October Wrap Up!

First off, Happy Hallowe'en, my fellow bibliophiles! While Hallowe'en isn't my favourite holiday of the year, I still love the atmosphere and having an excuse to eat lots of sweets and carve pumpkins with my housemates! Plus it's the perfect time to re-watch Harry Potter :D

Anyway, I had some free time today so I thought why not do a wrap up of everything I read in October? It's been a pretty good reading month, if I do say so myself. I had quite a few books given to me by new authors, some that had been on my TBR list for what seemed like years, the finale of a great trilogy, and of course re-reading an illustrated edition of one of the best magical series of all time.

I finished Ignite Me, the finale in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series. A great ending to a uniquely-written story. See my review here.

Next was Unleashed, the second in a retelling of the Hades-and-Persephone myth by Tempest Avery. It was given to me by the author (Thanks again, Tempest!) and I quite enjoyed it, I love retellings of famous myths and fairytales. See my review here.

I read another review request in the form of Outspoken by Lora Richardson. This was an incredibly cute, short and sweet story of one girl learning to stand up for herself and not let people drag her down. See my review here.

YET ANOTHER review request when Tara Sr. Pierre sent me her first novel, Just A Few Inches. When a girl decides she wants to lose a few pounds to fit into that perfect dress, she takes these diet pills that not only let her lose weight, but height as well! We see her deal with this "illness" and see her grow as a person as a result. See my review here.

I then finished Hades myth when I read Unbound. See my review here.

And who can forget Mr Harry Potter, in the book that started his magical adventure and started a fandom that will last forever. 

And finally I tackled Rebel Belle, the first in Rachel Hawkins trilogy. I'd had this on my TBR for so long but as it wasn't out on Kindle I never got around to reading it. But then I managed to download it and I'm so glad I finally read it! Currently reading the sequel, Miss Mayhem, and enjoying that too. See my review here.

So those were all the books I read this month. I have plenty planned to read in November, but with college exams and assignments stopping me from reading, I just hope I won't get behind. What books did you read this month? Let me know in the comments. 

Review: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Book: Rebel Belle, Rachel Hawkins

Series: Rebel Belle #1

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Release Date: April 8^th, 2014

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

Rating: 4 stars

Sometimes you just need to read a book that has you smiling constantly, laughing quite often and gives you a warm and comforting feeling deep inside, right at the place you didn’t realise needed to be comforted by. Rebel Belle is just that book.

It tells the story of Harper Jane Price, who, at first glance, seems like your typical popular girl. She’s Homecoming Queen, Head Cheerleader, SGA President, with many more extracurricular activities at her belt. She’s a very proper southern belle who says “eff” instead of the actual word. I thought she was going to be your stereotypical “mean girl” because of all these traits. But I was, to my delight, completely wrong about her character! Yes she is all those things I just mentioned, but she’s also girly, witty, caring, funny… just an all-round great character. She had her high school career all planned out with all those activities as well as a loving boyfriend at her side. However, everything changes when she encounters the death of the janitor who, before dying, passes on his gift of super-strength and turns her into a Paladin.

Suddenly Harper’s high school plans are thrown out the window as she discovers that her new-found powers mean she is tasked to protect David Stark, her arch nemesis since childhood.  What are the chances, right?

What I loved about this book was how independent the author made Harper. Instead of waiting for her “Professor X” character to find her and explain what’s happened to her, she finds out most of it by herself. By the time she finds her “Professor X”, they only have to give specifics and more detail to what Harper has already discovered by herself.

Even though Harper wants to take her new role seriously, she can’t help wanting to have her life remain exactly the same even though she knows deep inside that that can’t happen. When she starts spending more time with David and less with her boyfriend, Ryan, as well as lying to her friends as to where she’s going, it becomes clear the life Harper once envisioned is at an end.

The romance is adorable and perfect. It’s so gradual and realistic. David and Harper are extremely passionate – they were full of snarky comebacks and dirty looks. Yet those snarky comments soon become very joking and not as serious as they used to be. There’s no insta-love, but it’s not dragged out either. It’s perfect.

This is a super adorable contemporary read with a dash of supernatural to it; it’s perfect for those looking for a light read that’ll make them smile constantly.

Thursday Quotables 12: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Welcome to Thursday Quotables! This feature is the place where you highlight a great quote, line or passage you've discovered in a book you're currently reading. Whether it's something heart-warming, heart-breaking, funny or inspiring, Thursday Quotables is where my favourite line(s) of the week will be, and I invite you to join in! It's hosted by Lisa at BookShelf Fantasies, so be sure to check her out :)

The book I'm reading this week is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling. Do I even need to tell anyone what it's about? A boy wizard goes to wizard school called Hogwarts where amazing and wonderful adventures are just beginning! I'm re-reading the Illustrated version and it's just awesome-sauce with an extra serving of awesomeness.

