Thursday, September 29, 2016

Review: You're the One That I want


Title: You're the One That I Want
Author: Giovanna Fletcher
Publisher: Penguin
Year published: 2014
How I got this book: I listened to it as an audiobook on the app StoryTel
My rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob - the man she's about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben - best man and the best friend any two people ever had.

And that's the problem.

Because if it wasn't Rob waiting for her at the altar, there's a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen? And would he be right?

Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make, but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it...

My thoughts:
This is my first book by Giovanna Fletcher, and I definitely want to pick up more books from her after this. The book si light-hearted, captivating and heart-breaking. 

We follow Maddy, Ben and Rob throughout their childhood until their all adults, from the perspectives of Maddy and Ben. Their story begins when they were all children, all of them in the same class. I really enjoyed how we got the see how their relationships evolved as they grew up, and how the dynamic in the group changed with them.

The story takes place several places, depending on where the characters are in their lives. We follow them on a class-trip to Paris when their teenagers, and they are obsessed with finding the love of their life in the City of Love.

We have one chapter from Maddy and one chapter from Ben at the different stages in their life. The story is easy to follow, especially as we get to know their age in the chapter title. Without that, it might have been a bit more confusing.

The best thing about having this dual perspective, is that we learn how to people experience the same things. Even though they are best friends, they react so differently from each other, and it's clear that they can think for themselves, and not just follow each other.

If you're a fan of light-hearted romance books, with a lot of focus on friendship, I would recommend picking this book up. It is definitely a romance novel, but the two narratives aren't the love interests, which makes this story all the more interesting. We learn about their friendship through their lives, and how life-changes like moving to university affects their friendship.


Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Review: Empire of Storms










**This is the 5th book in the Throne of Glass series, and will contain spoilers for Throne of Glass,  Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows. **

Title: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year published: 2016
How I got this book: I bought it at Waterstones
My rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

My thoughts:
I have to warn everyone, this review will contain a lot of spoilers for this book. I have so much I need to share. If you haven't read this book yet and don't want to be spoiled, stop reading. The only non-spoilery thing I can say, is that I absolutely loved it and it broke my heart.

*Spoilers below*

I don't even know how to being this review, I have so much on my mind and I don't know how to get it all onto the page, with it still making sense. Because of that, I'll just start with the characters.

Aelin. My favourite heroine of all time. She's amazing in this book as well. We have a vast choice of perspectives throughout this book, and I don't think there's one I enjoyed more than the others, but Aelin is one of my favourite characters. She's so complex, and it's clear that she isn't just a selfless, perfect heroine. She's selfish and doesn't always make the best choices. She's very obviously flawed, but that makes her all the more likable, in my opinion.

And then we have Rowan, who we first met in Heir of Fire. He's just as amazing in this book as the others, and I really enjoy reading about his relationship with Aelin. I know a lot of people say they hate the fact that they became romantic, but I don't have anything against it. I'm on board with whatever Maas decides. 

We get to know Lysandra a lot in this book, and we learn a lot more about her shapeshifting. I found this so intriguing, and Lysandra is one of my favourite characters, though, to be honest, they all are. I loved learning about how it worked, and how Lysandra was able to take one shape, and then tweak it to make it better for what she wanted. And her Sea Dragon moment was amazing, I've never been more scared in my life. 

We also see a lot of Manon in this book, which I really enjoyed. Pretty early in this book we learn that she's actually a Crochan Queen, not just a Blackbeak. I did not see that coming, and I'm so excited to see what this means for the next book. I still can't get over the fact that she sacrificed herself to give her Thirteen time to run away, because she cared so much for them. I am just so glad she didn't die, because I don't know what I would have done if that happened.

I also want to talk about Manon and Dorian. We got hints in the last book that something might happen between them, though no one was sure if it would be platonic or romantic. I totally ship them together, and if that what makes them happy I'll support it. Both Dorian and Manon deserves happiness.

And then we have another ship that a lot of people didn't like, Elide and Lorcan. Again, I'm on board with whatever Maas decides, so I really liked this as well. It was interesting reading from both of their perspectives, and I feel like we learn more about this world and the dynamic with every perspective added. 

