May Wrap Up 2017

Warning: This post contains an abysmal amount of reading (for me personally, anyway) and a love for Colleen Hoover that's positively obtuse. 

This has definitely been my worst month in terms of reading. Before, during and after Frankenstein, I fell into a massive slump that was essentially a tightly coiled ball of stress, revision, exams and... The Vampire Diaries Season 8.
Nevertheless, four books were read and I'm still on track for my yearly reading challenge (thank God for past me being preemptive).


November 9-  Colleen Hoover
*****
This was about time for a re-read because.... I only read this in December 2016! And then again in January 2017.... it was long overdue. A lot of stress and worry has been following me around this month so I really needed a pick-me-up read that I knew I loved with all my heart. And it worked! Reading this felt as easy as breathing and it felt like coming home. I love this book, these characters and Colleen Hoover. It was a great de-stress beginning to the month.
November 9- Colleen Hoover Book Talk


Frankenstein- Mary Shelley
*** 
This was a forced, felt-like-I-had-to read. and probably the reason why I fell into such a book slump this month. Don't get me wrong; I like this book, but it's just hard to read when you know it's for an exam you've got coming up- it just doesn't feel like free time.

May Book Haul 2017

Warning: You may very well get jealous of all the amazing books featured. Reader- envy definitively likely. 
Though I didn't read much at all this month, I still bought some very pretty books. It's exam time, okay? I need to treat myself.... and my book shelf during this stressful time.

A Court of Wings and Ruin- Sarah J. Maas 
Of course this was the first book I got. I received it through the YA Chronicles subscription box that I'd ordered (unboxing link here) along with some stunning pieces of merch. This is the third and final book in the ACOTAR trilogy- though another story arc will appear in the same world with other characters in a spin-off trilogy. A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fae retelling of Beauty and the Beast, A Court of Mist and Fury follows a storyline of the Hades and Persephone and A Court of Wings and Ruin supposedly has traces of Snow White which makes me really excited... and scared.




The Dead List- Jennifer L. Armentrout 
The physical edition of this came out this month and, while I read this months ago when it was free on Wattpad, I needed to get a physical copy of this. JLA is my favourite author and all her books are stunning. The Dead List is a YA thriller/romance that has you questioning everything and everyone! I made the mistake of reading this at night, surrounded by darkness and it sure scared the crap out of me. I cant wait to give it a re-read.

The Vampire Diaries 8x12 'What Are You?' TV TALK

We have an Elena Gilbert quote from season 1!! 'What are you?" I swear, that was in the previously for each episode for a long long time.
This episode was pretty generic.... until the end. That cliffhanger had me screaming out loud today in excitement because.... oh my God, I can't wait!
It was very flashback-ey episode and, usually that's fine but... it was centered around the Maxwell's and Matt so.... that made it substantially less interesting.

Elena Mentions: 1

TVD TALKS:
Season 8: 8x01 | 8x02 | 8x03 | 8x04 | 8x05 | 8x06 | 8x07 | 8x08 | 8x09 | 8x10 | 8x11

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
The episode started greatly because instantly Alaric's here! I love Alaric so I'm always happy when he's on screen but... I hate the tension between Dalaric! They used to be my ultimate bromance but now my little heart is breaking because all they're doing is fighting and killing one another! Damn Alaric for trapping Damon when he was only trying to help his brother!!
I felt super sorry for poor Bonnie in this episode! She was in extreme grieve mode and I did a freaking double-take when Abby showed up. I forget that she even exists until she pops up every now and again!

It Ends With Us- Colleen Hoover BOOK TALK

*****
"My heart? Go ahead, Colleen break it into a million pieces! My sanity? Sure, take that too!" 
This is an exact quote of mine after finishing this book (though, personally, I think it can apply to all Colleen Hoover books).
This story was enlightening, earth-shattering and so very important for so very many reasons. I don't want to go too far into depth about what this book is about because I think it's best to go in blind as you get to experience all of the.... painful things as a surprise. What I will tell you is that it is extremely hard-hitting and we follow a very dynamic set of characters.
I can't find the words to do this story justice but I do know that everyone has to pick up this beauty of a book. You'll thank me later.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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This book started out a lot happier than the end and it went a lot darker than I was expecting- meaning it hit me right in the feels when I wasn't expecting it- meaning it hurt even more than usual.
I loved how Ryle and Lily met. It was cute, flirty and in that moment, I fell in love with Ryle. Hard. Which, again, made everything more painful in the long run.
Lily's eulogy was epic- savage, yes- but completely epic nonetheless. It established an instant like towards her and how sassy, stubborn and fierce she was.
On the night of their meeting, we introduced the concept of a naked truth and I just love that.The idea is so necessary in today's society and this premise became so important in their relationship and their future- it threaded through the book beautifully.
When first reading Ryle's character in this opening sequence, I related to him so much. I'm very career orientated and often wonder whether I'm too selfish and success-orientated to have kids. It was just nice to see that idea (worry?) put down on paper.