Most people will know these quotes as they're so famous and amazing, but I don't care, I love them. First we have some wise Dumbledore:

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” 

And one of my favourite quotes from Hermione, aka Boss Witch:

“I hope you're pleased with yourselves. We could all have been killed - or worse, expelled. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed.” 

And finally one from my favourite literary twins in the world:

“Now, you two – this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've – you've blown up a toilet or –"
"Blown up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet."
"Great idea though, thanks, Mum.”

Have you read this book? What quotes grasped your heartstrings this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Review: Unbound by Tempest C Avery

Book: Unbound, Tempest C. Avery

Series: Underworld #3

Publisher: Smashwords Edition

Release Date: September 16^th, 2015

It's been six months since Spencer made the deal with the god of the Underworld: a year of spending nights below. Now that she's finally given into her feelings for Hadrian, she hopes her second life will start getting less complicated. Of course, considering her new world is filled with Reapers, demons, and malicious spirits, that doesn't seem likely. What does surprise her is the way her ex-soul mate Micah St. James is treating her. Ever since they broke up he's been giving her the cold shoulder, and the more she worries about where they stand, the more she ends up putting a wedge between her and Hadrian. She chose the god for a reason, now she just has to keep that in mind while they fight off the attacks of an evil Persephone hell bent on tearing them apart. By any means necessary. She's already lost Micah. She'd die--again--if the original Gravewalker got her way and managed to steal Hadrian as well.

Rating: 3 stars

*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review*

First I’d like to thank Tempest C Avery for allowing me to read her trilogy as it was quite a unique and interesting experience to behold.

It’s been six months since Spencer made the deal with Hadrian, the god of the Underworld to spend a year below with him. After two books of a love triangle, Spencer has finally succumbed to her feelings for Hadrian and decided to give their relationship a go. However, even though Spencer desperately wants her life to go back to normal, she’s beginning to realise her life will never be described as “normal” again.

Spencer has really grown since our first meeting in Unhinged. She’s become a lot stronger after getting control of her powers as a Grave Walker, therefore doesn’t need protecting 24/7. This has made her a lot more independent.  While she and Micah start off totally awkward at the start, she eventually finds a place for him at her side without complicating her relationship with Hadrian.

There were happy and sad moments but all were quite enjoyable. Much better than the second book, anyway.

I really appreciate the author for allowing me to sample this series.

Harry Potter Illustrated!! Potterheads, Unite!

Lookie what I got!! *hyperventilates*

Isn't it so pretty??? JK Rowling is going to re-release all seven books with some beautiful illustrations provided by artist Jim Kay. This one was only released last week, and each book is going to come out every year then. Just imagine what my bookshelf is going to look like with all seven of this beauties in 2022!

I haven't read Harry Potter for a while, so I think it's high time I re-read it, don't you?? I'm going to take my time, this time though, as I'm going to look at the amazing illustrations Jim Kay provides and really soak it all in. He really does a wonderful job. Wanna see some?

Hermione!!!! #Bosswitch

Hagrid, you magnificent beast.

*uncontrollable fangirl squealing*

Review: Just A Few Inches by Tara St. Pierre

Book: Just A Few Inches, Tara St. Pierre

Series: N/A

Publisher: Create Space

Release Date: May 31st, 2015

All Carrie Roberts wants is to be a little bit smaller.

To fit into the perfect dress for the Valentine’s Day Dance. To look beautiful for her boyfriend, the school’s star basketball player. To keep his jealous ex-girlfriend, a rival cheerleader, away from him. And to be noticed by her classmates.

Exercising and dieting don’t work, but an advertisement for weight loss pills promises a quicker solution to her problem. As time runs out, she takes more than the recommended dose until she’s just a few inches slimmer. Heads turn when she arrives at the dance, and the wonderful night with her boyfriend is beyond what she dreamed it would be.

Days later, Carrie discovers that her body is changing in ways that should be impossible. While her doctor searches for a cure, she desperately turns to her friends and family for support. Everyone is noticing her now whether she likes it or not, and even the media is intrigued by her incredible story. Getting everything she once wanted has created new problems—problems that are growing more terrifying every day.

Because Carrie Roberts is shrinking.

- - - - - 

"Just a Few Inches" is a Young Adult novel that deals with issues of body image, self-esteem, and teenage relationships. It is intended for readers age 13 and up.