The last ship, though they're not "together", is Lysandra and Aedion. Aedion is so clearly in love with Lysandra, and he just want her to be happy. They form this strong friendship, which, of course, is broken by the ending of this book. I also really loved that we get to know that Aedion is bi-sexual, in such a casual way. 

We have all of these characters in this book, and many are complaining that Chaol isn't in this book. I didn't really mind it, because the book worked the way it is. I'm used to reading series where not every character is in every book. And the only thing he did during this book was being on a boat, travelling to healers. Though I am a big fan of him, I don't think it would have added anything to the story, and would have made the book so much longer. And we even got a novella about him and his journey, and honestly, that was enough for me.

I can't not mention the Battle at Skull Bay in this review, where Lysandra becomes the sea dragon to fight the wyerns in the water. I cried so much, I was terrified that Lysandra was going to die. Maas surely knows how to write action, because I could not put the book down.

A lot of people have been complaining about the sex in this book, and though I understand that some people might not enjoy them, I don't understand all the complaining. There are 3 sex scenes in this book, and if you wan't to you can skip them. They don't bring anything to the plot, but I don't think they made the book worse. People complained that the sex scenes were mature content, but I felt like a lot of the action was that as well.

Before I get to the ending, I just have to discuss Maeve a little bit. She is definitely the new main enemy, and I cannot stand her at all. I hate that Lorcan, Fenrys and Gavriel had their blood oaths to her, and that she was able to just control them like that, and they didn't have any choice. I've seen a lot of people saying she's the "new Umbridge", and I definitely agree. Some villains you love to hate, but others you just want gone. And Maeve is one of those.

I cannot believe the ending of this book. I was honestly not okay after reading it, I had no idea what to do with myself. We learn all of these hidden plot points, even from previous books. This just shows how smart Aelin is, to keep it hidden from everyone. Because of all the perspectives, Maas was able to hide from the readers as well, and it worked so great. I was so sad, and excited at the same time, when everything got revealed in the end. But I still cannot deal with the fact that Aelin is now all alone, captured by Maeve. I felt sick to my stomach reading the last chapter, especially with the whipping. 

I really hope you've read the book if you're reading this, unless you really wanted to be spoiled. I can't wait for the next one, which I'm sure will be just as great as the others. 

What did you think of Empire of Storms?


Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Review: Photographs from the Edge


Title: Photographs from the Edge
Author: Art Wolfe, Rob Sheppard
Publisher: Amphoto Books
Year published: 2016
How I got this book: I got it as an e-arc through NetGalley
My rating: -

Goodreads synopsis:
With more than 500,000 books sold, celebrated nature photographer Art Wolfe recounts the stories and techniques behind the images of his forty-year career around the world.

Legendary photographer Art Wolfe presents an intimate behind-the-scenes guide to the experiences, decisions, and methods that have influenced forty years of stunning images captures around the world. Wolfe and co-author Rob Sheppard transport readers on a global journey, while carrying on a dialog about photography, tolls and process, world travel, close calls, and photographic opportunities both taken and missed. From the rich sights and smells of the Pushcar Camel Fair to the exact moment when a polar bear and her cubs leave their arctic den, Photographs from the Edge represents the instances when circumstance, light, and subject miraculously collide to form an iconic image. Many of these photographs can never be duplicated as cultures and landscapes are transformed and wildlife diminishes or disappears all together. No matter his subjects, Wolfe regales us with the stories behind the photographs and helps us experience life on the world's most unique photo safari. Photographs from the Edge is a lifetime of experience distilled into a rich photographic education.

My thoughts:
Before I start my review, I want to mention that I got this book for free as an arc through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions here are my own, and not influenced by the fact that I got this for free.

I've never read a photography book before, because I'm not really that interested in it, to be honest. But when I got accepted for this on NetGalley, I was excited. The cover drew me in, it's absolutely stunning, and I really wanted to see more pictures from Art Wolfe. 

What I really enjoyed about this book was that it wasn't just pictures. Wolfe told about every picture he included in this book, how he got it and the adventures he experienced travelling throughout the world to find these pictures. The stories were all intriguing, and I learnt about different cultures and animals, about whatever he had pictured. 

