'm in an even bigger reading slump because I can't read what I want to read!
Rant over!!!!

Thank you for reading! Can anyone relate? See you soon,
Chloe

Writing Exercises #1- 7x7x7

Recently, I've been delving into lots of writing exercises to help me get into the 'zone' when writing. Some of the activities I've found are really fun so I decided to recommend a few activities that might help you and to give some of my own examples.

This exercise is called 7x7x7 (obviously, if you look at the title). For this, you simply pick the seventh book on your bookshelf, go to the seventh page and pick out the seventh sentence. (Picking up a theme here?) The task is to basically write a seven line poem using that sentence as your first line. I found this super fun and I'll give you a few of the ones I did. The sentences started off well but the third one I got... well, it was a bit iffy....

"I love that my touch affected him so."- The Power, Jennifer L. Armentrout

I love that my touch affected him so.
subtle, yet significant.
The way a shiver ran down his spine,
and the spread corners of his lips.
He let out a soft sight,
and, boy, am I surprised.
I never knew my touch affected him so.

The Death House- Sarah Pinborough BOOK TALK

***
The Death House was a very mysterious and intriguing world to jump into. It gave me a Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children vibe from the very beginning. There was a whole mystery to unravel throughout this book and, while I didn't feel completely satisfied by the end, it was a great read.
It's secretive, captivating and worth the read if you're into creepy and dark reads.





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I had conflicting views on Toby as a protagonist. Strangely enough, I preferred him at the beginning compared to the end of the book. He started off being quite depressing and realistic and I liked that reaction and view of the Death House. But, after Clara joined, he turned too love-struck for my liking. His whole personality flipped and suddenly he'd changed all his opinions. Toby, overall, wasn't my favourite character mainly because he was either too much of a bully or too love-struck- it was quite a bit of a contrast.

Beautifully Burned- C. J. Burright BOOK TALK

3.5 stars
Beautifully Burned is the second book in the Dreamcasters Series- the first being Wonderfully Wicked. I'll link my spoiler free BOOK TALK here for the first book if you'd like to give it a read.
This book was a strong sequel and continued nicely from where we left of in Wonderfully Wicked. Though it follows different characters, familiar faces frequently pop up (Kalila, Lydon, Alun etc.) which was nice to read. Some say that this can be read as a standalone but I personally disagree. Sure, you can read it by itself and it'll make sense but I think that reading Wonderfully Wicked first would give you a much better insight on the world instead of reading it by itself. This book doesn't have as much explanation of Dreamcasters and the V'alkara because it's assumed that the reader already has a basic understanding of this world.
Just saying. *shrug*
This book was very good and, as a whole, I can safely say that I preferred it to the first book. I would definitely recommend it for paranormal romance lovers- it's right up your street.

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I liked Ella as a protagonist but I preferred Kalila. It's difficult to compare the two books because, when going into Beautifully Burned, all I wanted to do was read about Kalila and Lydon (...Kalydon?) but had to settle for Ella and Daxon. However, I preferred Daxon so much more to Lydon- he was nicer, kinder and he had a love of books... (Perfect, am I right?)

Wonderfully Wicked- C. J. Burright (Non-spoiler) BOOK TALK

3.5 stars
Wonderfully Wicked is the first book in The Dreamcasters Series by C. J. Burright. This first book follows Kalila who is a dreamcaster that gets thrust into this world of the V'alkara. In a world of mistrust, deception and lies she must figure out how to survive, who to trust and how to rid herself of her haunting and dangerous nightmares.
When she meets, Lydon- the man from her dreams- literally- she must discover what his true intentions are and whether or not to trust him.
To be honest, at the very beginning, I struggled to get my head around what was happening. It's a very mysterious novel and you don't really know much about what's going on in the beginning. It's one of those books where you have to connect the dots throughout as you learn things and that's not necessarily a bad thing- it just left
me confused with some minor details. It won't make 100% sense in the beginning but you have to kinda accept that and figure out things as you read.
I appreciated the originality of dreamcasters and V'alkara. The idea of nightmares being created and brought to life was very interesting and fun to read about.

Rapid Fire BOOK TAG

I found out about this tag from Jessethereader on booktube so please check that out- he's an amazing booktuber.
So, without further adieu, the tag!

 

1. E-book or Physical book?

Physical. (I have a whole post about it which I'll link here ;)

2. Paperback or hardback?

Paperback- cheaper, easier to read...