Rating: 3 stars

*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review* 

Right now, I would say I’m quite positive with my body. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for me. And that’s what matters. But if you’d asked me how I felt about my body five years ago, my answer would’ve been the complete opposite. I believed I was fat, ugly, and that everyone thought so and that I’d never be loved because of it. I’ve realised that that’s all just teenage insecurities and 90% of girls will go through this phase during their life. So if I’d read this book back then, I would’ve been able to relate to our main character way more than I do right now. As it is, I can still relate to the reasons why she did it. And I still applaud St. Pierre for the way she handled social norms and insecurities about our bodies, and the lengths someone will go to get that perfect body or impress that certain someone. 

Carrie Roberts is our 18 year old protagonist. At 5’8, she’s the tallest in her friend group, but that’s still not enough for her. To fit into the perfect red dress so her boyfriend will look at her and not the other hot cheerleader, Carrie takes some diet pills. However, due to scientific and genetic factors I honestly didn’t really understand, Carrie starts losing height as well as weight. And so the story portrays Carrie’s personal growth as a character as she slowly shrinks down to the size of a doll. 

I really enjoyed the first part of the story, how Carrie discovers the shrinking and has to come out to her friends and family, and how they deal with this unusual phenomenon. However, by the second half I realised that this book was incredibly dragged out with not a lot happening; just Carrie dealing with everyday things such as finding clothes to fit her, opening doors and going to school. It got pretty boring and a part of me considered just skipping to the end to find out what happens. I think St Pierre could’ve taken out a chunk in the middle that wasn’t necessary and still get the same growth she needed from her characters but not bore her readers as much.

I liked Carrie as a character for the most part. She was incredibly strong in the face of what was happening to her and didn’t let it change her for the worse; only for the better. However I did think she became TOO much of a crybaby toward the end of the book; she seemed to start crying whenever she got trapped, when she was scared, even happy! She didn’t need to cry that much, it was a bit weird. And there’s only one word to describe her relationship with Evan: insta-love. He goes from this adorably geeky boy in her class to suddenly (and I quote) “the best boyfriend in the world.” I don’t think we were given enough room for development for these two to go from friends to lovers, it just sort of happens before I realised what was happening. I didn’t get enough time to absorb it and have proper feelings toward it.

However, I did enjoy her relationship with her friends and family, they had a realistic response to what was happening to her and I loved how supportive they were of her, doing whatever was needed to support her. 

Overall, this story was good, but not great. There were some parts I truly enjoyed and think were portrayed very well, and others... not so well. However the concept was truly original and unique and was done quite well by St. Pierre. If you’re someone who has struggled with body issues, weight, self-esteem, I think this book is for you. It really opens your eyes into the concept of loving the body you’re born with and what’s considered “normal” or “average” in today’s society.

Review: Outspoken by Lora Richardson

Book: Outspoken, Lora Richardson

Series: N/A

Publisher: Create Space

Release Date: August 18^th, 2015

Penny Beck is a girl who says yes when she means no. She keeps to herself, follows the rules, and does what she's told. After a disastrous experience with her boyfriend, she's determined to change from the spineless person she's always been into the strong woman she wants to become. All she needs is a little practice. On a cross-country trip to check on her grandpa, she strives to become bolder and more outspoken with the strangers she meets. Penny's plan is to practice saying and doing what she wants without worrying about what anyone else thinks. Then she meets Archer, an introspective loner to whom she finds herself drawn. She realizes she does care what he thinks, very much. Will Penny be able to stick to her plan, or will she revert back to her people-pleasing ways? 

Rating: 4 stars

*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review* 

This book is a very cute contemporary read about one girl’s journey of self-discovery and learning to stand up for herself and stop pleasing everyone else and just please herself. It’s a short, quick, simple read, one you could finish in a day if it’s a lazy Sunday or if you’re avoiding all manner of responsibility like I was.

Penny used to do everything because she was trying to please everyone else. She got a black car as her sister thought it was a cool colour, she was going to study chemistry in college because it’s what her dad wanted, she was going to a specific college because that’s where her boyfriend was going. But eventually, a night of bad judgement finally opened Penny’s eyes and she realised she had to stop. She decides to go across the country her summer after senior year to visit her sick grandfather and practice standing up for herself with complete strangers. And after meeting all the wonderful and strange characters in that small beach town, Penny learns more about herself than she ever thought she’d learn.

As a person who used to always agree with everything other people told me and constantly apologise when it wasn’t my fault, I totally related to this book on at least one level. Penny had no self-esteem at the start of this book and the lessons she learns because of what happens in this book is something anyone with self-esteem issues can take on board. It is quite a simple and short read, barely 250 pages, but that doesn’t make it any less significant with important lessons to be learned. A great debut book for this author and I look forward to any future books she may bring out!