Beneath most of the pictures they also included to short paragraphs, one called "The nature of the photo" and "photo tip". The first one gave us some basic information about the picture, whilst the latter was written by Rob Sheppard giving photography tips, usually something relevant with the photograph. 

I really enjoyed reading this. Because of all the pictures, this was obviously a short read. I can imagine this being the perfect coffee-table book. You don't have to read all of it in one sitting, though that's what I did. It's a book that's perfect to pick up now and then, working slowly through it. I can imagine this being a great gift for someone, because it can also be used to decorate a home. You don't have to like to read to enjoy this, because it's mostly looking at beautiful photographs.

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Audiobooks

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Hello!

I'm a big fan of audiobooks, and this summer I listened to loads of them. I'm lucky enough to have a job where I'm able to listen to them whilst working, and because of that I'm able to get through quite a lot of books during work. I'm soon starting uni, I only have 2 more days of work after this one, so I won't be able to listen to as many audiobooks anymore, but I will still try my best to include it in my reading. 


The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, read by Rob Inglis. This is the book I'm currently listening to, and I'm really enjoying it. I think this is easer for me, personally, instead of reading the physical book.

Life & Laughing by Michael McIntyre, read by Michael McIntyre. My absolute favourite audiobook of all time. McIntyre is my favourite comedian, and listening to him reading his own book is extremely funny. I listened to this at work, and I can honestly say I laughed out lout at several occasions. 

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, read by Roy Dotrice. Though I've only picture the first book I mean the entire series, which I listened to as audiobooks. One word; amazing.

The Narnia Chronicles by C. S. Lewis, read by several people. Again, though I've only pictured the first book, I mean the entire series.


Summer at the Lake by Erica James, read by Antonia Beamish.

Act of God by Jill Ciment, read by Barbara Rosenblat.

You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher, read by Ben Elliot and Kate Rawson.

The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes, read by Elizabeth Bower, Ben Elliot, Nicola Stanton and Steven France.


¨

Armada by Ernest Cline, read by Will Wheaton

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes, read by Christoper Ragland


What is your favourite audiobook? Do you prefer audiobooks or physical books?

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Review: The One Plus One


Title: The One Plus One
Author: Jojo Moyes
Publisher: Penguin
Year published: 2014
How I got this book: I listened to an audiobook through the app Storytel
My rating: 4,5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
One single mum

With two jobs and two children, Jess Thomas does her best day after day. But it's hard on your own. And sometimes you take you shouldn't. Because you have to...

One chaotic family

Jess's gifter, quirky daughter Tanzie is brilliant with numbers, but without a helping hand she'll never get the chance to shine.And Nicky, Jess's teenage stepson, can't fight the bullies alone. 

Sometimes Jess feels like they're sinking...

One handsome stranger

Into their lives come Ed Nicholls, a man whose life is in chaos, and who is running from a deeply uncertain future. But he has time on his hands. He knows what it's like to be lonely. And he wants to help...

One unexpected love story

My thoughts:
This story is absolutely adorable. We read from four different perspectives, Jess, Tanzie, Nicky and Ed. With the audiobook there were four narrators, so we heard different people depending on which perspective we were reading.

I enjoyed all four of the perspectives, and didn't really have a clear favourite. My favourite character in the story has to be Tanzie, I just fell for her. She is this little math genius, and she can do anything. Her personality was really likeable, and it was interesting to learn how she perceived the world around her. 

It was so easy to connect with all the characters, and I felt like a knew all of them personally. I really wanted good things to happen to all of them, and I got really sad when it seemed like the entire universe worked against them. They all have their flaws, but I found their personalities and experiences really realistic.

This book made me realise that I really enjoy books by Jojo Moyes. I will continue reading her books, because they all have realistic plots. This is definitely a book you should pick up, even if you haven't read anything by Moyes before. 

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Review: Winter

This is the fourth, and last, book int he Lunar Chronicles and will contain spoilers for Cinder, Scarlet and Cress.