3. Online or In-Store shopping?

In-store

4. Trilogies or Series?

Series

5. Heroes or Villains?

Villains- I have a real soft spot for psychotic evil people and, of course, the sassy ones are awesome!

6. A book you want everyone to read?

Undone- Cat Clarke

7. Recommend an underrated book.

Dorothy Must Die- Danielle Paige

Writing Diary #3 - The Final Stretch!!!

It's both scary and exciting that I'm so near the end of my first draft. Only a few more chapters to go and it's so fun for me to finally write these scenes. These moments have been playing over in my head since the very beginning and the relief to finally get them down on paper is surreal.
I know that when I go through and edit, I need to flesh out the side character plots. Throughout the book, I've been gradually dropping each character and keep forgetting to add them in again. I'm so focused on the main characters and main plot that the others just slip out of the narrative. I've tried to pick them up again but there's still so much to add in when I finish. It's going to be a lot of work but I'm preparing myself for it...ish.
I seem to be writing so much so quickly at the moment because I want to finish the first draft before school re-starts and my time is wholly consumed by it. But I'm so excited to be nearly finished!

Thank you for reading! Feel free to comment! See you soon,
Chloe

 

 

 

 

The Flame Never Dies- Rachel Vincent BOOK TALK

****
I have loved Rachel Vincent since first reading the Soul Screamers series and was fully prepared to jump straight into- and love- this series. This book is the sequel to The Stars Never Rise and obliterated the second book slump! It was fast-paced, action-packed and heart-warming (and any other hyphenated word that I can think of!)
This series and the world that is created was unbelievably interesting and intriguing from the beginning. I've never read anything like it and the originality blew me away! There were so many plot twists that weave together to make such an ingenious story.
This novel is a unique blend of fantasy and dystopian. It has demons, soul possession, action and even a little romance. It's the full package!
Rachel Vincent has been one of my favourite authors since I first read the Soul Screamers series and fell in love with it! This new series is really exciting and I definitely recommend you go and read it if you haven't already!
My BOOK TALK for The Stars Never Rise will be linked here if you want to check it out!


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To get straight into the things I loved about this book (and there were many), the family orientation of the book made it super relatable and sweet to read. The relationship between Nina and Melanie warmed my heart and I respected Nina's want to sacrifice her soul for Mel's baby. I didn't realistically think that Nina would end up giving her soul to the baby but then again, I thought that Melanie would end up sacrificing herself for her child so... I wasn't right on all accounts.

The Stars Never Rise- Rachel Vincent BOOK TALK

****
This book and the world created was so interesting and unexpected. I've never read anything like it and the originality blew me away. There are so many plots and twists that I still can't even wrap my head around! It's different from what I've ever read before and I loved that!
I'd describe it as a mixture of dystopian and fantasy. It has demons, soul possession, action and romance. So ... everything you need basically.
Rachel Vincent has been one of my favourite authors since I first read the Soul Screamers series and fell in love with it! This new series is really exciting and I definitely recommend you go and read it if you haven't already!



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This book had my mind reeling!
The idea of demons possessing human bodies and the premise that the world is running out of souls was so cool! The whole aspect of soul possession and demons reminded me of the Soul Screamers series and that alone had me fangirling from the start.
In my head, I sort of imagined the degenerates like cranks from The Maze Runner trilogy. It worked for me! I think Vincent created such an awesome world and pulled it off so flawlessly.

Ebook Vs Physical Book- Book Debates

One of the biggest debates in book culture is the dreaded: Ebook vs. Physical books. I was inspired to talk about this debate by a booktuber's video discussing it so please go and check out their original video: PolandbananasBOOKS.
Personally, I prefer the latter but we'll get onto reasons in a sec. I'll be outlining some of the main arguments and you guys can comment/vote your preference!
Let's get started!

Physical

The satisfaction of the left side getting bigger and the right side getting smaller!

Ebook

Can carry thousands of books in one hand

A Poem of Books- Original Poetry

I got this idea from this year's booktubeathon and desperately wanted to give it a try myself. The aim is to make a poem, monologue or story wholly out of book titles. Obviously, I went with a poem and I'm so proud of it. I managed to get at least one title in each line and it makes sense! Oh, the joy!
The Goodreads link to each book will be put beneath the poem if you want to check any of them out.
Enjoy!


Since You've Been Gone,

I've been unravelling, Undone.

I'm simply a Passenger,

In a City of Lost Souls.

 

My Torment will Never Fade,

My Silence a Queen of Shadows.