The Walking Dead 3x10 'Home' TV TALK

This was a very dramatic and hard-hitting episode which I liked for the most part- though some moments very much pulled on the ol' heart strings. I love seeing the development of each and every character every episode- this series is so beautifully character based and I think it works so well.
I absolutely loved the end of this episode- it was such an epic, throw-your-hands-up-in-triumph moment (trust me, I actually did that), and it finished off the episode stunningly.




TWD TV TALKS:
Season 1: | 1x01 | 1x02 | 1x03 | 1x04 | 1x05 | 1x06
Season 2: | 2x01 | 2x02 | 2x03 | 2x04 | 2x05 | 2x06 | 2x07 | 2x08 | 2x09 | 2x10 | 2x11 | 2x12 | 2x13
Season 3: | 3x01 | 3x02 | 3x03 | 3x04 | 3x05 | 3x06 | 3x07 | 3x08 | 3x09

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD 
Rick is having some serious issues; he's hallucinating Lori and my heart bleeds for him! We don't even have Daryl to comfort him. One thing I love though (and I truly freaking love and appreciate it) is how Rick told Hershel that he was hallucinating and that he had a problem. Too often in TV shows- in fiction- the protagonist keeps these things to himself and then slowly withdraws into crazy town. We can't overcome your problem, if you don't tell anyone about it so thank you so much Rick for having the sense to tell Hershel- because now we can help you!! My respect for this show went up about 10 notches (and by 10, I mean 10 thousand).
The Governor is being funny- and totally not in a humorous way. I don't completely believe that he wants Andrea to lead... and damn him for lying about leaving her friends alone and then coming straight up to the prison to slaughter them. F you, mate.

The Greek Mythology Book TAG

You can tell who my favourite God is...

Due to extreme busy-ness, I needed a filler post until I can bring myself to finish my giant review of It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. So.... Tag Time it is!!!
You may not know, but I freaking love Greek Mythology. I love reading retellings of the Gods (e.g. The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout/ Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan). The Gods are always super sassy and fun in these books so I'm definitely up for doing a book tag all about them!
I first saw this tag over at Readers and More, so I'll link their post in case you want to check it out!

Zeus- God of the Sky and Thunder- Favourite book
At the moment, I stand at A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (no shocks there, then). But when the sequel comes out.... I may change it to that one.
ACOMAF- Sarah J. Maas Book Talk

Poseidon- God of the Seas- Book that drowned you in feels 
Winter- Marissa Meyer
This finale was everything a finale needs to be. Going at 800 pages, it had everything it needed and watching all the previous books and characters coming together into a massive, epic finale.... gave me some feels alright.
Winter- Marissa Meyer Book Talk

Hades- God of the Underworld- Favourite book with a dark and ominous plot 
We Were Liars- E. Lockhart
That's one of the main things I loved about this book. It was so eerie and dark- a creepy, mysterious and dreamy plot mixed with a deep and ominous plot.
We Were Liars- E. Lockhart Book Talk
We Were Liars- E. Lockhart Further Discussion

The Walking Dead 3x09 'The Suicide King' TV TALK

I loved this episode but it played with my emotions a lot. No surprises there, am I right?
A lot is happening and all the characters are beginning to join together and find out about each other's existence which is exciting!!! A very particular thing happened in this episode that I'm not happy about but I'm 100% sure that it will resolve itself soon enough (it will just be painful until that time comes).


TWD TV TALKS:
Season 1: | 1x01 | 1x02 | 1x03 | 1x04 | 1x05 | 1x06
Season 2: | 2x01 | 2x02 | 2x03 | 2x04 | 2x05 | 2x06 | 2x07 | 2x08 | 2x09 | 2x10 | 2x11 | 2x12 | 2x13
Season 3: | 3x01 | 3x02 | 3x03 | 3x04 | 3x05 | 3x06 | 3x07 | 3x08


SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS HEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
I have never hated the Governor more than I have in the moment where he tried to get Merle and Daryl fight to the death. They're brothers, you sick git!! And I was nearly flipping my shit when they brought the Walkers in! No one is to hurt my beautiful Daryl!

The Hamilton Book TAG

I haven't the foggiest idea why it took me this long to do the Hamilton tag when I have loved Hamilton for a good year and a half. Better late than never, I suppose. The original of this tag was done on Maureen Keavy's Booktube channel so I'll link her video in case you want to give it a watch. I originally saw the tag on Christine Riccio's channel, Polandbananasbooks, so I'll also link that- I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch.

What time is it? Showtime!

1. The Room Where it Happens: Book world you would put yourself in.
The Covenant series- Jennifer L. Armentrout
Of course Harry Potter is the obvious choice but I would also kill to be Hematoi and fight alongside kick-ass Alex and the rest of the Army of Awesome.