Title: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) 
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year published: 2015
How I got this book: Bough it through BookDepository
My rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend - the handsome palace guard, Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? 

My thoughts:
I'll keep this review pretty short, because I don't want to spoil anything. I'm really sad that I've finished this series, I enjoyed the story so much, I wanted it to last forever. 

We have all of our beloved characters in this book, and spend time with all of them, even though they aren't always together. The book, even though it's over 800 pages, was full of action all the time. There was never a boring moment, and the reader is always kept on the edge of the seat. There were so many times I thought they were near winning, but there were always too many pages left for it to actually be over. 

Personally, I thought this was a really satisfying end to the series, though I'll always want more. Everything wrapped up nicely, and kept with the Snow White theme throughout the book. I think that's been one of my favourite thing about this series. Meyer always stays true to the fairytales, but she still makes the stories her own. There are so many parallells throughout this series with the fairytales, in ways I couldn't even imagine. 

I know Meyer has published Fairest, the story of Levana, and I really want to read that. Levana is one of the most amazing villains I've read about. We learn a little about her backstory in Winter, and it's clear that she's a very well dimensioned character, with a lot of flaws. 

This is a series I will gladly recommend to everyone, and I'm really hoping Meyer is going to write another series in the future, because I will definitely pick that up.

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Wrap up: August



Hello!

I don't really know how, but I somehow managed to read 26 books in august. Therefore, I can honestly say I had a pretty good reading month. I've generally liked all the books as well, with some exceptions of course, but I can't expect to really like every book I read. This list won't be in completely in the order I read them, but most of them are.


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling - 5 stars
The Last Star by Rick Yancey - 3,5 stars - REVIEW
Girl Online On Tour by Zoe Sugg - 3,5 stars - REVIEW
The Amazing Book is Not on Fire by Dan Howell and Phil Lester - 4 stars



The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis - 3,5 stars
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis - 4 stars
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis - 3,5 stars
Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis - 4 stars
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis - 4 stars
The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis - 4 stars
The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis - 4 stars

I didn't write reviews for any of these books, because I didn't really have much to say about them. I'm really glad I finally got to this series, and I really enjoyed all of them. Definitely something I would recommend.



The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes - 4,5 stars
Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer - 3 stars
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany - 5 stars
Armada by Ernest Cline - 4 stars


The Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - 3 stars
Caspar Lee by Caspar Lee and Emily Riordan Lee - 4 stars - REVIEW
Summer at the Lake by Erica James - 4 stars
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes - 5 stars


Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling - 4 stars
Winter by Marissa Meyer - 5 stars - REVIEW
More Than This by Patrick  Ness - 4,5 stars
Be Light Like a Bird by Monika Schröder - 4 stars - REVIEW


May I Have Your Attention, Please? by James Corden - 4 stars
The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes - 4,5 stars - REVIEW
Prince of Thorns by mark Lawrence - 3 stars

So these are all the books I read this month! I've already promised myself to not be disappointed if I read fewer books read next month, because I honestly don't know how I could ever top this.

What was the best book you read this month?






Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: TV-Shows I'm Watching This Term

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Hello!

I'm starting university this fall, so this week's topic fits perfectly. I have a list of TV-shows I'm saving for when I start uni, so I know I'll always have something to watch. I will of course be reading as well, but as I'm studying literature I want to be able to relax with something else as well.

Salem
I've seen a few episodes of this show before, but I really want to get into it, because it seems like a really good show.
Game of Thrones
I've already seen all of the episodes, but I want to re-watch the entire series again. It's just amazing.
The Shannara Chronicles
Another series I started, but I sort of lost interest. I have to start it from the beginning, but I don't really mind.
How I Met Your Mother
I've seen pretty much all of this, except for the last season or something. I want to start it again, it's so light-hearted and funny.
Stranger Things
People are talking about this everywhere, so I'm really intrigued. I want to wait until school start though, so I can really get into it.