But, still, I don't let it Shatter Me,

For my strength is An Ember in the Ashes.

 

When We Collided,

It was The Unexpected Everything.

We were Falling Fast, Soulmates, The One,

Everything Everything.

 

We lived in The Spectacular Now,

Dreaming of Something Like Fate.

There was Power in our Passion,

And I loved you With All My Soul.

 

But we were Faking Normal,

Throwing stones in Glass Houses.

We realised our Ugly Love,

accepting The Impossibility of Tomorrow.

 

That is The Problem with Forever.

We Were Liars and we were Flawed.

Stepping near The Edge of Never,

It was The Symptoms of Being Human.

 

Unknowingly, our love was Skin Deep,

Hopelessly searching for Where Rainbows End.

And, for once, in my Half Lost life,

I chose Me Before You.

 

If I Stay for Just One Night,

We'd never be More Than This.

So I Don't Look Back- can't,

I'm sorry but This Is What Goodbye Looks Like.

-Chloe Harris

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed!

The 5th Wave ADAPTATION TALK

***
I finally got round to watching The 5th Wave movie yesterday and, boy, do I have some things to say about it.
The 5th Wave is based (and I use the word 'based' loosely) on Rick Yancey's sci-fi trilogy. The trilogy is decent book series though not my favourite. I would recommend reading the books over the movie because the book is so much more detailed and the movie skims over everything too quickly.
In terms of non-spoilers, I can say that I actually quite enjoyed it. Yeah, there were many parts of the book missing and the characters were in general... lacking, but as a movie it was entertaining and gripped me. There are many controversial opinions on this movie and while I did personally think it was good, I can't see a sequel movie being made in the future.

TRAILER

AMAZON

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The movie started off pretty promising for me. The whole shoot scene was pretty similar to how I pictured it in the book. The main gist of the plot was mainly accurate to the book but obviously there was a lot- a lot- of detail missing.
I loved the actor who played Sam. Sammy was so damn cute in all of his scenes. Though, I do think he should've been included more- especially when he is working and training. He really isn't shown too much which disappointed me.

Me Before You- Jojo Moyes BOOK TALK

****
If you haven't heard of this book then- other than living under a rock- you have been missing out on a lot.
Me Before You is the novel that has been sweeping the world. I don't want to say much in terms of non-spoiler because I think it's best to go in without knowing much.
Go read it, I beg you!



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Louisa is one of the perkiest and optimistic protagonists I have ever read. Her smile was infectious and it was lovely to read in her voice. She's such a positive influence and I would love to have her as friend.
I absolutely loved Will. He was way funnier than I was expecting him to be and I adored his sense of humour. It was witty, clever and it brought a very easy smile on my face.

Writing Diary #2 - The Struggle!!!!!

Check out Writing Diary #1 if you missed it!


This is more of a rant, I feel, than an actual update but I need to get this frustration out of me.
I desperately want to finish the first draft of my book before the end of the summer holidays so have drastically increased my number of words goal per day.
So, it's the first day of the summer holidays, I'm ready and raring to right and I go straight to my laptop. I bang out a couple thousand words and I'm feeling super proud!
Then...the computer freezes.
All my work from the past few hours is lost and, though trying a million and one different ways, I cannot retrieve the file.
I'm not even joking- I sat down and cried.
I was so unbelievably proud of what I'd just written only to have it completely disappear.
Naturally, I spent the rest of the afternoon re-writing the chapter that I'd just written.
Sometimes, I hate technology.

Thanks for reading- I needed to get that out. I'm sure there's many people who can relate to that feeling. See you soon,
Chloe

August Releases and TBR 2016

Releases:
A Torch Against The Night (An Ember in the Ashes, #2) - Sabaa Tahir
The Flame Never Dies (The Stars Never Rise, #2) - Rachel Vincent
Vicarious (Vicarious, #1) - Paula Strokes 
United (Alienated, #3) - Melissa Landers
Furthermore- Taherah Mafi
Enter Title Here- Rahul Kanakia

TBR:
A Court of Mist and Fury- Sarah J. Maas
I know, I know!!! I wanted to read it last month but didn't get the chance!!!!I've already started and finished it within two days it and it is hella amazing!!! Get ready for a ridiculously long BOOK TALK!

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child- J.K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
August's 'Book of the Month' is obviously going to be The Cursed Child. I got the book a couple of days ago and it's so beautiful! I can't wait to read this!!!! This is set nineteen years after The Deathly Hallows and it is exciting!