2. The Schuyler Sisters: Underrated Female Character
Cress- The Lunar Chronicles- Marissa Meyer
Cress may be super shy and awkward but she's also unbelievably cute and... a genius! She's so underrated because she's the most intelligent person ever and she needs recognition for it. Work! The crew wouldn't achieve anything without her- I don't know how they managed in the first two books.

The YA Chronicles || ACOWAR Subscription Box

In all my life (all sixteen year of it, can you believe!!!), I've never had a book subscription box but this month, my favourite book's sequel came out and I couldn't resist getting a box solely dedicated to it's release.
The majority of the things featured have spoilers to the second book A Court of Mist and Fury so move forward at you own peril!! I'll have a spoiler warning up just to remind you.
I'll link the YA Chronicles website here in case you want to check out any future boxes or past boxes that you get yourself!

ACOTAR Ribbon Bookmark by Charmedfiction on Etsy 
This is super cute- it's a ribbon bookmark with charms on either end of a star and a pair of wings with roses on them. I love it so much and it's currently hanging over my copy ACOWAR on my shelf.
A Large Quote Pin designed by Evie Bookish on Redbubble 
This pin has an ACOWAR quote but it's nothing spoilery so I figured it was okay.



ACOMAF SPOILERS AHEAD- DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ ACOMAF-
Now for the good stuff...

The Struggle- Jennifer L. Armentrout BOOK TALK

*****
I can't believe that this is my first JLA review online! She's my favourite ever author and I read her books for the first time before even creating this blog- hence why I have no book talks. JLA is the author of some of my favourite series, namely; The Lux series, The Covenant series and The Titan series as well as many other series and standalones. She's amazing, guys, trust me- her books kick- ass with their sass levels and action. Plus.... a lot of fit men.
The Struggle is the third book in the Titan series- a spin off of The Covenant series following certain characters (aka.. all the characters but focusing on a different pair). You do have to read the Covenant series before diving into these ones but.... trust me, every book is worth it. The Titan series is a new adult series as opposed to the Covenant being Young Adult so there are some slight differences in the way it's written but still totally awesome. Don't be swayed by the cheesy romance covers- they're so much more!! JLA has the best writing style out there- it's the funniest prose I've ever encountered.
This world is centred around the Greek Gods etc. and it's just sooooo gooood!! Get to reading. Now!

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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The first thing I think I should mention is the thing about these books that give me the most joy and happiness in the world: Luke and Deacon. I have never read such a perfect couple that literally define the word 'adorable' with such humour, finesse and fabulousness as they do (and I know fabulousness isn't really a word but Luke and Deacon own it).
Every scene they show up in has me perpetually grinning and, I swear, I need a novella or book about these two as much as I need physical air to breathe.

The Vampire Diaries 8x11 'You Made a Choice to Be Good' TV TALK

We had a few plot holes in this episode but... what's TVD without a few dodgy plot flaws! This series isn't perfect- *cough cough* beyond convenient timings- but instead of irking me, it just makes me laugh. You gotta love this show.
Beware: my sarcasm in the following review is a little overkill...

Elena Mentions: 15

TVD 8x01 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x02 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x03 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x04 TV TALK

TVD 8x05 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x06 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x07 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x08 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x09 TV TALK  |  TVD 8x10 TV TALK

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Cade had a nice little convo with an unsuspecting Bonnie! Isn't he sweet?!
Stefan sure didn't stay locked up long- about as long as Sybil was. I thought we were going to have a nice humanity switch session- damn Cade for getting around so sneakily. How does Cade get around so quick anyway? Can he just... disapparate to where he wants to go? Guess there are some perks to being the Devil.
Oh, look! A time capsule! How completely pointless yet strangely convenient for the plot! We find a random cipher code thingy and, what are the chances! That's important for exactly what we need in this episode! Sometimes life is just a perfect coincidence, am I right? Th only cute thing we got out of it was Caroline's adorable letter to herself.

May Releases and TBR 2017

Releases:
A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR #3)- Sarah J. Maas
THIS IS NOT A DRILL! THE SEQUEL TO MY FAVOURITE BOOK COMES OUT THIS MONTH! AND I CAN'T READ IT UNTIL I FINISH EXAMS AT THE END OF JUNE! HOW CAN I POSSIBLY WAIT!?
Alex and Eliza- Melissa De La Cruz 
Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)- Cassandra Clare
The Dark Prophecy (Trials of Apollo #2)- Rick Riordan
Release- Patrick Ness
Sons of Ares- Pierce Brown
Girlhood- Cat Clarke





TBR: 
The Rest of Us Just Live Here- Patrick Ness (Book of the Month)
In the need for a quick and short read, Kaitlin and I have chosen this book for this month's read. I've heard mixed reviews so I'm interested to see what it's all about.

Girlhood- Cat Clarke
I actually received a digital ARC of this book last month and I'm super excited because Cat Clarke has written one of my favourite books, Undone. This book has an interesting premise and I love the little tag line that comes on the cover of the book: Sugar and spice and scars for life.