Lost
A series I started and got really into last summer, but I just stopped watching. However, I want to finish it because I did really enjoy it.
Orphan Black
Yet another series that I started, but just didn't continue with. I know it's a great show, so I have to watch it again.
How to Get Away With Murder
A brilliant show, though I've only seen half of the first season. I fell off after the mid-season finale, and just didn't get back into it, unfortunately.
The Fosters
I'm currently on a break from this series, but I am planning on picking it back up when school starts.
Outlander
A series I have yet to start, though I've heard a lot about it. I want to read the books some day, but I think I'll try the show first with this one.


What TV-shows are you watching this school term?




Saturday, September 3, 2016

Review: Be Light Like a Bird


Title: Be Light Like a Bird
Author: Monika Schröder
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Year published: 2016
How I got this book: I got this as an arc through NetGalley
My rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
After the death of her father, twelve-year-old Wren finds her life thrown into upheaval. And when her mother decides to pack up the car and forces Wren to leave the only home she's ever known, the family grows even more fractured. As she and her mother struggle to build a new life, Wren must confront issues with the environment, peer pressure, bullying, and most of all, the difficulty of forgiving those who don't deserve it. 

A quirky, emotional middle grade novel set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Be Light Like a Bird features well-drawn, unconventional characters and explores what it means to be a family and the secrets and lies that can tear one apart.

My thoughts:
Before I start my review, I want to point out that I got this book as an e-arc for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I went into this book fully aware that it was written for a younger audience, but I still greatly enjoyed it. It's a fast read, and it brings up some issues.

Though this book touches a lot on grief, it's not a sad book. You feel for the characters, especially Wren, the main character, but it does that without making the entire book sad. There are happy moments throughout the entire book. 

We follow Wren, our main character. She's 12-years-old and her father has just died, so she and her mom moves from place to place. Through Wren we learn how different characters deal with grief, but mostly Wren. I can't imagine what it must feel like to lose a parent when you're 12, but I still really felt for Wren. She's a likeable character that's easy to get attached to, and though she's only 12, a lot of her feelings and thoughts are quite mature.

I read this book in one sitting, it's so easy to read and you'll just fly through it. This is definitely a book I'd recommend to people. I think this is a book that would be even better for the intended audience, but that's really no surprise. If this book sounds interesting to you, I would advice you to give it a try, it will most likely be worth it! 

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Review: Caspar Lee


Title: Caspar Lee
Author: Emily Riordan Lee & Caspar Lee
Publisher: Penguin
Year published: 2016
How I got this book: Listened to it as an audiobook through the app Storytel
My rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
This is a book about me.

Unfortunately, I didn't write it - my mum did. WTF!

Let me tell you now that 98% of it is total lies. Actually, I'm pretty sure this book is illegal. So if you've bought it, you've basically supported a criminal. How does that feel?

I think she's getting me back for my first day in this world when I mayyy have tried to kill her. She won't not be able to mention that... You might also find out about my first day at school, why my head is so massive, how I've always been a hit with the ladies and other things like that. 

You know, important stuff.

Anyway, I found the book at the printer and you'll see I've corrected som of her most outrageous lies.

So, you know, enjoy. Just remember only the bits that make me look good are true..

My thoughts:
As stated above, this book is not written by Caspar Lee himself, but his mother. I knew this going into the book, but didn't really know what to expect. I also didn't read this is a physical book, but listened to it as an audiobook. Casper, his mother and his sister all participated in the audiobook, each saying what they had written. I really enjoyed this concept.

Because I didn't read this as a physical book, I wasn't able to see any of the pictures in the book. This is the only negative thing about reading is as an audiobook. However, because you get Caspar and his mother reading to you, instead of just reading words on a page, I didn't mind it. It didn't take anything from the book, except for maybe the last chapter, which, for me, consisted of Caspar just reading out the text beneath all the pictures without seeing them myself.

Emily Riordan Lee is the one we hear most from throughout this book, because she has written most of it. It felt like a mother telling me about her son, and by the time I was finished I felt like I knew both of them. 

This is obviously a book that you'll mostly enjoy if you're already familiar with Caspar Lee. I think the more of a fan you are, the more you'll enjoy this book. However, I don't watch a lot of his videos, but I still greatly enjoyed this book. So, I would definitely recommend this.

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
AdLibris (Norway)